Getting To Islay
Islay is the most southerly of the Hebridean islands and well serviced by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries from Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre and British Airways/Flybe by air from Glasgow.
By Air...
Loganair run a 40 minute daily scheduled service, from Glasgow Airport GLA to Islay ILY. Monday to Friday in the morning and afternoon all year round, Sat and Sun there is a single daily fight. The Summer schedule sees a significant increase in the frequency of flights. Please check with the airline. https://www.loganair.co.uk/ British Airways has codeshare agreement flights to/from London and can be booked through them at www.ba.com
Flying is the quickest way and can provide spectacular views of the islands and Kintyre. For information on schedules, contact Loganair on 0344 800 2855 or for visitors outside the UK: +44 141 642 9407 or Islay Airport +44 (0)1496 302022. British Airways contact 0844 4930777, 0191 4907901, 0800 123111
By Car...
From Glasgow, drive to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal, Tarbert, Argyll PA29 6YF Tel: 01880 730253 This journey should take approximately two hours fifty mins (105 miles by RAC ), or longer should you wish to take in the beautiful scenery.
If you use route planning software ensure you insert “via Inveraray” Take the A82 up Loch Lomondside, turning onto the A83 at Tarbet – continue on through both Inveraray and Lochgilphead towards Tarbert on Loch Fyne.
The ferry port of Kennacraig is just five miles on from Tarbert Tel: 01880 730253
By Ferry...
Caledonian MacBrayne operates 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) telephone any of the following (Freephone) numbers. +44 (0)8000 66 5400 (Gourock) General enquiries: +44 (0)8000 66 5000 (Gourock) Bookings and reservations. Alternatively the following numbers can be telephoned +44 (0)1880 730253 (Kennacraig), +44 (0)1896 840 620 or +44 (0)1496 302209 (Port Ellen).
Caledonian MacBrayne’s timetable and booking are also available online at www.calmac.co.uk
By Fly/Drive...
Should you wish to fly to Islay it is simple to hire a vehicle on arrival at the airport.
The two hire car companies are:
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- Cresswell Cars https://cresswellcars.com/cars/ 01496 302300 and
- Islay Car Hire https://www.islaycarhire.com/01496 810544