Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

How soon should I book Scottish Highland Ferry tickets?

How soon should I book Scottish Highland Ferry tickets?

Old Jan 9th, 2008, 12:32 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How soon should I book Scottish Highland Ferry tickets?

There will be 6 of us in two cars, in late June/early July. We are traveling by ferry to Orkney (Scrabster to Stromness), to Lewis (Ullapool to Stornoway), Skye (Tarbert to Uig) and to and from Mull (on at Lochaline, off from Oban).

I know there is a festival going on while we are on Orkney (St. Magnus Festival), so imagine I need to pre-book these. However, do I need to do this right away, or is a couple weeks out sufficient? For the others? Even needed to pre-book for the others?
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Jan 9th, 2008, 05:20 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A few years ago, I was in Scotland and rented a car. went to both Skye and Mull via ferry. It was mid July and we never had trouble with just arriving at the ferry terminal and hour or so before sailing. Can't answer about others.
irishface is offline  
Old Jan 9th, 2008, 08:34 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,629
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Unless you must be on a specific ferry - like the first of the day or last in the afternoon you should be fine. June/early July is not yet high season. If you want to - you can book a day or few days ahead by phone while in country. Or at any Tourist Information Center along your route.

A couple of times I've bought tix at the ferry, other times I've used the TIC in Edinburgh or Callander or wherever is convenient.
janisj is online now  
Old Jan 10th, 2008, 03:35 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know but the Scottish schools break up on the last Friday in June, so I think I would book any sailings from then onwards well in advance.

Is there any reason for you not to book asap ? Might your schedule change late in the day ?
caroline_edinburgh is offline  
Old Jan 10th, 2008, 04:17 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I dislike forking out cash so far in advance if I don't need to - I'm stingy that way sometimes, hehe

I don't think the schedule will change, unless due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., flat tire on the road from Scrabster to Ullapool or something). Some of the ferrys only have two per day, and the one day we have two ferries - one leaving Orkney in the morning, and one going to Lewis in the evening. So yes, those need to be specific ones.
GreenDragon is offline  
Old Jan 10th, 2008, 10:16 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We crossed from Oban to Mull in the afternoon of the first Friday in May last year(the first day of the Bank Holiday weekend). The ferry was fully booked and people were being turned away (and quite upset about it!)
Frances is offline  
Old Jan 10th, 2008, 05:05 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,629
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
That was a bank holiday and I am amazed anyone would turn up w/o a booking??
janisj is online now  
Old Jan 10th, 2008, 11:32 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So Janis, don't you think the same would happen at the start of the main summer holidays ?
caroline_edinburgh is offline  
Old Jan 11th, 2008, 05:31 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I will probably prebook about a month out. Maybe earlier for the Orkney ferries, as that is during the St. Magnus festival. Does that sound pretty safe?
GreenDragon is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
teagordon
Europe
17
Jul 31st, 2009 02:19 PM
rosslang
Europe
4
Apr 16th, 2008 11:02 AM
veramarie
Europe
7
Mar 27th, 2008 02:14 AM
jasminedew19
Europe
6
Jun 5th, 2007 02:26 PM
twk
Europe
5
Mar 4th, 2006 09:37 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -