Two ferries. One island.
Wemyss Bay → Rothesay
The classic crossing. A 35-minute sail aboard a CalMac car ferry, arriving directly into Rothesay's Victorian pier. Wemyss Bay station has direct trains from Glasgow Central in around 50 minutes — one of the most beautiful station buildings in Britain.
- · 35 minute crossing
- · Frequent daily sailings
- · Foot, bike, motorcycle and car
Colintraive → Rhubodach
The shortcut from the Cowal Peninsula — a five-minute hop across the narrowest stretch of the Kyles of Bute. Ideal if you're driving north from Argyll or making an island-hopping loop.
- · 5 minute crossing
- · Continuous daytime sailings
- · Vehicle and foot
Watch the crossing, live
A live camera at Wemyss Bay terminal lets you see the Bute ferry arrive and depart in real time — handy for checking conditions on the Clyde before you travel.
Wemyss Bay ferry terminal — live stream by CMAL. Sound is off by default; click the player to unmute.
Rothesay harbour cam
A high-definition camera on Rothesay's tide gauge looks across the harbour and bay, with 24-hour and 28-day playback — the closest thing to standing on the pier yourself.
Open the Rothesay cam →Opens with Farson Digital Watercams, who operate the camera.