Even if you’ve been to Skye many times before, the Eilean Sionnach Crew thought you might find a few ‘tips from the locals’ useful in planning your trip to Skye.
When planning how to get to Skye there are different options to consider. One thing is for sure, whichever way you travel, we can promise you’ll have an epic journey.
Choosing the right way for your group to travel to Skye will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- How many people (and pets) there are in your group?
- How much time do you have?
- How much or which parts of the rest of Scotland do you want to see?
- How eco-friendly do you want to be?
- What do you want to do when you get to Skye?
- And most importantly – how much of an adventure you want to have!
YOUR GROUP
First to consider is your group size and make-up. If you’re a parent, you’ll know the sense of dread a long car journey can bring, so you may want to consider either flying, or getting the sleeper train.
If you’re travelling with pets, the train is still an option as the Caledonian Sleeper is pet friendly. Check out their handy advice on travelling with pets.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
You may want to consider driving so that you and your travelling companions can make as many stops as you and need along the way. What’s more, if you have an electric car you can be ultra eco-friendly! There are plenty of charging points throughout Scotland, including several on Skye, one of which is right by the pier where you take the boat to Eilean Sionnach (and conveniently, this is where you will park your car).
If you’re short of time, flying is an extremely convenient option. Inverness is the closest airport by far, situated only 2 hours from the Isle of Skye. There are car hire companies right at the airport and there’s also a shuttle bus from the airport into Inverness city where you can catch the train to Kyle of Lochalsh.
SCENIC ROUTE
Even if you’re flying in to Inverness, there’s still plenty to see. Travelling from Inverness to Skye by car you will pass Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness. Keep a look out for Nessie…
If you take the journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by train, you’ll head through the Highlands to Loch Carron, passing the very scenic village of Plockton and eventually arriving in Kyle. It’s best to book a taxi to collect you as there’s no regular taxi rank at the station. Try Kyle Taxis or Nicolson’s Taxis. Or why not hire a car from our local car hire company right here in the South of the island: DriveSkye car rental
Some people choose to fly into Glasgow airport, which is around 5 hours from Skye by car but is considered one of Scotland’s most scenic drives. The journey from Glasgow to Skye meanders through one of the most scenic parts of the Highlands of Scotland, taking in the famous and much photographed Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor and crossing the Ballachulish Bridge.
HARRY POTTER
If you make the final crossing by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, you’ll also pass through ‘Harry Potter’ country, following the journey of the Hogwarts Express and passing many famous Harry Potter filming locations. Be careful, because the Mallaig ferry must be booked in advance. If you miss it (or it’s not running) there’s no alternative but to double back to Fort William.
OVER THE SEA…
If you’ve been intrepid and made it all the way to Skye by public transport, well done you! Your journey ends with a short boat trip from the pier at Isleornsay to the island of Eilean Sionnach itself and Skipper Gus will be ready and waiting to transport you.
Whichever way you travel and no matter how scenic the route, we think you might be ready for a rest on arrival… so we thoroughly recommend spend some time chilling out on Eilean Sionnach. The attraction of Eilean Sionnach is very much about being ‘marooned’ on the island and taking life at a slower pace. This really is a place to take time to slow down, relax and enjoy the little things the island has to offer.
Adventure awaits…