# Travelling to Islay Without a Car

How to reach Islay without a car: Citylink bus from Glasgow to Kennacraig, adventure cycling route via Arran, and foot passenger guide. Bikes travel free on CalMac. Year-round and seasonal options covered.

Source: https://portbahnislay.co.uk/islay-travel/travelling-without-a-car

Although having a car makes it a lot easier to get around Islay, many people still travel as foot passengers or with a bicycle. Take the Citylink bus from Glasgow Bus Station (and airport) to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig, then CalMac ferry to Islay. For cyclists, the Glasgow–Arran–Kintyre route is a hugely overlooked and beautifully scenic way to arrive here. Between April and September there's also the Jura Passenger Ferry — a small seasonal service from Tayvallich to Craighouse on Jura, worth knowing about if you're routing via Jura or combining the islands. In this guide we've put together all the main ways to get from Glasgow to Islay without a car and who you need to contact or book with to organise.

> The Glasgow–Arran–Kintyre route is a hugely overlooked and beautifully scenic way to arrive on Islay by bike.

## Travelling to Islay Without a Car

You don't need a car to reach Islay. [Citylink](https://www.citylink.co.uk) runs a bus from [Glasgow Buchanan Street](https://www.citylink.co.uk) (and Glasgow Airport) direct to [Kennacraig ferry terminal](/islay-travel/ferry-to-islay), timed to connect with the CalMac sailing. Foot passengers don't need to book the ferry in advance.

For cyclists, the Glasgow–Arran–Kintyre route via [Ardrossan](https://www.calmac.co.uk), [Lochranza](https://www.calmac.co.uk), and [Claonaig](https://www.calmac.co.uk) is a hugely overlooked and beautiful way to arrive. On Islay, [Islay Bike Hire](https://www.islay-bikehire.co.uk) rents bikes for exploring without a car. Between April and September, the [Jura Passenger Ferry](/explore-islay/visit-jura) connects Tayvallich to Craighouse — worth knowing if you're routing via Jura.

**Key facts:**
- Bus: Glasgow → Kennacraig (Citylink)
- Ferry foot passenger: No booking needed
- Cycling route: Glasgow–Arran–Kintyre
- Bike hire on Islay: Islay Bike Hire
- Jura ferry: Apr–Sep (Tayvallich)

## Getting to Islay Without a Car

Foot passengers are welcome on every CalMac sailing to Islay. The island is walkable and cyclable from most accommodation, and once you're here, taxis and local buses cover the rest. This guide covers getting from Glasgow to Islay without a car — and arriving with everything you need.

### By Bus: Glasgow to Kennacraig

Citylink runs a daily service from Glasgow Buchanan Street and Glasgow Airport to Kennacraig, connecting with CalMac sailings to Islay. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. Bus times are designed to connect with ferry departures — confirm your connection before booking, as timings can shift seasonally.

Important — dogs: Citylink does not allow dogs on this service (assistance dogs only). If you're travelling to Islay with a dog, you'll need to travel by car or arrange private transport to Kennacraig.

[Full guide to travelling to Islay with your dog →](/explore-islay/dog-friendly-islay)

### By Bike: Glasgow to Islay via Arran (The Adventure Route)

This is one of the most memorable ways to arrive on Islay. The route uses three CalMac ferries and takes two days minimum.
- Glasgow to Ardrossan — National Cycle Network Route 753, a largely traffic-free coastal route. Approximately 35 miles.
- CalMac ferry: Ardrossan to Brodick, Isle of Arran.
- Cycle across Arran to Lochranza in the north. Around 14 miles. The Goat Fell ridge is to your right for most of the ride.
- CalMac ferry: Lochranza to Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula. A short crossing.
- Cycle Claonaig to Kennacraig via the B8001. Around 10.5 miles on a quiet road.
- CalMac ferry: Kennacraig to Islay.

Critical note: The Lochranza to Claonaig ferry operates from around April to late October only — confirm current dates with CalMac before planning. This route is not possible in winter. Do not cycle the main A83 Glasgow to Campbeltown road — it carries heavy lorry traffic and is not suitable for cyclists.

Plan 2 days minimum: Glasgow to Arran on day one, Arran to Islay on day two. The NCN 753 to Ardrossan is well-signposted and documented.

### By Bike: Year-Round Alternative via NCN Route 75

For a year-round cycling option, NCN Route 75 runs from Glasgow through Greenock and Gourock, with ferry connections to Cowal, then Portavadie, then Tarbert — finishing at Kennacraig for the Islay crossing. More complex than the Arran route, but available in all seasons.

### Bikes on CalMac Ferries

Bikes travel free on all CalMac ferries. Secure your bike on the vehicle deck for the crossing. The Kennacraig to Islay crossing is long enough to head up to the café — bikes on the vehicle deck are safe.

## Arriving & Continuing

Port Askaig and Port Ellen both receive foot passengers. If you're arriving without a car and with luggage, taxi services operate at both ports.

For getting around the island once you've arrived — taxis, local buses, and bike hire — see our [on-island transport guide →](/islay-travel/getting-around-islay)

### Continuing to Jura

From Port Askaig, foot passengers and cyclists can take the Jura Passenger Ferry to Feolin on Jura — a 5-minute crossing, no booking required for foot passengers. Bikes are welcome.

## Islay Villages Overview

Islay's six villages are all within 45 minutes' drive. Port Charlotte is 5 minutes from our door — whitewashed, pretty, and home to the Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen. Bowmore is the main town: Co-op, distillery, the Round Church. Portnahaven has harbour seals and the island's smallest local pub. Port Ellen is the start of the south coast whisky trail. [Explore all the villages →](/explore-islay/islay-villages)

## Places & Attractions

### Citylink
Category: transport
Island: mainland

Scottish Citylink operates a daily coach service from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal, connecting with CalMac sailings to Islay. Journey time approximately 2.5 hours. Dogs are not permitted (assistance dogs only).
Website: https://www.citylink.co.uk

### Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station
Category: transport
Island: mainland

Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station is the main intercity coach terminal in Glasgow, serving as the departure point for Citylink services to Kennacraig and the Kintyre peninsula.
Location: Glasgow

### Kennacraig Ferry Terminal
Category: transport
Island: mainland

Kennacraig Ferry Terminal is the CalMac departure point on the Kintyre Peninsula, mainland Scotland, for ferry services to Islay (Port Askaig: 2 hours; Port Ellen: 2 hours 20 minutes). Vehicle reservations essential, bookable up to 12 weeks in advance.
Location: Kennacraig, Kintyre Peninsula
Website: https://www.calmac.co.uk
Phone: 0800 066 5000

### Ardrossan Ferry Terminal
Category: transport
Island: mainland

Ardrossan Ferry Terminal on the Ayrshire coast is the CalMac departure point for the ferry to Brodick, Isle of Arran. Starting point for the cycling route to Islay via Arran and Kintyre.
Location: Ardrossan

### Brodick
Category: transport
Island: other

Brodick is the main town and ferry port on the Isle of Arran, served by CalMac from Ardrossan. The cycling route to Islay passes through Brodick before crossing Arran to Lochranza.
Location: Brodick, Isle of Arran

### Lochranza Ferry Terminal
Category: transport
Island: other

Lochranza is a village on the north coast of Arran with a seasonal CalMac ferry to Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula. Operates approximately April to late October — not available in winter.
Location: Lochranza, Isle of Arran

### Claonaig Ferry Terminal
Category: transport
Island: mainland

Claonaig is a small settlement on the Kintyre peninsula with a seasonal CalMac ferry to Lochranza, Isle of Arran. Part of the cycling route to Islay via Arran.
Location: Claonaig, Kintyre

### Jura Passenger Ferry (Craighouse–Tayvallich)
Category: transport
Island: jura

Fast catamaran Orion from Tayvallich (mainland) to Craighouse. Under 1 hour. Foot passengers, bikes, and dogs welcome. April-October, Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun.
Location: Craighouse, Jura (and Tayvallich, mainland)
Website: https://www.jurapassengerferry.com
Phone: 07768 450000

### NCN Route 753
Category: route
Island: mainland

National Cycle Network Route 753 runs from Glasgow to Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast — approximately 35 miles, largely traffic-free. First leg of the cycle route to Islay via Arran and Kintyre.
Website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk

### NCN Route 75
Category: route
Island: mainland

National Cycle Network Route 75 runs from Glasgow through Greenock and Gourock, with ferry connections to Cowal, then Portavadie, then Tarbert — ending at Kennacraig for the Islay crossing. Year-round alternative to the Arran route.
Website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk