Lochboisdale - Castlebay
Ferry to Isle of Barra
Lochboisdale - Castlebay
Ferry to Isle of Barra
There are currently no ferries sailing between Lochboisdale and Castlebay. Use our Deal Finder to find alternative routes, compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Castlebay today.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with, check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Lochboisdale to Castlebay, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
To book your ferry tickets simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Lochboisdale to Castlebay for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Lochboisdale to Castlebay is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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Lochboisdale is the main port and settlement on South Uist, an island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Once a thriving fishing port in the 19th Century, the southeastern town of Lochboisdale now offers the only route from South Uist to Isle of Barra, as well as frequent crossings to Oban on the mainland. The ferry terminal is situated at the southern end of the A865 and has a small waiting room and toilet facilities inside the terminal building, with a taxi rank situated just outside. Originally completed in 1880, Lochboisdale’s pier was rebuilt in 1966 to accommodate the new car ferries, allowing the innovative ‘roll-on roll-off’ system to flourish. Also, the Lochboisdale Hotel was built in 1882 and still boasts stunning views overlooking the harbour.
Castlebay is the main settlement and port on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Once a thriving herring port during the 19th Century with over 400 fishing boats in the harbour, it now provides ferry crossings to Oban on the Scottish mainland and to Lochboisdale, South Uist. The small terminal building is on Pier Road, just off the A888 and has a seated waiting room with free parking available just outside. There is also a bus stop a short walk away. Gazing out to the mysterious islet Kisimul Castle whilst sampling some local toffee from the Heart Hebrides factory is a great way to pass the time. Or you can simply stroll around the harbour to admire the beautiful scenery.
