Getting to Islay

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) runs the Islay ferry from Kennacraig, on the Kintyre peninsula, to two island ports: Port Askaig in the northeast and Port Ellen in the south. Crossings take roughly two hours to two hours twenty minutes. Kennacraig is around a three-hour drive from Glasgow along Loch Lomond and the A83.

Port Ellen's harbour is being upgraded. While work is under way, CalMac may run every Islay sailing to and from Port Askaig, so always check the route notice before you book.

Timetables and booking on CalMac

Loganair flies from Glasgow Airport to Islay Airport at Glenegedale, in the middle of the island. The flight takes about 40 minutes, and Islay Airport is right next door to the new Laggan Bay distillery and a short drive from Bowmore.

Glasgow to Islay flights on Loganair

• Book car space on the ferry as soon as you know your dates. Summer weekends and Fèis Ìle week fill first.
• Fèis Ìle 2027 runs from 28 May to 6 June. Book your ferry, a place to stay and your distillery tours together. See the Fèis Ìle 2027 guide.
• Leave a spare day at the end of your trip in winter, when weather can cancel sailings.

The distilleries sit in clusters on the south coast, around Loch Indaal and in the northeast, and most drives between them take 20–40 minutes. Many roads are single track with passing places. If you're tasting, ask for a driver's dram to take away, or book a taxi or local tour.

Next: build a day-by-day route with the trip planner or compare distillery tours.