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A mini guide to
Islay: getting there
Stops, stations and how to reach Islay
Stops and stations
Getting to Islay
Choose the stop closest to where you are going.
| Stop or station | Services | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Port Askaig ferry terminal | CalMac ferry from Kennacraig (from 1 hour 55 minutes) | All Islay sailings use Port Askaig until Port Ellen reopens in 2029 |
| Islay Airport | Flights to Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban | Highlands and Islands Airports |
| Island buses | Local bus service | Plan outward and return journeys with Traveline Scotland |
Walking from nearby areas
- Jura: 30.7 km from Islay, better by public transport
Reaching Islay and Jura
Official travel information
CalMac ferries sail from Kennacraig on Kintyre. Port Ellen is closed for rebuilding from 2 June 2026 and is expected to reopen in 2029, so all Islay sailings use Port Askaig for now. Jura is reached by the short council ferry from Port Askaig.
- CalMac: Islay and Jura → — ferries from Kennacraig and the Jura ferry
- CalMac: Port Ellen closure → — all sailings use Port Askaig until 2029
- HIAL: Islay Airport → — flights to Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban
- Traveline Scotland journey planner → — bus times on Islay
Times, fares and disruption change: use the operator pages above for live information.
Plan your journey here
Enter your starting point and Google Maps will show routes to Islay. Public transport is selected; change it on the map. Check operator sites for live disruption.
While you are here
Things to see in Islay
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Kildalton Cross
High cross carved in the 700s and still standing where it was first raised, with Bible scenes on its shaft.
Dunyvaig Castle
Ruined castle on Lagavulin Bay, once a naval base of the Lords of the Isles.
RSPB Loch Gruinart
RSPB reserve with two trails and hides; Greenland barnacle and white-fronted geese, corncrakes, hen harriers and otters.
Islay and Jura
More areas to explore
Photo credits
- Islay Woollen Mill: Patrick Mackie, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Islay (area photo): Dorcas Sinclair, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Kildalton Cross: Tom Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dunyvaig Castle: Alasdair MacNeill, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- RSPB Loch Gruinart: Camster, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Jura: Gordon Hatton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Islay and Jura