Mallaig - Lochboisdale
Ferry to South Uist
Mallaig - Lochboisdale
Ferry to South Uist
Fares for the Mallaig to Lochboisdale crossing usually range somewhere between $34* and $561*. Most travellers pay around $424* for a Mallaig Lochboisdale ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $34*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $66* on average. Bringing a car along typically brings the average fare up to $488*.
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 Mallaig Lochboisdale route generally kick off from Mallaig at around 09:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 18:00.
With a longer crossing time, a trip between Mallaig and Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig and Lochboisdale.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Mallaig and Lochboisdale. 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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 Mallaig to Lochboisdale 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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| Mallaig - Lochboisdale Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $66 | |
| Average Price with Car | $488 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $130 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $304 | |
| Mallaig - Lochboisdale Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland |
| Destination | South Uist |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Caledonian MacBrayne |
| Average Price | $424 |
| Average Pet Price | $328 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 5 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 3 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 09:00 |
| Last Ferry | 18:00 |
| Distance | 89 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Mallaig and its port have a long history, with the town’s name originating from the Old Norse meaning for ‘Bay of the Seabirds’. Set in stunning surroundings, the local railway station is the terminus of the West Highland Line which was used in the ‘Harry Potter’ films as the Hogwarts Express railway line. The port of Mallaig is situated at the northern end of the A380, known as ‘the Road to the Isles’, and provides frequent sailings to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Free car parking is available outside the terminal building and the nearest bus stop is just a five-minute walk away. Inside the building, you’ll find a seated waiting area with toilet facilities.
Lochboisdale is the main port and settlement on South Uist, an island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Once a thriving fishing port in the 19th Century, the southeastern town of Lochboisdale now offers the only route from South Uist to Isle of Barra, as well as frequent crossings to Oban on the mainland. The ferry terminal is situated at the southern end of the A865 and has a small waiting room and toilet facilities inside the terminal building, with a taxi rank situated just outside. Originally completed in 1880, Lochboisdale’s pier was rebuilt in 1966 to accommodate the new car ferries, allowing the innovative ‘roll-on roll-off’ system to flourish. Also, the Lochboisdale Hotel was built in 1882 and still boasts stunning views overlooking the harbour.
