Port information & tips for Isle of Islay
The Isle of Islay, the magnificent "Queen of the Hebrides," welcomes travelers to Scotland's wild west coast with an incomparable blend of rugged nature and warm hospitality. The island captivates with its maritime flair and offers a truly magical atmosphere thanks to its rolling hills and vast peat bogs. Outstanding sights include the world-famous Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg distilleries, which are easily accessible via the picturesque "Three Distilleries Path," as well as the ornate Kildalton Cross. Cruise ships mostly use the Port Ellen Pier, from which the charming town center with its traditional white houses and cozy pubs is just a short, relaxed walk away.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Islay is a fascinating island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, famous for its unique whisky distilleries and dramatic landscape. Access to the island is mainly via the ferry terminals of Port Ellen and Port Askaig or the island's Glenegedale Airport (ILY). The island is a popular port of call for smaller cruise ships, which usually anchor in Port Ellen and bring passengers ashore by tender boats.
Airplane
Islay Airport (ILY), also known as Glenegedale Airport, is located about 8 kilometers northwest of Port Ellen. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland to Islay. Travel typically takes place via Glasgow International Airport (GLA) on the Scottish mainland, from where Loganair offers daily connections to Islay taking approximately 45 minutes. Due to often early flight times and potentially irregular local bus connections on Islay, especially on weekends, it is recommended to book a hotel in Glasgow in advance and organize a taxi or rental car on Islay.
Car & Ferry
Arriving with your own vehicle from the DACH region leads via Great Britain to the Scottish west coast. From Glasgow, you reach the Kennacraig ferry terminal on the Kintyre Peninsula via the A82 and then the scenic A83. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Free parking for up to 150 vehicles is available at Kennacraig, but it is advisable to take a vehicle on the ferry for exploring the island. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates regular ferry services from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (approx. 2 hours 20 minutes) and Port Askaig (approx. 1 hour 55 minutes) on Islay. Booking the ferry in advance, especially for vehicles, is essential as capacities are limited.
Train & Ferry
The most convenient train journey from the DACH region to Scotland leads to Glasgow. From Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station, the Scottish Citylink Service 926 runs directly to the Kennacraig ferry terminal. The bus journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes and is timed to coincide with ferry departure times. Foot passengers on Islay will need public buses or taxis to explore the island; however, as public transport is limited, arriving the day before with an overnight stay in Glasgow or renting a car on Islay, which can be picked up at the ferry terminal or airport, is recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
