Are reservations a "must" to get on this ferry or can you just show up, buy the tickets and on your way? I am taking a vehicle.

What day are you traveling?

Wed, May 20th.

Since school half term isn't until the 23rd, you'll probably be just fine showing up on the day. That week (just before the school holiday) is pretty slow. Unless you simply must be on a specific ferry, I wouldn't pre-book.

I tend to agree with janis although it also seems to be stuck in my head that vehicles actually do need to reserve, but not foot passengers. (A fuel thing?) You should check the website.

No - CalMac does not require one pre-book for cars or passengers. They "recommend" you do, but it is definitely not a requirement.

Must be thinking of another ferry.

No, on our last trip, we just drove up and got in line.

The last time I was there (a summer Saturday) I showed up five minutes before sailing with car and expected to have to wait for the next ferry, but they waved me on. I was the last car and it was incredible how they had me toing and froing to fit me on. My nephews were aghast that we could fit.

If you're prepared to wait for the next boat, it's not a problem. If you MUST be on a specific boat, or if it's the last boat of the day, book.

There's no Scottish mid-term holiday in the summer terms because they get May day, and the English schools are off the following week.

<<< because they get May day, and the English schools are off the following week. >>>


English schools have the last week of May off, Scottish schools are a bit more complicated - some just have the first Monday in May off, others have that plus the weekend of the last Monday in May

I did mean the English school hols - since some English do venture up into exotic Scotland on holiday

Another related question - We will be taking the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on a Friday in July (24th). Will we need to make reservations ahead of time? We will be driving from Portree, and allowing a bit of time for touring along the way, aiming for midday. If we don't have to make reservations, that gives us a bit more freedom. But then, we don't want to be unable to cross...We will be heading to Oban for our next stop.

same answer...If you're prepared to wait for the next boat, it's not a problem. If you MUST be on a specific boat, or if it's the last boat of the day, book.