If you’re starting your Scotland travel adventure in Glasgow or Edinburgh, you’re already halfway to magic. The Isle of Skye feels worlds away from city life, yet it’s closer than you might think and the journey is as breathtaking as the destination.
Here’s how to get from Scotland’s two biggest cities to the island where Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage is located.
By Car – Freedom to Explore
Time: Around 5–6 hours from either city (not including stops and you will want to stop).
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Skye, giving you the freedom to stop and take in lochs, mountains, and picture perfect village views along the way.
From Glasgow, you’ll head north on the A82, winding along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, through the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, and into the dramatic scenery of Glencoe. From there, continue past Fort William and the shadow of Ben Nevis, then take the A87 to the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh.
Alternatively, if you have booked in advance with Caledonian MacBraynes, you can arrive by boat by travelling ‘over the sea to Skye’ from Mallaig to Armadale, in the South (close to Eilean Sionnach). Please keep a close watch on ferry times and crossings and sea conditions as this route can be full and it can also be cancelled at short notice. Electronic signs on the roadside at Fort William will flag up any issues. You must arrive at least 30-45 mins before your official ferry departure time.
From Edinburgh, follow the M9 towards Stirling, then join the same route through Glencoe and on to Skye.
Why drive? You’ll have the freedom to stop at whisky distilleries, castle ruins, or hidden viewpoints — and you can stock up on supplies for your stay on the island.
By Train & Bus – Scenic and Stress Free
You can combine train and bus for an (almost) car free journey that’s still spectacular.
From Glasgow: Take the West Highland Line to Mallaig — one of the most scenic train routes in the world. From Mallaig, hop on the ferry to Armadale on Skye. Pre-book a local taxi to your final destination or book a hire car just for your time on Skye.
From Edinburgh: Take the train to Glasgow or Inverness, then continue on to Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh. From Kyle, you can take a bus over the bridge to Skye.
https://www.driveskye.com (near Armadale)
Why train & bus? Perfect if you don’t want to do too much driving on Scotland’s narrow roads, but want to enjoy the scenery along the way.
By Tour — Let Someone Else Do the Planning
Several companies offer guided tours from Glasgow and Edinburgh that include the Isle of Skye, ranging from one day whistle stops to multi day adventures. You’ll travel in a small group, with a driver guide to share stories and history along the way.
Why tour? Ideal if you want to learn as you go and prefer someone else to handle logistics.
Some options:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonymccord/
Flying – The Quickest Start to Your Skye Stay
There’s no airport on Skye, but you can fly from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Inverness, then drive or take a train or bus to the island (about 2.5–3 hours). This can be a time saver if you’re on a tight schedule and the train journey is extremely scenic. Once on the island, hiring a car or a local driver is a good option (booking in advance necessary).
Making the Most of Your Arrival
However you travel, give yourself time. The journey to Skye isn’t just a way to get from A to B, it’s part of the experience. Stop often, take many photos, and let Scotland’s landscape captivate you.
And when you arrive at Eilean Sionnach, the final part of your journey is in our very own little Pioneer Multi motorboat. With the sea lapping at the shore and our tiny four acre island allto yourself, you’ll see why the journey was worth every mile.
Final Note – Things to remember when driving in Scotland
If you’re visiting from overseas, there are a few quirks to keep in mind.
We drive on the left
Seatbelts are required for everyone
Speed limits are in miles per hour
Many Highland roads are single track meaning only one lane for traffic in both directions with passing places marked along the way.
If you see a vehicle coming towards you, pull into the nearest passing place on your left (or wait opposite one on your right) to let them by.
Always acknowledge with a friendly wave.
Sheep may also wander across the road without warning, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery rather than rushing.
There are plenty of potholes in the roads on Skye, so it’s better to drive slower than the recommended speed limit
Petrol (gas) stations are NOT open 24 hours a day.
Adventure awaits…