How to Get to Islay

Getting to Islay and it is important to plan your travel in advance. You have booked your accommodation at Persabus, now it is time to get those travel plans in place. Enjoy our suggestions and information to help you decide whether to fly to Islay, or come across by boat.

If you are coming to Islay by Car

Bringing a car over will allow you to explore the island easily. The buses only operate between the main villages, but the service is not very regular and there is no evening bus service on Islay. A car is useful if you want to explore the beaches, and reach every corner of the island. Alternatives would be car hire on Islay, cycle hire, or taxis. We have lots of information to help you here

Heading from Glasgow, drive to Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre

This journey should take you around two and a half hours, longer if you wish to take in the beautiful scenery. There are lots of great opportunities to stop for a bite to eat. My favourites are The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, near Cairndow, Loch Fyne, or The George Hotel in Inveraray. You will pass both of these places on your journey, so won’t have to take any detours.

Directions to Kennacraig from Glasgow by car

Take the A82 up Loch Lomondside, turning onto the A83 at Tarbet – continue on through both Inveraray and Lochgilphead, heading for Tarbert on Loch Fyne. The ferry port of Kennacraig is just five miles on from Tarbert. Please note that Kennacraig is simply a ferry terminal and not a town or village. It is clearly signposted on the Campbeltown road, but people have been known to miss it because they were expecting more.

Do remember to book your car onto the ferry well in advance. Ferries do get fully booked so make this a priority. This can be done at www.calmac.co.uk or by phoning Caledonian MacBrayne on 0800 066 5000

How To Get to the ferry port for Islay by Bus (the ferry port at Kennacraig)

Buchanan Street Bus Station is in Glasgow’s city centre. A daily bus service operates from Buchanan Street Bus Station daily to Campbeltown, making a connection with the ferry at Kennacraig. For schedule information, contact the Travel Centre at Buchanan Street Bus Station  tel: 0141 333 3708 or visit the Scottish City Link website to see timetables and to make an online booking. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance.  http://www.citylink.co.uk/index.php

How to Get to Islay by Ferry

Caledonian MacBrayne operate the two hour crossing which runs twice daily throughout the year, once on Sundays, with additional sailings during the summer season. For details of timetables and to make bookings (advisable, particularly in the summer season) go to www.calmac.co.uk or phone Caledonian MacBrayne Telephone on 0800 066 5000 or +44 1475 650 397 (for international customers) 

How to Get to Islay by Plane

Loganair operate a 35 minute scheduled service, Monday – Sunday from Glasgow Airport to Islay. This is the quickest way and can provide spectacular views of the islands and Kintyre. For information on schedules, contact Islay Airport +44 (0)1496 302022. Online bookings  https://www.loganair.co.uk/

Do make sure you have a taxi, car hire, or have checked the local bus timetable for onward travel from Islay airport.

How to Get to Persabus

We look forward to offering you a very warm welcome at Persabus Farm

From the ferry terminal at Port Askaig

Follow the main road up and over the hill and take the second turning on your right sign posted Bunnahabhain Distillery. We are the first farm you come to along the single track road. Turn left into the farmyard.

From the ferry terminal at Port Ellen

Follow the main road out of Port Ellen, heading towards the village of Bowmore,  follow the road through Bowmore, and then the villages of Bridgend, Ballygrant and Keills. After the village of Keills take the first turning on your left sign posted Bunnahabhain Distillery. We are the first farm you come to along the single track road. Turn left into the farmyard.

From the airport

Turn left out of the airport carpark and follow the main road through the villages of Bowmore, Bridgend, Ballygrant and Keills. After the village of Keills take the first turning on your left sign posted Bunnahabhain Distillery. We are the first farm you come to along the single track road. Turn left into the farmyard.