Getting Here...
Here is a run down of the alternative routes to the Hebrides:
Fly me away...
...to the Islands...
Flybe operated by Loganair operates flights 4 times daily, Monday to Saturday, to Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. There is also a Sunday flight from Glasgow. There are also daily flights from Glasgow to Barra and Benbecula, from Monday to Saturday, with additional Sunday flights to Barra in the summer months. For details phone 0871 2007000 or check timetables and book online at www.flybe.com. From Inverness to Stornoway, you can also fly with Highland Airways (+44 (0)845 450 2245; www.highlandairways.co.uk. Eastern Airways have one return flight Monday - Friday from Aberdeen to Stornoway. To book telephone +44 (0) 8703 669 100 or visit www.easternairways.com
...from further away...
From overseas, you should book a flight to Glasgow, Edinburgh or London. For bargain flights between London and Glasgow or Edinburgh, try one of the budget airlines: www.easyjet.com, www.scotairways.com, or www.ryanair.com or alternatively travel all the way with British Airways www.british-airways.com or via Edinburgh with British Midlands www.flybmi.com for flights from all major airports. (Also see "...to the Islands..." above for connecting flights.)
Sail me away......
...to the Hebrides...
Caledonian MacBrayne runs car and passenger ferries to all the islands all year round: Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis); Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist); and Oban to Barra. Ferries also run between: Castlebay (Barra) to Lochboisdale (South Uist); Berneray (North Uist) to Leverburgh (Harris). A new car ferry now runs daily between Barra and Eriskay. For all ferry journeys it is advisable to book vehicle space in advance, but this is not necessary for passengers. For ferry times and reservations contact: Caledonian MacBrayne on +44 (0)8705 650000 or try their Stornoway office on +44 (0)1851 702361. You can also check timetables and book online at www.calmac.co.uk. From October 2008, the cost of ferry travel to the Outer Hebrides has been slashed.
Get me to the boat...
... by car...
Either bring your car across or leave it at one of the ferry departure points and travel as a foot passenger. It may be more economical to hire a car for a few days while you are here than to bring your own car across on the ferry. Alternatively, you can use our excellent public transport network, or even walk or cycle through the isles. If you are travelling from overseas, then you could travel by bus or train to the ferry and hire a car when you arrive on the island.
...by bus...
Regular bus services connect with ferry arrival and departures times. The main operators from Central Scotland are Scottish Citylink Coaches, for all connections call +44 (0) 990 5050505 or check times online at www.citylink.co.uk. Skyeways Express Coaches operate from Glasgow and Inverness to Uig in Skye, telephone 01599 534328.
...by train...
You can get to Inverness, Oban, Mallaig or Kyle by train: it is a great way to relax and take in the stunning Highland scenery as you pass through landscape unseen on the road. For train times and booking contact: www.firstscotrail.co.uk
Get me around the islands...
...by air...
Highland Airways operates daily flights between Stornoway and Benbecula Monday to Friday +44 (0)1851 701828; www.highlandairways.co.uk . Flybe flies between Benbecula to Barra Monday to Friday (time subject to tides - the plane lands on the beach!) - contact 0871 7002000; www.flybe.com.
...by car...
To see a lot of the islands in a short time or explore distant corners it can be handy to hire a car for all or part of your trip. Click here to choose from a range of local car hire companies.
...by ferry...
Caledonian MacBrayne will provide all the details you need about their inter-island ferries from Berneray (North Uist) to Leverburgh (Harris) and Tarbert (Harris) to Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Castlebay (Barra) to Lochboisdale (South Uist.) They offer some great ‘hopscotch’ multi-ticket concessions. Telephone +44 (0)990 650000 or try the local office in Stornoway on +44 (0)1851702361. www.calmac.co.uk
...by bus...
For timetables and information on getting around the islands by bus phone Stornoway Bus Station on +44 (0)1851 704327
...by bike...
Check out www.CycleHebrides.com for information on cycling around the islands, cycle hire and equipment.
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