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简体中文Not yet assessed Our reading of the sources below, not an official rating.
Paying for local transport in Islay and Jura
ScotRail (Scotland’s trains).ScotRail runs most trains within Scotland. Its tickets page refused automated access, so check ticket types and any Scotland-only offers on its site.ScotRail tickets (opens in new tab)
Without a car
Getting here
Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Askaig
CalMac lists Kennacraig to Port Askaig from 1 hour 55 minutes and strongly recommends vehicle reservations. While Port Ellen is closed, Port Askaig is about 20.8 miles from Port Ellen and there is no shuttle bus between the ports. 1
CalMac: Islay and Jura (opens in new tab) · CalMac: Port Ellen closure (opens in new tab)
Ferry from Port Askaig to Jura
A small car ferry, run by ASP Ship Management for Argyll and Bute Council, crosses from Port Askaig to Feolin on Jura in about 10 minutes. 1
Fly to Islay
Highlands and Islands Airports says Islay Airport has daily flights to and from Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban. 2
Once you are there
By car
CalMac describes Islay's single-track roads winding past distilleries and coast. Remember that distillery tastings and driving do not mix. 1
By bus
Islay has a bus service; CalMac advises planning outward and return journeys in advance with Traveline Scotland. 3
By bike
CalMac calls Islay relatively flat and good for family cycling; Jura is hillier and quieter. Bike hire is available on both islands. 1
Stops near each area
From our area guides (Islay and Jura): the stations and stops listed for each base. See each area's Getting there page for more.
Islay
- 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
Jura
- Feolin ferry slipway: Car ferry from Port Askaig on Islay (about 10 minutes). Run by ASP Ship Management for Argyll and Bute Council
- Craighouse: Island road from Feolin. Jura's main settlement, with the distillery and hotel
No schedules or fares are copied here: check the operator or Traveline for the day you travel. Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in most towns, but we have no sourced coverage data for rural areas, so do not count on one at short notice.
With a car
Bus or car to Kennacraig
CalMac says the bus from Glasgow to Kennacraig takes 3 hours 30 minutes; by car it is roughly 100 miles and around 2 hours 30 minutes, past Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne. 3
General rules (driving on the left, licenses, roundabouts, speed limits in mph, parking, tolls, EV charging): Driving in Britain. Charge points: Zapmap (opens in new tab).
To and from other regions
Straight-line distance from our region centers, and the fastest train time that National Rail publishes on its destination pages (not a schedule; it may include a change). Where we found no figure we say so. The full table is on getting between regions.
| To or from | Straight line | Fastest train (National Rail) | Notes |
|---|
Figures retrieved Oct 25, 2026 for the intercity data. Schedules change.
Official links
- CalMac: Islay and Jura (opens in new tab): ferries from Kennacraig and the Jura ferry
- CalMac: Port Ellen closure (opens in new tab): all sailings use Port Askaig until 2029
- HIAL: Islay Airport (opens in new tab): flights to Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban
- Traveline Scotland journey planner (opens in new tab): bus times on Islay
More on Islay and Jura: Islay and Jura guide · how to get there
Questions people ask
Can I get around Islay and Jura without a car?
We have not yet assessed getting around Islay and Jura. The official links below, and the region guide, are the place to start.
Do I need to check a driving zone in Islay and Jura?
We found no charging or low emission zone for Islay and Jura in the official pages we read. Check the council site before you drive in.