Independent website. Independent Scottish ferry history and travel information website. Not affiliated with, operated by or endorsed by CalMac or Caledonian MacBrayne. We do not sell tickets, take bookings or publish live departure times.
Route Overview
The Colintraive–Rhubodach ferry crosses the Kyles of Bute, the narrow, winding channel that wraps around the northern half of the Isle of Bute. It links Colintraive, a small village on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll, with Rhubodach, the slipway at the northern tip of Bute.
The Kyles of Bute are a designated National Scenic Area, celebrated since the steamer age for their wooded shores and calm waters. At Colintraive the channel narrows to a few hundred metres, making this one of the shortest vehicle ferry routes in Scotland. For anyone travelling to Bute from Argyll, it avoids the long journey round to Wemyss Bay for the Rothesay ferry.
Read more in our history of the Colintraive–Rhubodach crossing.
Colintraive to Rhubodach
The ferry from Colintraive to Bute leaves from the slipway beside the village. Colintraive is reached by the A886, which runs down through Glendaruel. The crossing to Rhubodach takes only minutes, with views up and down the Kyles towards Loch Riddon and the East Kyle. From Rhubodach the road continues south along Bute's east coast to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay.
Rhubodach to Colintraive
The Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry takes travellers from Bute back to Cowal. It is the natural choice when heading for Inveraray, Oban, Loch Fyne or the Highlands, and lets visitors build a circular trip: arrive on Bute by Wemyss Bay–Rothesay and leave via Rhubodach, or the reverse. Rhubodach has very few facilities, so stock up in Rothesay first.
Colintraive Ferry Timetable
The current Colintraive ferry timetable is published by the operator. Use the official CalMac website for current sailings and check the timetable for your season. We never invent or reproduce departure times here.
Colintraive Ferry Times
Colintraive ferry times can vary between summer and winter, weekdays and Sundays, and may change during vessel maintenance or for operational reasons. On a short shuttle route the ferry typically runs frequently, but first and last sailings matter if you are travelling early or late. Always check the live service status on the day.
Rhubodach Ferry Timetable
The Rhubodach ferry timetable is part of the same route timetable. Because one vessel normally shuttles between the slipways, any disruption affects both directions. If you need to make a connection — a sailing from Wemyss Bay or a train from Glasgow — leave a generous margin.
Car Ferry to Bute
The route is a popular car ferry to the Isle of Bute:
- Vehicle transportation: cars, vans, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles are carried within the operator's size and weight limits.
- Boarding procedures: queue in the marked lanes and follow crew instructions to drive on over the ramp.
- Ferry terminal access: Colintraive is reached via the A886; Rhubodach sits at the end of the road on northern Bute.
- Journey planning: allow time for Cowal's roads, and check the weather and service status before you leave.
Colintraive Ferry Prices
We do not publish Colintraive ferry prices. The Colintraive ferry cost depends on factors such as vehicle type and length, number of passengers, single or return travel, and any concession or multi-journey ticket. Current fares are set and published by the operator.
Tickets and Travel Information
For current Colintraive ferry tickets, payment methods and any booking options, check the operator's official website. This site does not sell tickets or take payments, and nothing here is an official notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Colintraive ferry go?
The Colintraive ferry crosses the Kyles of Bute from Colintraive on the Cowal peninsula to Rhubodach at the northern tip of the Isle of Bute.
How long is the Colintraive to Rhubodach crossing?
It is one of the shortest vehicle ferry crossings in Scotland, usually taking only a few minutes. The scheduled duration is shown on the operator's timetable.
Is the Colintraive ferry a car ferry?
Yes. It carries cars, vans, motorcycles, bicycles and foot passengers, making it a popular car ferry to the Isle of Bute for travellers from Argyll.
Where can I find Colintraive ferry times?
Current Colintraive ferry times and the Rhubodach ferry timetable are published by CalMac on calmac.co.uk. We do not publish live departure times.
Do I need to book the Colintraive ferry?
Booking arrangements may differ on short crossings. Check the official CalMac website to see whether booking is available or needed for your date. This website does not take bookings.
How much is the Colintraive ferry?
We do not publish Colintraive ferry prices. The cost depends on vehicle type, passengers and ticket type; current fares are on the operator's website.
Which is better for Bute: Colintraive or Wemyss Bay?
Wemyss Bay–Rothesay is the main route for travellers from Glasgow and the south via Inverclyde. Colintraive–Rhubodach suits travellers coming from Argyll, Cowal, Inveraray or the north.
How far is Rhubodach from Rothesay?
Rhubodach is at the north end of Bute; the road south along the east coast to Rothesay, via Port Bannatyne, is roughly eight miles.
What happens if sailings are disrupted?
Disruption is posted on the operator's live service status. If the Colintraive route is unavailable, Wemyss Bay–Rothesay may be an alternative — check its status too.