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.

travel

Travelling to Islay Without a Car

You don't need a car to reach Islay. Citylink runs a bus from Glasgow Buchanan Street (and Glasgow Airport) direct to Kennacraig ferry terminal, 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, Lochranza, and Claonaig is a hugely overlooked and beautiful way to arrive. On Islay, Islay Bike Hire rents bikes for exploring without a car. Between April and September, the Jura Passenger Ferry 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)

Travelling to Islay Without a Car

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

Routes

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.

Routes

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 →

Routes

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.

Routes

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.

Routes

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.

Onward

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 →

Onward

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.

place

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 →

More about Islay Villages Overview →

Without a Car Key Facts