Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine 2026 Boat Cruise Timetables 2026

Cruise Loch Lomond at Inchcailloch Island

Planning a visit to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park? A boat trip is one of the best ways to experience the scenery.

This guide brings together the updated 2026 list of cruise and water bus services on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine in one simple place. Services are grouped by loch and organised by operator.

Important: See Loch Lomond does not sell tickets and cannot answer individual travel queries. For bookings, availability and the latest sailing updates, please contact the cruise operators directly. Timetables can change due to weather or operational requirements.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended in summer and at weekends.

Loch Katrine Cruises

All cruises are operated by Loch Katrine, home of the iconic Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which was built in 1899 and first sailed on Loch Katrine in 1900!

Spring/Summer Season: 27 March 2026 – 25 October 2026 (Note: Steamship Sir Walter Scott sails daily during this season)

Winter Season: 26 October 2026 – 25 March 2027 (Note: Steamship Sir Walter Scott sails on selected days during winter months)

Departing from Trossachs Pier

45-Minute Circular Cruise on Lady of the Lake or Rob Roy III

10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00 pm, 1.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.15 pm, 4.15 pm (Operates year-round except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

The following Loch Katrine cruises operate from 27 March 2026 to 25 October 2026

1-Hour Circular Cruise on Steamship Sir Walter Scott

1.00 pm

2-Hour Return Cruise to Stronachlachar on Steamship Sir Walter Scott

10.30 am (arrives 11.20 am)

2.30 pm (arrives 3.20 pm)

Return, one-way and later return options available

Departing from Stronachlachar Pier on Steamship Sir Walter Scott

11.30 am and 3.30 pm

Loch Katrine cruises are ideal for combining with walking or cycling along the lochside path.

Loch Lomond Cruises (2026)

Cruises on Loch Lomond are operated by:

• Cruise Loch Lomond 

• Sweeney's Cruise Co.

Services are grouped below by operator for clarity.

Cruise Loch Lomond

See the Cruise Loch Lomond website to book tickets and see the latest sailing information

Main Season: 27 March 2026 – 1 November 2026

(Weekend sailings May–September are stated)

Departing from Tarbet

Tarbet Circular (60 minutes):

10.30 am, 11.45 am, 1.45 pm, 3.00 pm

Inversnaid Explorer

10.30 am, 11.45 am, 1.45 pm daily

3.00 pm in March, April and October

4.00 pm May–September

Ben Lomond Hike

8.45 am (weekends May–September)

West Highland Way Rambler

8.45 am and 10.30 am (weekends May–September)

Departing from Luss

Luss Circular (90 minutes)

10.00 am, 11.30 am, 1.15 pm, 2.45 pm

Island Explorer (Inchcailloch Water Bus)

10.00 am, 11.30 am, 1.15 pm

Balmaha Explorer (Water Bus)

10.00 am, 11.30 am, 1.15 pm

Rowardennan Water Bus

4.15 pm (Friday–Sunday, May–September)

Departing from Balmaha (New Pontoon)

Balmaha Circular (90 minutes)

10.45 am, 12.15 pm, 2.00 pm

Balmaha to Luss Water Bus

10.45 am, 12.15 pm, 2.00 pm, 3.30 pm

Departing from Inversnaid

Inversnaid to Tarbet Water Bus

11.00 am, 12.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.30 pm

4.30 pm (May–September)

Departing from Rowardennan

Luss Water Bus

9.35 am (weekends May–September)

Tarbet Water Bus

4.45 pm (weekends May–September)

Sweeney’s Cruise Co (Balloch)

Visit Sweeney's Cruise Co website for the latest information

Balloch Departure – Experience Cruise (1 Hour)

Apr–Oct: 10.15, 11.30, 13.00, 14.15, 15.30, 16.30

Nov–Mar: 10.15, 11.30, 13.00

Balloch Departure – Island Discovery Cruise (2 Hours)

Apr–Oct: 12.30 and 15.00

Balloch Departure – Evening Cruise (75 Minutes)

July & August: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 6.30 pm

Loch Lomond Shores Departure – Into the Highlands (70 Minutes)

April–October: 11.00 am, 12.45 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.45 pm

Water Bus – Balloch to Luss

May–September

Departs Balloch: 12.30 pm, 3.00 pm

Departs Luss: 1.30 pm, 4.00 pm

Water Bus - Luss to Balmaha

May–August

Departs Luss: 11.00 am, 12.45 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.45 pm

Departs Balmaha: 11.25 am, 1.10 pm, 2.40 pm, 4.15 pm

Luss Departure – Middle Islands Circular (75 Minutes)

May–September: 11.00 am, 12.45 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.45 pm

Loch Lomond Leisure

Visit the Loch Lomond Leisure website for the latest sailing information.

Balloch Departure – Castle Experience Tour (60 Minutes)

Circular cruise departing from Lomond Shores in Balloch. Summer timetable: 10.00 am, 11.15 am, 12.30 pm, 1.45 pm, 3.15 pm

Luss Departure – Island Experience Tour (45 Minutes)

Circular cruise departing from Luss Pier, travelling around some of Loch Lomond’s islands. Summer timetable: 10.15 am, 11.15 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.45 pm

Other Ferry Services

Inchcailloch Island Ferry (Balmaha Boatyard)

Every 30 minutes from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (seasonal) service by Balmaha Boatyard

Ardlui Ferry (Ardleish–Ardlui)

April–October. Raise the signal ball to summon the ferry. See more details at Ardlui Hotel

Inchmurrin Ferry

Advance booking is required from Inchmurrin Island

How to Choose the Right Boat Trip

For a simple scenic cruise, choose a circular sailing from Tarbet, Luss, Balloch or Trossachs Pier. To step ashore and explore, use water-bus routes linking Balmaha, Rowardennan, Inversnaid, or Stronachlachar.

For walking routes such as the West Highland Way or Ben Lomond, look specifically at Cruise Loch Lomond’s Rambler and Hike sailings. Loch Katrine is ideal if you want a traditional steamship experience or to combine a cruise with walking or cycling.

Frequently Asked Questions – Loch Lomond & Loch Katrine Boat Trips

Do I need to book Loch Lomond cruises in advance?

Yes, especially in summer and at weekends. Popular sailings from Tarbet, Luss and Balloch can fill up quickly. Booking ahead directly with the operator is strongly recommended.

Do I need to book Loch Katrine in advance?

Advance booking is recommended for Steamship Sir Walter Scott and peak-season sailings. While some circular cruises may have availability on the day, it is safer to book online with Loch Katrine before travelling.

Which company runs cruises on Loch Lomond?

Cruises on Loch Lomond are operated by two main companies: Cruise Loch Lomond & Sweeney’s Cruise Co.

Each operates from different departure points and offers different cruise types, so always check the correct operator before booking.

Which company operates Loch Katrine cruises?

All scheduled cruises on Loch Katrine are operated by Loch Katrine, including Steamship Sir Walter Scott, Lady of the Lake and Rob Roy III.

Can you get a boat from Tarbet to Inversnaid?

Yes. Cruise Loch Lomond operates the Inversnaid Explorer and water bus services between Tarbet and Inversnaid during the main season. This is popular with walkers exploring the West Highland Way.

Can you get a boat to Ben Lomond?

Yes. Cruise Loch Lomond operates the Ben Lomond Hike sailing from Tarbet (weekends May–September), dropping passengers at Rowardennan for access to the mountain.

Which Loch Lomond cruise is best for scenery?

Circular cruises from Tarbet and Luss are excellent for classic Highland scenery and island views. The Tarbet Circular and Luss Circular are particularly popular for relaxed sightseeing without leaving the boat.

Can I step off the boat and explore?

Yes. Water bus routes on Loch Lomond connect places such as Balmaha, Rowardennan and Inversnaid, allowing you to step ashore and return later. Loch Katrine also offers one-way and return options between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar.

Are boat trips suitable for children?

Yes. Circular cruises are particularly suitable for families. Facilities and accessibility vary by vessel, so check directly with the operator before booking.

Do boat timetables change?

Yes. Timetables can change due to weather, operational requirements or seasonal adjustments. Always check directly with the operator before travelling.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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