Castlebay - Oban
Ferry to Scotland
Castlebay - Oban
Ferry to Scotland
Fares for the Castlebay to Oban crossing usually range somewhere between $46* and $694*. Most travellers pay around $513* for a Castlebay Oban ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $46*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $92* on average. Bringing a car along typically brings the average fare up to $602*.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Castlebay Oban route generally kick off from Castlebay at around 06:05, and the last departure of the day is usually around 14:15.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Castlebay and Oban is better suited to a weekend away or an extended stay, so you get proper value out of the journey.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne carries vehicles on the Castlebay to Oban route. Check our Deal Finder for up-to-date car ferry pricing on this crossing.
Whether a caravan or campervan is welcome on board the Castlebay to Oban ferry comes down to the ship and operator running the sailing. Pop your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll check the operators on this route for you.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne takes bicycles on the Castlebay to Oban crossing. Most operators are happy to carry bikes, but it's always worth confirming their exact policy before you turn up at the terminal.
Yes, Caledonian MacBrayne carries foot passengers between Castlebay and Oban.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Castlebay and Oban. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Castlebay to Oban route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Castlebay to Oban crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Castlebay to Oban on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Castlebay to Oban ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Castlebay - Oban Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $92 | |
| Average Price with Car | $602 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $162 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $393 | |
| Castlebay - Oban Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Isle of Barra |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Caledonian MacBrayne |
| Average Price | $513 |
| Average Pet Price | $404 |
| 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.
