Portbahn Islay
Getting to the Isle of Islay
Travel to Islay is part of the adventure — we love the journey, whether we are leaving to visit friends and family, or coming back to our wonderful island home it always has its magic.
We've pulled together the things we try to remember from our years of making the crossing ourselves: contact details to keep handy, and what to do when the weather has other ideas, things to bear in mind that you might not think of, what to do if your ferry arrives late or you're delayed or re-routed.
There are lots of ways to get to Islay, and whether you're coming by bike or boat, plane or car, the bus from Glasgow, or a private RIB or helicopter we hope you'll find some of the info helpful in planning your trip. We know it can be complicated, daunting and off-putting, so please do get in touch if we can help with any of the details or to allay any of your fears.
Ferry: 2 hours from Kennacraig (book vehicle 12 weeks ahead) · Flight: 25 minutes from Glasgow
Explore
Our guide on getting to and from Islay
Arrival
Arriving on Islay — and What to Do If You're Late, Delayed or Diverted
Most of the time, arriving on Islay is the easy bit. You step off the ferry at Port Askaig or Port Ellen, the holiday has properly started, and the drive to Bruichladdich is short. Sometimes it isn't. CalMac swaps ports in bad weather. The flight diverts to Campbeltown. The last bus has gone. When that happens, this is the page you want.
Full guide →
Ferry
Ferry to Islay
CalMac operates two routes from Kennacraig — to Port Askaig in the north and Port Ellen in the south. Book ahead for summer sailings and Fèis Ìle.
Full guide →
Flight
Flights to Islay
The flight suits a specific kind of trip. A whisky group travelling without a car, a couple where speed matters more than cost, someone squeezing Islay into a longer Scottish itinerary. For most guests - families especially, or anyone planning to explore the island properly - the ferry makes far more sense. It's cheaper, you take your car, and the crossing itself is one of the best parts of arriving on Islay. But when the flight fits, Loganair covers the route from Glasgow in 25 minutes.
Full guide →
On-Island
Getting Around Islay
Getting around a small island feels different - shorter distances, single-track sections, an etiquette of its own. We live across the water on Jura, so we make these journeys constantly: Port Askaig for the ferry home, Bowmore for the supermarket, the airport when family visits. Most guests hire a car for the week. You can also lean on the local bus, the two taxi firms, the bike-hire operators, and - if you're staying with us in Bruichladdich - your own two feet. This page covers what we've learned.
Full guide →
Planning
Planning Your Trip to Islay
There's no wrong season on Islay — but each is different. This guide covers when to visit, Fèis Île, how long to stay, and how to plan your crossing.
Full guide →
Car-Free
Travelling to Islay 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.
Full guide →travel
Ferry Basics
Getting to Islay isn't easy. And that's what makes it so special. With the right planning the journey is as much a part of the holiday as being here — not something to push through in choruses of "are we nearly there yet?". From the moment you leave Glasgow and reach Loch Lomond, the scenery changes dramatically. Bye bye Lowlands, hello Highlands. We make this crossing all the time, in all weathers — get in touch if you're not sure and we'll help you find the best route. Plan your journey →
trust
Ferry Support
CalMac disruptions happen. When they do, we've got your back — we hold a 5.0/5 communication rating, and 30+ reviews mention our ferry crisis support. In 8+ years, we've never had a booking collapse. Contact me immediately if your ferry is cancelled and we'll figure it out together. [What to do if your ferry is cancelled →](/travel-to-islay#when-ferry-cancellations-happen)
activity
Jura Day Trip
A 5-minute ferry from Port Askaig takes you to Jura — visit the distillery, lunch at the Antlers, cycle to Small Isles Bay. One road, one pub, more deer than people. It feels like a different world. Visiting Jura from Islay — a day trip guide →
travel
Travelling to Islay with Your Dog
CalMac welcomes dogs on all ferries from Kennacraig - no charge, lead required on board. Citylink and local Islay buses do not allow dogs (assistance dogs excepted), so if you're travelling with a dog you'll need to come by car or arrange private transport to Kennacraig. All three of our properties — Portbahn House, Shorefield Eco House and Curlew Cottage — welcome dogs (lead required at the front of Curlew, off-lead in its walled rear garden).
Full guide: ferry policy, bus restrictions, and where to stay with your dog →
Common questions
Getting to the Isle of Islay
Can you fly to Islay from Glasgow?
Yes, Loganair operates daily flights taking 25 minutes. Two flights typically run daily (one on weekends). Islay Airport is 30 minutes' drive from Bruichladdich. Flights are weather-dependent - low cloud prevents landing.
How long is the ferry to Islay?
CalMac ferries take 2 hours to Port Askaig or 2 hours 20 minutes to Port Ellen from Kennacraig. Book vehicle spaces 12 weeks ahead for summer travel.
Do you help with ferry disruptions?
Yes — we hold a 5.0/5 communication rating and 30+ reviews specifically mention our ferry crisis support. In 8+ years of hosting 600+ guests, we've never had a booking completely collapse. Contact us immediately if CalMac disrupts your crossing.
How do I pronounce Islay?
It's pronounced "EYE-luh" - the 's' is silent. Named after Ile, daughter of Dál Riata in Gaelic mythology.
Where is Islay located?
Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland's west coast. It sits between Jura and Northern Ireland, about 3 hours' drive plus 2-hour ferry from Glasgow.
Is Islay worth visiting?
If you value whisky, wildlife, dramatic landscapes and island pace over easy access, we definitely think so. Ten world-class distilleries plus newcomer Laggan Bay (distilling since 2024), 30,000+ winter geese, empty beaches, and real remoteness. Not for those wanting quick getaways - the journey is part of the experience.
How big is Islay?
Islay is 25 miles long and 15 miles wide (240 square miles total). Driving from Port Ellen to the northern tip takes about 45 minutes. You can explore most of the island in 3-4 days, but a week gives you proper island time.
Can you get around Islay without a car?
Challenging. Public buses run limited routes between main villages. Taxis and bike hire are available, but distances are significant and distilleries are spread out. A car is strongly recommended for exploring properly - our guests almost always bring vehicles on the ferry.
How many days do I need on Islay?
Minimum 3 nights for a meaningful visit (one distillery day, one beach/wildlife day, one village/relaxation day). We recommend 5-7 nights - our guests who book a week consistently say they wish they'd stayed longer. Treat first and last days as travel days.
When is the best time to visit Islay?
Late May for Fèis Ìle whisky festival (book 6+ months ahead). Summer (June-August) for weather and long daylight. October-April for barnacle geese spectacle at Loch Gruinart. Winter is quieter, wetter, but atmospheric - and ferries are less likely to be fully booked.
What's the weather like on Islay?
Changeable! Mild year-round (rarely below freezing or above 20°C) but expect four seasons in one day. Atlantic weather rolls in fast - pack layers, waterproofs, and embrace it. Summer averages 12-17°C, winter 4-8°C.
Where should I stay on Islay?
Bruichladdich on the west coast makes an excellent base — central location means all eleven distilleries, best beaches, and villages are within 45 minutes. Our three properties here offer 5-minute walks to both Bruichladdich Distillery and Portbahn Beach, with Port Charlotte village 5 minutes away.