# Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)

> Ferry travel planner and service update app for Scottish islands. (iPhone/iPad app by CalMac Ferries Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caledonian-macbrayne-calmac/id1621523538 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [CalMac Ferries Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1621523540)
- Category: Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 81 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 27 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-11-26
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caledonian-macbrayne-calmac/id1621523538/reviews.md

## What is Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)?

Ready to explore Scotland's stunning islands? The CalMac app is your ultimate on-the-move travel companion, helping to make your journey stress-free and straightforward. From checking timetables to planning your next adventure or receiving service updates, we're with you every step of the way. Manage your entire trip from start to finish, connecting you to over 50 incredible locations across the Clyde and Hebridean islands. 

Key Features: 

- Stay informed: Get instant push notifications on service status  for your routes. 
- Plan your trip: Access timetables, fare information and our ticketing site to effortlessly plan your island escape. 
- Save your favourites: Quickly access information and updates for your frequently used routes. 
- Find answers: Our help centre is packed with answers to all your travel questions. 

Discover your island escape: Scotland's islands offer something for everyone, from breathtaking landscapes to rich history and heritage. 

Not compatible with iPad

## Key features

- Real-time service updates
- Ferry timetables and fare information
- Ticketing and booking
- Favorite route management
- Island destination information
- Push notifications for service status

## What do users think of Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 👍 Useful and improved app
- 🚀 Sleek and modern design
- 💡 Ability to save favorite routes

**Cons**

- 🐛 Unreliable and outdated information
- 🤔 Confusing and difficult to navigate
- 🔍 Harder to find information compared to old app
- 🔁 Requires frequent reinstallation

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Login process is buggy
- Inconsistent and contradictory information

**Most requested features**

- Ability to view route information in both directions
- Improved real-time service updates
- Better integration with website and booking process

## Recent user reviews (10 of 81)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caledonian-macbrayne-calmac/id1621523538/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Does not work correctly

*2026-05-11, version 1.8.19*

Every time the phone shuts down you have to log bag in. Challange when poor signal some places.
Vehicle details are incorrect and have to be corrected every time so what is the point in saving your details 
Ticket should be saved in the Wallet on your phone.

### 1/5 — Can’t log in on iOS

*2026-05-04, version 1.8.19*

Stupid app. Try to log in and it takes you to the webpage. You log in there but it doesn’t log in on the app. So app is useless if you have an account

### 1/5 — Utterly useless

*2026-03-07, version 1.7.25*

Don’t bother trying to find your tickets on here you get redirected to their totally useless website, and good luck finding them there. Even ScotRail manage to show your tickets on their app and they are completely useless.

### 5/5 — DO NOT LISTEN TO THE OTHER IDIOTS IN REVIEWS

*2026-01-02, version 1.7.25*

This app is a huge improvement from the legacy Calmac Status app. This has many more features and useful tools than its predecessor . Sure, it is not perfect, as with any app, but gosh, people are so over critical here (probably because they do not know how to use it ;) )

### 1/5 — Rubbish

*2025-11-25, version 1.6.157*

Totally useless and keeps freezing. The old one was great, now I have to go to the webpage instead

### 2/5 — Freezing and Lagging

*2025-10-29, version 1.6.157*

App constantly lags and have to constantly delete app and re-install.  Please address these issues.

### 1/5 — Incorrect Update Routes.

*2025-09-24, version 1.5.11*

You save a route you have booked for updates on and when you click on info for that route you have saved in the app it then gives you more info on a totally different route of no interest…

### 1/5 — Rubbish

*2025-09-11, version 1.5.11*

Rubbish app. Always freezes. Surely Calmac could do better

### 4/5 — Ideal for some things

*2025-09-07, version 1.5.11*

Great for status updates and timetables

### 1/5 — Mr

*2025-08-31, version 1.5.11*

The worst app I have ever used. Circular linking returns to start... without actually giving requested information.
Be better hiring a new IT department

## Frequently asked questions about Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)

### What does the CalMac app do?

The app serves as a travel companion for exploring Scotland's islands via ferry. It allows users to check ferry timetables, plan trips, access fare information, and receive real-time service updates and push notifications for their chosen routes.

### What are the key features of the CalMac app?

Key features include instant push notifications for service status, access to timetables and fare information, a link to the ticketing site for planning and booking, and the ability to save favorite routes for quick access to updates.

### Is the CalMac app free to use?

Yes, the CalMac app is free to download and use. The description does not mention any in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertisements, indicating it is a free service.

### What devices is the CalMac app compatible with?

The app is designed for mobile devices. However, it is explicitly stated that the app is not compatible with iPad, suggesting it is primarily for smartphones.

### How can I plan my island trip with this app?

You can plan your island trip by accessing the ferry timetables and fare information directly within the app. It also provides a link to the ticketing site, allowing you to manage your entire journey from start to finish and connect to over 50 island locations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.10.3 — 2026-08-31

- Improved search to help you find Help Centre and FAQ content more quickly. 
- Enhanced accessibility with clearer Service Status page titles and better keyboard and screen reader navigation. 
- Strengthened platform security through important updates and infrastructure improvements. 
- Fixed issues affecting image display, Route Status text formatting, and content caching to provide a more reliable experience.

### 1.9.8 — 2026-06-08

- Route information warning banner update
   - A visual cue has been restored on route information pages, making it clearer when content can be expanded for more details.
- YouTube videos now working on Apple devices
   - Videos embedded within the app now play correctly on Safari and across Apple mobile devices, improving the viewing experience.

### 1.8.19 — 2026-03-09

- Timetables now remain clear when zoomed in
- Users can now search for “Small Isles”
- Disruption types grouping restored for consistency
- Addition of a refresh button on the Service Status error screen
- Service Status and Route Information tabs are now directly linkable
- Sailing status is now displayed correctly in start-time order

### 1.7.25 — 2025-12-15

- Timetable warnings help you plan ahead
- Disruption alerts flagged for quick updates
- Service status sorted by date for easy browsing
- Back button added for smoother navigation
- Past sailings hidden for accuracy
- New warning status type for route clarity

### 1.6.157 — 2025-10-20

Improved search & route filtering: Easier to find routes, manage “My Routes,” and view service updates.
Sailing time display: Timetables now show sailing durations for better trip planning.
Editable search box: Quickly adjust searches without starting over.
Simplified views: Cleaner layout with filterable affected routes.
Date carousel & accessibility: Smoother browsing and inclusive design.

## Apps similar to Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Historic Scotland](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/historic-scotland/id878966660) | 4.1 (7) | Free | Travel |
| [North Coast 500](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/north-coast-500/id1435606012) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Travel |
| [Loganair](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loganair/id1457545908) | 1.0 (2) | Free | Travel |
| [West Coast Motors](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/west-coast-motors/id1494322365) | 4.9 (8) | Free | Travel |
| [Scottish Citylink](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scottish-citylink/id6450262786) | 2.3 (6) | Free | Travel |
| [Traveline Scotland](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traveline-scotland/id6476774576) | — | Free | Travel |

## Related topics

[calmac](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/calmac) · [calmac ferries](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/calmac-ferries) · [iostraveller](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iostraveller) · [holiday scotland mapps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/holiday-scotland-mapps) · [snodgra](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/snodgra)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*
