Getting Around Islay and Jura
There are plenty of options for exploring Islay and Jura, with lots of transport solutions on offer.
To get the most out of your trips on Islay it is definitely worth considering your transport around the island, and getting it booked in advance if necessary. Enjoy travelling on foot, by car or bike, buses, taxis, or even Tuk-Tuk. We have written a blog with you in mind on this topic, with lots of helpful suggestions, so do pop to the blog section and have a quick read.
When you stay with us at Persabus, you are handily situated just a five minute walk away from the local bus stop in the village of Keills.
The local Islay bus time table can be accessed here Please note the buses are not very frequent and Mundells, the local bus company, do not operate an evening service.
When the weather is sunny there is no better way to explore Islay and Jura than on a bike. Islay offers several bike hire options. Islay E-wheels offers a choice of manual or electric bike hire. Great for when the going gets tough, allowing a little cheat here and there, or certainly a little extra pedal power to get you flying up those hills.
Enjoy bespoke cycling tours with Islay Fat Bikes. The bikes have four inch balloon tyres so you can head off the beaten track and cycle along Islay’s gorgeous sandy beaches, or up the hillsides.
The island’s taxis don’t just offer hire for short journeys, they also offer bespoke island tours. You can hire a taxi for a full tour lasting half a day, a day, or longer, just get in touch with them for more information.
A great way to explore the far flung corners of the island is by taxi. The fantastic taxi drivers are great guides, with their vast local knowledge of the island. Enjoy listening to their stories and advice as the take you on tailor made tours to suit your needs.
There are several taxi operators on Islay but it is definitely worth booking your taxi journeys in advance, as they do get fully booked. Remember a driver may need to travel quite a distance to collect you, so advance booking helps them plan their itineraries to benefit all their customers. It can be difficult to get a last minute taxi hire on the island, so be organised in your planning, and book in advance of your trip. This will help you make the most from your island adventures.
Based in Bowmore, John is a local, an Ileach, and so has a fantastic local knowledge of the whole island. It’s whisky journey and stories. Phone 07359489038 email: [email protected]
Attic Cabs | Facebook This is our nearest taxi service. Attic Cabs are based in the village of Ballygrant and cover the whole island. Colin and Maria offer a warm welcome and will transport you across Islay. They are also available for full day hire too. Tel: Attic Cabs 07944873323
Bodachs Islay Taxi (bodachtaxis.com)
with the fabulous Arthur and his team as guides and drivers
Bodachs Taxi tel:07513066029
BRUICHLADDICH TAXIS – HOME (weebly.com)
Jims Taxi Bowmore | Taxi service on the Scottish Isle of Islay (jims-islay-taxi.co.uk)
CAROLS CABS – TAXI SERVICE (carols-cabs.co.uk)
Islay Taxis | Top Class Taxi Service and Tours
Cathy Heads Taxi and Transfers tel: 0737695 2320
email: [email protected]
Getting around Islay and if you are coming over by plane, or as a foot passenger on the ferry, car hire is a fantastic option. There are two local car hire companies on the island. They can leave cars at the ferry ports for you, or meet you with a hire car as you arrive off the plane. Definitely book your car hire well in advance of your trip.
Choose from Islay Car Hire or Cresswell Cars.
Persabus is ideally suited for trips across to the Isle of Jura.
The Jura Ferry Terminal is situated at Port Askaig, (5 minutes from Persabus), and sails across to Feolin on Jura. It is a 10 minute crossing.
The small car ferry is operated by ASP Ship Management Ltd on behalf of Argyll & Bute Council.
Telephone 01496 840681 for enquiries.
Ferries sail regularly during the day, Mon-Sat, with a more limited timetable on Sunday.
Port Askaig (Islay) – Feolin (Jura) Ferry Timetable (argyll-bute.gov.uk)
There are Calmac sailings from Port Askaig ferry terminal to the Isle of Colonsay on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing roughly six hours to enjoy this beautiful island. Timetables and tickets can be accessed here
More information on things to see and do on Colonsay can be accessed here