Located on the outer north western edge of mainland Scotland, this beautiful set of 200 islands making up the Outer Hebrides is much quicker to reach than you think. Discover the many convenient connections with daily flights and ferries connecting the island chain to the mainland and to each other, and experience a perfect island hopping holiday.
By CAR/SEA
If you’re thinking of driving to the Outer Hebrides, it couldn’t be any easier. Harris is joined to Lewis though they have different names, just bring your car across to one of the ferry points at Ullapool to Stornoway/Lewis or in Uig/Skye to Tarbert/Harris where Caledonian MacBrayne www.calmac.co.uk allows you to take your car onboard, or leave it at one of the ferry departure points and travel as a foot passenger.
The frequency of the sailings depends on the season, so please check the ferry operators’ websites before starting off.
There are several car hire operators only in Lewis where you can rent a car to explore this stunning region.
You can find out up-to-date traffic information from Traffic Scotland, and plan your route with Transport Direct.
By BUS
Scottish Citylink operates regular bus services to mainland ferry ports connecting, where possible, with ferry arrival and departure times.
Between Ullapool and Inverness, Citylink buses take you on a scenic journey through beautiful scenery to the ferry terminals where ongoing connections are available to the Outer Hebrides' islands.
By TRAIN (visit National Rail Enquiries)
Travel by rail to Kyle of Lochalsh, then journey by bus or car through Skye before making a ferry crossing from UIG to the Outer Hebrides.
To get to ULLAPOOL, take the train as far as Inverness, and then go by coach to Ullapool.
If you’re planning to explore the region, The Freedom of Scotland Travelpass allows unlimited travel on scheduled rail services in Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and certain Scottish Citylink bus routes, including those connecting with ferries to the Outer Hebrides.
By AIR
There are several options for flying to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.
- FLYBE - operated by Loganair, operates flights four times daily, Monday to Saturday, to Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness; there is also a Sunday flight from Glasgow.
- EASTERN AIRWAYS - have one return flight between Stornoway and Aberdeen from Monday to Friday.
- From outside Scotland - Connecting flights are available from London to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, and from other cities around the UK and Europe.