The Isle of Cumbrae is known as ‘Scotland’s Most Accessible Island’, and for good reason. It’s only an 8-minute ferry ride across from Largs on the North Ayrshire coast.
Largs is only a 1-hour car/train journey from Glasgow and is well connected with wider Ayrshire. So, you’ll be on island time before you know it.
Even better – the ferry costs only £4.00 and one leaves approx. every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes through the summer) (See timetable).
Here’s how to get to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
Feel free to skip right through to the relevant section ⤵️
Firstly, How to get to Largs Ferry Slip ⛴
🚗 If You’re Driving:
Fire KA30 8BG into your trusted Google Maps. That’ll take you right to the Largs ferry slip where you can grab your tickets and hop on the boat.
Largs is only 40 minutes from Ayr, 1 hour from Glasgow, or 2 hours from Edinburgh.
💡 Top Tip – Why not ditch the car on the mainland and make the most of your island experience on foot or even better, by bike? The island is known as a ‘cyclist’s paradise’ and is one 10-mile circuit round. Bikes are free to take on the ferry.
🚂 If You’re Taking the Train
Jump on at any stop on the Glasgow–Largs line. Trains run every hour. From Largs train station, it’s a short stroll down to the Largs ferry terminal.
Here is Scotrail’s Glasgow–Largs route info & timetable.
🚌 If You’re Catching the Bus
Stagecoach and McGill’s buses both stop on Largs main street, right around the corner from the Cumbrae ferry ticket office.
Here are the 585 Stagecoach and the 901/904/906 McGills timetables.
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Catching the Largs to Cumbrae Ferry ⛴
Generally, the Cumbrae ferry sets off every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes in Summer)
We like to say “you’ve never really missed the Millport ferry. You’ve only shown up early for the next one… unless it’s the last boat, then you’ve shown up REALLY early for the first boat the next morning.” 😂
Always check the Cal Mac Service Status before travelling, and show up at least 10 minutes before the departure time to allow time for tickets and queueing.
Largs to Cumbrae Ferry Timetable – Summer 2024
*Source: Calmac.co.uk
In the peak summertime and on public holidays be sure to leave PLENTY of time to queue and don’t be disappointed if you miss the boat you were aiming for. There can sometimes be some hefty waits, but this is rare.
Don’t fret though! There is plenty to do & see in Largs, including some awesome food & drink options if hunger strikes.
💡 Top Tip – While you wait, why not grab an Ice Cream from the Iconic Art Deco Nardini’s Ice Cream Parlour just along the road?
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👉 Discover The Cabins
Getting your Ferry Tickets 🎟
Return tickets only cost £4.00 per person, £15.20 for a car, and bikes are free.
You can either pre-book tickets online or simply show up and purchase at the office. Jump on the ferry and you’ll be on Cumbrae 8-minutes later.
Largs to Cumbrae Ferry Prices – 2024
| FERRY TICKET | RETURN FARE | |
| Foot Passenger / Driver | £4.00 | |
| Child 5-15 (Infant under 5 free, must have valid ticket) | £2.00 | |
| Car or 4X4 (excludes driver) | £15.20 | |
| Motorhome | Up to 6m | £15.20 |
| Up to 8m | £37.80 | |
| Up to 10m | £46.50 | |
| Caravan, boat/baggage trailer | Up to 2.5m | £7.60 |
| Up to 6m | £15.20 | |
| Up to 8m | £22.70 | |
| Motorcycle | £7.60 | |
| Pedal cycles (restricted numbers) | Free | |
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Planning your visit to the Isle of Cumbrae? 📝
This blog post is part of our ‘Ultimate Guide‘ to the island. Check it out by clicking the link below:
The Cumbrae Ferry Journey ⛴
There’s something special about the moment the ferry leaves the mainland slip and sets sail towards the island… It almost marks a departure from the reality of mainland life, and a journey to a place where the clocks go a little slower.
Hit the top deck, kick back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views around the Clyde islands of Wee Cumbrae, Great Cumbrae, Bute, and the Argyll Peninsula. Don’t forget to admire Largs seafront too!
A short 8-minutes later you’ll be in what feels like an island paradise far away.
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How to get from the Cumbrae Ferry slip to Millport Town 🚴♀️
Hop off the ferry and you’ll have a few options to get to the town.
One thing that’s for sure is that you cannot get lost. The island is pretty much one big loop with only one way on or off.
🚗 If You’re Driving
Take a left for the short but scenic route and you’ll be in Millport town in less than 10 minutes. Take a right for the slightly longer, but even more scenic route (recommended) and you’ll be there in 30-ish minutes.
🚴♀️ If You’re Cycling
The same applies. Left takes 25 minutes, right takes an hour. Check out our Guide to Cycling in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
🥾 If You’re Walking
The same applies again. Left takes 1 hour, 20 minutes and right takes around 2 hours. Just beware of your surroundings whilst walking as there are no pavements the whole way around the island. Walk on the right-hand side of the road so you can keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.
💡 Top Tip – Be sure to do both the inner-circuit and outer-circuit walking routes while you’re there. They’re great ways to explore the whole island with some breathtaking views along the way.
Check out our blog on The Best Walking Routes on the Isle of Cumbrae.
🚌 Take The Bus!
This is probably the easiest way to get to the town, as the bus meets every ferry on arrival. It’s only £2 for a single ticket and you’ll be in Millport town in 10 minutes.
Millport Bus Fares – 2024
| BUS TICKET | FARE |
| Adult Return | £3.50 |
| Adult Single | £2.00 |
| Child Return | £1.70 |
| Child Single | £1.00 |
The bus is always dog-friendly and your furry friend travels for free.
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💡 Top Tip: Leave nothing but footsteps!
While out enjoying the scenery, let’s keep our island litter-free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby then take rubbish with you. Also, use recycling points where available.
Things To Do in Millport & Wider Cumbrae 🏝
For what the island lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure.
Whether it’s one of the five main nature walks, discovering the ‘Cumbrae Rocks’ or enjoying the 360” panoramic views from the Glaidstone (Cumbrae’s highest point), there’s plenty opportunity to get in touch with nature.
A cycle round the outer circuit is a must. Luckily there are a few bike hire options in the main town, such as Mapes Cycle Hire. Check out our Guide to Cycling in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
While you’re exploring the island, see if you can spot all three ‘Cumbrae Rocks’ – Crocodile Rock, Lion Rock, and Indian Rock.
Less of an outdoorsy type? You can indulge in a gin-tasting experience in the island’s very own gin distillery, or enjoy some great food and drink in the variety of cosy pubs and restaurants.
There are all sorts of quirky things to see too. Millport is home to the smallest cathedral in Britain – The Cathedral of the Isles, and the narrowest house in the Britain – ‘The Wedge’.
Those were just a few of the many things you can get up to on the Isle of Cumbrae. Check out our Unique Things To Do in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae blog for many more.
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The Ultimate Guide to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae 📝
For everything you need to know about planning your visit to the island, check out our full guide:
