Vehicle Lengths

Cars

Cars are charged as “each” without reference to length. However, when booking it is necessary to declare the full length inclusive of items such as cycle racks etc., to ensure adequate space is reserved on the ship. Vehicles whose lengths are under-declared may not be accommodated on board at busy times. Vans may only travel at car rates when less than 5 metres (see “Other Vehicles below). Please ensure accurate lengths are quoted at time of booking to avoid excess charges being applied.

Trailers/Caravans/Boats

• When towed by a car rated vehicle, are charged by length, up to 2.5m, 5m, 8m, as appropriate.
• When being towed by a Commercial Vehicle (e.g. a van over 5m) the combined length will be charged at Commercial Vehicle rates.
• Livestock trailer rates available on application.
• Horse Transporters are charged at Commercial Vehicle Rates
Buses and Coaches
• Minibuses (not exceeding 5m) are charged the same rate as a car.
• Minibuses over 5m and all Coaches – rates available on application.
• Coaches exceeding 8m and carrying fewer than 12 fare paying passengers will be charged at Commercial Vehicle rates.
• The driver’s fare is included in coach rates for vehicles over 5m.

Motorhomes

A motorhome is generally defined as a windowed vehicle containing permanent living facilities. This does not include horse boxes and other livestock carriers. Within the UK a motorhome can be identified from the V5 registration document as having a body type "Motor Caravan". In the event that a converted van is not considered, in the opinion of CalMac, to be a motorhome, and the V5 registration document is not available then the appropriate van fare will apply. If, within 30 days, copies of the receipt and the V5 registration document, identifying the vehicle as a "Motor Caravan" are sent to Customer Care in Gourock, consideration will be given to refunding the excess fare paid. For this reason passengers travelling in a converted motorhome are advised to consider carrying a photocopy of their vehicle’s V5 registration document.

• Motorhomes are charged by length up to 5m, 8m and 10m, as appropriate.
• Over 10m – Commercial Vehicle rates apply.

Other Vehicles

Light vans and pickups less than 5m, and which are less than 3m in height, 2.3m in width, and 3.5t plated weight, are charged at car rates but are not eligible for Island Rover tickets or concession discounted fares. Irrespective of length, light vans and pickups exceeding 3m in height, or 2.3m in width, or 3.5t plated weight are charged at Commercial Vehicle rates. See Commercial Vehicles for more information.

Dimensions

Vehicles may be measured prior to embarkation, and vehicles which exceed the declared dimensions by any amount, will be subject to payment of the correct fare, and may not be accommodated on board at busy times.