“It is an escape, of course, a sanctuary place where a life expands, where your eyes rediscover the long distance, your nose the smells of a simpler world: salt-flavoured rain, warm clover, kelp drying on the beach, sun on a tarred roof, fresh mackerel frying in a buttered pan.” - Alex Renton, The Guardian

GETTING HERE

There are many different ways to reach this secret gem of a Hebridean island, each an adventure within themselves. Wherever you’re from, and however you plan to get here, you’re guaranteed an exciting journey especially if you take the long way round to experience places like Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch moor and Glencoe. From the moment you step out of your door, until the moment you return, your trip will feel like more than a holiday. Spending time getting to Tiree and exploring the route less taken is an experience to be relished. This is about both the journey and the destination.

Making your way to the secluded Isle of Tiree is easier than you may think. The island boasts an airport with several flights a day from Oban and Glasgow. You’ll be flown over some of the most breathtaking highlands and islands on your way here. Or you can choose any one of the regular roll-on, roll-off ferries which will take you past the Isle of Mull and the beautiful Ardnamurchan peninsula before arriving on our shores.

In its own way, travel to the island is really quite unique. And, as a holiday destination in the UK, the travelling is relatively easy. This means you can relax, take in the Scottish scenery and enjoy the journey as much as you will enjoy your holiday on the Isle of Tiree. Whether by plane, car or foot - there is something for everyone and if you are coming with kids then there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. 

Hassle free, comfortable and in your own time – whichever way you decide to arrive on the islands, you’ll have enjoyed the travelling and be looking forward to a fantastic holiday.

BY CAR

Despite being an island, getting to Tiree by car is much easier than you would imagine - and more exciting too! Winding roads through the Scottish countryside will eventually lead you to the small town of Oban. Depending on where you are coming from, there are multiple routes you can take to get to this hubbub of Scottish island life. A drive up from the south will bring you straight past Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs national park. The Trossachs surround you with awe-inspiring mountain ranges, with a twisting road that curves through ancient glacier-cut valleys, until you burst out onto Rannoch moor.

THE FERRY

If you intend to have your car (or van) on the island with you, then there is a ferry that leaves from Oban which will take you past Coll and onwards to Tiree. Tickets are necessary to book before departure, but from Oban onwards there will be little worry for you, as the travelling stress is taken out of your hands. The ferry itself takes around 3 and a half hours, but with a delightful dining lounge, a cafe and the best views in the United Kingdom, it offers plenty of entertainment. There is nothing quite like standing on the deck of a ship on a sunny summer's morning, watching the rolling hills of Scotland slide past, as you make your way to Tiree. You’re very likely to see dolphins too!

CalMac Ferries run all the boats to the Hebridean islands, and have time-tabled crossings every day of the week in summer - so whenever you would like to join us, there will be a way. The early morning start at Oban can seem a little difficult - not everyone is an early bird - but once you’ve had the chance to experience the full Scottish breakfast with a lovely cup of tea or coffee, you will feel much more alive. And the truly fantastic thing is that you arrive on the Island with a full day ahead of you to explore, or relax, as much as you like.

BY AIR

If you prefer the ease of flying, every day flights leave and arrive at the small, but very welcoming, Tiree airport. If you have never been on a twin otter aircraft, then you have really been missing a treat. First invented in 1965, this tiny propeller plane is the only passenger plane to land on the island. The Island boasts four runways, and is set up for almost any weather. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a warm and cosy terminal before being able to set off for the rest of your adventure.

Flights leave from Glasgow, Oban and Coll - though if you are coming from further afield then Glasgow is most likely the easiest to get to. The plane is quite small, so tickets per flight are limited, but they run almost every 2 hours so you are guaranteed to be able to find a time and day that suits you.

When you arrive by plane, you might need a little help finding your accommodation. That is where our taxi bus service come in handy. The taxi company here on the Isle of Tiree run a “ring and ride” service, and journeys can be booked in advance on their website. Alternatively, if the weather is good (and as one of the sunniest parts of the UK, it should be) you could walk. The island is well signposted and only 10 miles long and 5 miles wide, so it shouldn’t take too long to get to where you want to be and you can enjoy the picturesque coastline along the way.

SLOW TRAVEL

When you travel through such a stunning part of the world, exploring your surroundings becomes a purpose in itself, rather than being just a journey to a destination. The ferries offer plenty of places for foot passengers and those cycling. Most of the time there is no need to book in advance, except for peak season and festivals etc, so if slow travel is your thing then it is possible to get to Tiree using only trains, buses, boats and your own energy.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Trains run from all over the UK, and sometimes direct, to Glasgow and once you are there it is only a 3 hour journey to the coastline and Oban. This is perhaps one of the most relaxed, and comfiest ways to travel. Little stress, little work and you can really just sit back and enjoy the stunning views. Trains to Oban will shortly allow bicycles to be transported so you can island hop with your own bike without having to bring a car or van.

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by coach, you can get a direct bus straight from Glasgow Buchanan Bus station, which is incredibly easy to find with the use of Glasgow’s fantastic public transport system, and will take you all the way to the ferry port in Oban. Your holiday should be about destressing, and making the most of your time away from the bustle of everyday life - this journey fits that perfectly, and will give you as much of a chance to relax as the rest of your holiday will.

The Isle of Tiree is as well set up for passengers on foot as much as it is for anyone else.

Everybody is welcome, whether they arrive by air, car or public transport. From the moment you step out of your front door, the trip to the Isle of Tiree is an adventure. Dazzling views through Scotland, good food and the ability to travel at your own pace is the only way to holiday.