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Your journey to The Machrie

Your Hebridean  journey by ferry is the best way to clear away the cobwebs. The picturesque drive from Glasgow to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig takes you past Loch Lomond and if you don’t stop for oysters and sea food at Loch Fyne will take you approximately two and a half hours.   You could even leave your car at Kennacraig and travel as a foot passenger as transfers from the Islay ferry terminals can be arranged.

For those impatient to get to the first tee, the flight from Glasgow is 25 minutes and the airport is 10 minutes from the Machrie Hotel.

Details of your travel options are set out below. 

By Car & Ferry

At the Kennacraig ferry port, there are sailings to Port Askaig or Port Ellen on Islay which takes two hours. You can travel as a foot passenger for less than £7 each way and we can arrange transfers to and from the ferry ports – charges apply. Bringing your car can be less than £35 each way. Advance booking for your car is advisable.

For more information on ferry timetables – click here.

Calmac also operates a ferry from Oban to Islay on a Wednesday and a Saturday.

By Air

Loganair manage the Glasgow to Islay service with flights available on a daily basis. For the latest information on flights and to book visit www.loganair.co.uk. The airfield is close to The Machrie and transfers to the hotel can be arranged.

Private charters are available with The Little Jet Company. For more information visit www.thelittlejetcompany.com

Helicopter transfers can be arranged and our Helipad is onsite.

Kintyre Express

There is a fast passenger ferry service that links up Islay and Northern Ireland which runs from April to September.

For more details click here.

Getting Around Islay

By Bus
Islay has two bus routes, the 450 and 451, both using the main roads on the island.

The 450 runs from Bowmore in the centre of the island to Portnahaven in the south west, with the 451 running between Port Askaig in the north-east down to Port Ellen and Ardbeg in the south. The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. There is no bus service on a Sunday.

The bus timetable can be found here.

By Bike
There are many cycle paths around Islay, providing an environmentally-friendly way of discovering this beautiful Hebridean Scottish island.
Exploring the island by bike (or ebike) is a wonderful way to see Islay’s scenery, nature and wildlife up close. The terrain is mainly flat and the small level of traffic on the island make it an easy adventure to embark on.

You can find some popular cycle routes around Islay here

Should you wish to hire bikes you can do so from the following places on Islay: