Information

Travelling

If you’re planning to travel with CalMac, we look forward to welcoming you on board. As you might imagine, travel has changed. We’ve shared some tips and guidance here to help you prepare for your journey with us.

SAFER TRAVEL WITH CALMAC

Coronavirus measures remain in place at the time of publication. If you’re travelling with us – it’s important to plan ahead.

Firstly, visit calmac.co.uk for all the latest travel guidance and information. Whether you’ve sailed with us recently, or not for a while – read over our online guide ahead of your planned journey.

Wherever possible, book your journey prior to travel, even if you’re travelling by foot. by foot. Also, please double check on current guidance on travel for your origin and intended destination, and adhere to any safe travel guidelines in force.

LOCAL RESEARCH

Please also check your local destination website(s) for important information on how individual islands, locations, attractions and businesses are managing the safety of their communities and their visitors.

If you plan to stay overnight at a location, including with a campervan or motorhome, please

Travelling with CalMac

A’ SIUBHAL LE CALMAC

don’t travel without confirmation of accommodation or an official camping pitch or space. (See page 16 for more details.)

MAKING YOUR RESERVATION

We encourage everyone to reserve tickets for our bookable routes via calmac.co.uk, wherever possible. You can find full details about our ticket types online but for now, here’s a summary:

SINGLE

Single tickets offer travel in one direction on the route and date stated – perfect if you are planning to stay for longer than a month, or if you want to keep your options open.

RETURN

A return ticket is ideal if you are travelling to and from the same destination within one month.

CHILDREN

We offer discounted fares for all children aged 5-15 and children under 5 years old travel for free.

PET TICKETS

Pets travel for free, but they will need their own ticket*. If you’re travelling with your pet, request a ticket for them as soon as you’ve confirmed your own reservation. You’ll find an online pet ticket form and details at calmac.co.uk/pets. *Support dogs do not require a ticket prior to travel.

TURN UP AND GO

A number of our short or frequent services are Turn Up and Go routes. These services aren’t bookable. You can turn up at the port, buy a ticket and go on the next available sailing. You can find out which sailings are included at calmac.co.uk. Please do plan ahead and be prepared – physical distancing measures are in operation, so your first choice of sailing may not always be available. There may also be an extended wait time for your journey.

ISLAND HOPPING

Island hopping tickets allow you to build your own itinerary by booking a number of consecutive ferry journeys, travelling from port to port at a pace that suits you. They are valid for 31 days from the date of your first journey. For more details, visit calmac.co.uk/

islandhopping

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY AND STAYING UP TO DATE

OUR ROUTES AND TIMETABLES

You’ll find a network map of the routes we operate on pages 24–25, while timetables of each sailing are available at calmac.co.uk

JOURNEY PLANNER

Our public transport journey planner is designed to help you navigate your journey from door to door using public transport. Visit calmac.co.uk/ get-online for more information.

STAYING UP TO DATE

Once you’ve made your reservation, please choose a way to keep in touch with us about your sailing.

You’ll find route specific information on our service status pages at calmac.co.uk. Alternatively, please download our app or follow us on Twitter @CalMac_Updates for the latest information on our service.

CHECK IN TIMES

Check in times are very important. They vary from route to route and can be between 4 and 45 minutes before your advertised departure time. You can confirm this with us before your journey by checking your booking confirmation or our timetables – which can be accessed at calmac.co.uk

CYCLISTS

If you are a cyclist, and especially if you are part of a group of cyclists travelling together, please contact your port of departure or call us direct on 0800 066 5000 or +44 1475 650397 (for international customers) 24 hours before you travel to check availability of cycle space.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

PASSENGER ASSISTANCE

If you need assistance, have reduced mobility, are travelling with young children or have lots of luggage, we will try our very best to make your journey as stress-free as possible.

If you would like assistance, please let us know when you book or at least 48 hours before your departure time. You can do this by emailing

assistanceteam@calmac.co.uk

PORT FACILITIES

To check what facilities are available at and around the port you are travelling to, or from, visit calmac.co.uk/destinations/ports