Castlebay - Oban
Ferries to Scotland
Castlebay - Oban
Ferries to Scotland
On the Castlebay Oban route, fares generally fall between $38* and $573*. On average, a Castlebay Oban ferry ticket costs around $423*, with the lowest Castlebay Oban fares starting at $38*. Foot passengers pay an average of $76*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $497*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed September 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Castlebay Oban sailings usually begin with a departure from Castlebay at approximately 06:05, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 14:15.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Castlebay and Oban tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne operates car-friendly sailings between Castlebay and Oban. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Castlebay to Oban crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne welcomes bicycles on the Castlebay to Oban crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne accepts foot passengers on sailings between Castlebay and Oban.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Castlebay and Oban. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Castlebay to Oban route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Castlebay to Oban crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Castlebay to Oban ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Castlebay - Oban Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $76 | |
| Average Price with Car | $497 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $134 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $325 | |
| Castlebay - Oban Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Isle of Barra |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Caledonian MacBrayne |
| Average Price | $423 |
| Average Pet Price | $333 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 5 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 4 h 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 4 h 45 m |
| First Ferry | 06:05 |
| Last Ferry | 14:15 |
| Distance | 125 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Castlebay is the main settlement and port on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Once a thriving herring port during the 19th Century with over 400 fishing boats in the harbour, it now provides ferry crossings to Oban on the Scottish mainland and to Lochboisdale, South Uist. The small terminal building is on Pier Road, just off the A888 and has a seated waiting room with free parking available just outside. There is also a bus stop a short walk away. Gazing out to the mysterious islet Kisimul Castle whilst sampling some local toffee from the Heart Hebrides factory is a great way to pass the time. Or you can simply stroll around the harbour to admire the beautiful scenery.
Regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland, Oban is the largest town in Argyll on the west coast, offering routes to almost all of the Hebridean Islands. Inside the terminal building, you will find an excellent range of refreshments, a large waiting area and toilet facilities. The port is within easy reach from most Scottish cities, with a number of roads serving the area. If driving from Inverness, simply follow the A82 southbound, whereas if you are coming from Glasgow, head north on the A82. The Oban railway station is situated just fifty metres from the terminal alongside a few bus stops, making it even easier to travel to ‘the gateway to the isles’. In Oban, award-winning seafood restaurants come in abundance, so an exquisite meal is never too far away. The town also boasts some spectacular historic monuments, namely McCaig’s tower, an impressive circular structure overlooking the coast.
