Public Transport
In the UK, if you want to travel somewhere and back again (a round trip) – the ticket is known as a “return ticket”. If you are travelling somewhere and coming back on the same route it is sometimes less expensive to buy a “return ticket” than two separate tickets. Just watch out for restrictions – like a “same day return”.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries
Calmac provide the ferry links from:
- Mallaig (mainland) to Armadale on Skye
- Lochmaddy (North Uist) to Uig on Skye
- Tarbert (Harris) to Uig on Skye
- Sconser (Skye) to Raasay
Glenelg to Skye ferry
The MV Glenachulish is the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world. The service runs from late March to mid October. Please always check the website before setting off.
Please be prepared for driving on single track roads!
Traveline Journey Planner
Traveline is Scotland’s national public transport information service, covering buses, coaches (long distance buses), ferries, and rail.
Highlands and Islands Transport Forum App
The Highlands and Islands’ Transport Forum have provided an app to help you plan your journeys.
ScotRail and Steam train
Although there are no train services actually on Skye; rail is a great way to get to see Scotland on your way to Skye. Trains run from Fort William to Mallaig – ready for a ferry crossing from Mallaig to Armadale and they also run from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Both journeys are thought to be some of the most beautiful in the world – the Fort William to Mallaig line also takes the vintage steam train made famous in Harry Potter films. The Kyle to Inverness train is a great way to spend a day somewhere like Attadale Gardens – a request stop on that route.
Stagecoach Skye Buses
Stagecoach run the buses which serve the routes within Skye.
Citylink Intercity Coaches
Scottish Citylink is the coach long distance bus service to get you to Skye, and might sometimes be used for short journeys – perhaps from Kyle of Lochalsh or Broadford to Portree.
“Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar”