How to Get to Islay: Ferries, Flights, and Getting Around

Getting to Islay is part of the adventure. The island sits off the west coast of Scotland, and reaching it requires either a ferry crossing or a short flight. Neither option is difficult, but both require planning - especially if you are travelling during the Feis Ile festival in May.

Getting to Islay by Ferry

The main route to Islay is by CalMac ferry from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula. Kennacraig is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Glasgow via the A83. The ferry serves two ports on Islay: Port Ellen in the south and Port Askaig in the north.

The crossing takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to Port Ellen and around 2 hours to Port Askaig. CalMac operates multiple sailings daily in summer, with reduced frequency in winter. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for vehicle spaces during peak season and festival periods.

Port Ellen is the better arrival point if you plan to visit the southern shore distilleries first - Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig are all within a few miles of the port. Port Askaig is closer to Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, and the ferry to Jura.

Getting to Islay by Air

Loganair operates scheduled flights from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Islay Airport (GBP) near Port Ellen. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and operates multiple times daily. Flights from Edinburgh are available with a connection at Glasgow.

Flying is the faster option but more expensive, and luggage allowances are limited on the small aircraft used on the route. It is worth considering if your time on the island is limited or if you want to avoid the ferry crossing in rough weather.

Getting Around Islay

Hiring a car is by far the best way to explore Islay. The island has a good network of single-track roads connecting the distilleries, and distances are manageable - it takes around 45 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other.

Car hire is available at Islay Airport through local operators. Booking in advance is essential during peak season, as availability is limited.

A limited bus service connects the main villages, but it does not serve most distilleries directly. Cycling is popular in summer, with the island's quiet roads and dramatic scenery making it an excellent cycling destination. The Three Distilleries Path - a 3-mile coastal walk connecting Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig - is one of the great whisky pilgrimages in the world and does not require a car.

Planning Your Islay Trip

Allow a minimum of 3 nights on the island to visit the main distilleries without rushing. Five nights is the ideal length for a thorough visit. If you are travelling during Feis Ile, book accommodation and ferry crossings at least 6 months in advance - the festival fills the island to capacity.

The main villages are Bowmore (the island's capital), Port Ellen, and Port Charlotte. Bowmore has the widest range of accommodation and restaurants. The Lochside Hotel in Bowmore and the Port Charlotte Hotel are the most popular bases for whisky tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kennacraig from Glasgow? Kennacraig is approximately 100 miles from Glasgow, taking around 2 hours 30 minutes by car via the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead. The drive is scenic and passes through some of the finest landscapes in Argyll.

Can you get to Islay without a car? Yes. Citylink buses run from Glasgow to Kennacraig, connecting with the CalMac ferry. On the island, a limited bus service connects the main villages. However, without a car, visiting the distilleries is difficult. Cycling is a practical alternative in good weather.

How much does the Islay ferry cost? Prices vary by season and vehicle size. As of 2025, a return foot passenger fare is approximately £10 to £15. A car and driver return costs around £80 to £100. Booking in advance via the CalMac website secures the best availability.

Is Islay worth visiting in winter? Yes, but with reduced distillery tour availability and fewer ferry sailings. Winter visits are quieter and more atmospheric, with the chance of seeing the island without the summer crowds. Some distilleries reduce their visitor centre hours in winter, so check in advance.

What is the best distillery to visit on Islay? Ardbeg is the most welcoming for first-time visitors, with an excellent cafe and a passionate community of staff. Laphroaig offers the Friends of Laphroaig experience and the chance to visit your own square foot of Islay. Kilchoman is a working farm distillery with a genuinely intimate atmosphere. All three are worth visiting.