To reach Islay from Edinburgh, drive about 3½ hours to Kennacraig and take the CalMac car ferry, a crossing of around two hours. Since 2 June 2026 the Port Ellen terminal has been closed for redevelopment (expected to reopen around 2029), so every Kennacraig sailing now goes to Port Askaig. A summer 2026 return costs £18 per adult and £90.80 per car.
Part of our Islay Whisky Guide
How do you get from Edinburgh to the Islay ferry?
The ferry leaves from Kennacraig, on the Kintyre peninsula. From Edinburgh the drive takes roughly 3½ hours, usually via Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Inveraray; from Glasgow allow around 2½–3 hours. The CalMac crossing to Islay takes around two hours, and is operated by vessels including MV Finlaggan and MV Isle of Islay.
Because of the drive plus the crossing, a day trip to Islay from Edinburgh is not realistic. Plan at least two nights on the island.
Why do all ferries go to Port Askaig now?
CalMac closed the Port Ellen ferry terminal on Tuesday 2 June 2026 for a major redevelopment to take larger, new vessels. It is expected to reopen in 2029. Until then, all Kennacraig–Islay sailings use Port Askaig, in the north-east of the island. Existing Port Ellen bookings were moved automatically.
What this means in practice:
- Port Askaig is about 21 miles by road from Port Ellen, so allow extra time to reach the south-coast distilleries (Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg) and south-coast hotels.
- Bowmore is around 15–20 minutes from Port Askaig; Bruichladdich and Kilchoman roughly 25–30 minutes; Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain are right beside the terminal.
- CalMac warns that works at Port Askaig may cause delays, so allow extra time on sailing days.
See CalMac’s Port Ellen closure page for current details.
Our 3-day Islay whisky private tour includes a Toyota Alphard with a bilingual driver-guide, the return ferry and two hotel nights on the island. From £2,274 for 1–2 guests, whole vehicle.
See the 3-day Islay tourHow much is the Islay ferry, and how do you book?
Sample summer 2026 fares, Kennacraig–Port Askaig, from CalMac:
| Ticket | Single | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passenger | £9.00 | £18.00 |
| Car | £45.40 | £90.80 |
| Bicycle | Free | Free |
Booking tips:
- Book online in advance, even as a foot passenger, and use eTickets.
- Check in at least 30 minutes before departure with a vehicle, or 10 minutes as a foot passenger.
- In summer and during the Fèis Ìle festival, car space can sell out weeks ahead, so book the car deck as early as you can.
Fares and timetables change; check the official CalMac route page before you travel. On our private tour, the return ferry for the car and all passengers is included.
What happens if the Islay ferry is cancelled?
Islay sailings can be cancelled or delayed by high winds or technical problems, particularly in autumn and winter. If a sailing on our tour is cancelled, our driver rebooks on the next available ferry and stays with you. Our policy for being held on the island is simple:
- Each extra day on Islay is charged at £200 per day, plus the driver’s room.
- Your own hotel nights for any extra day are arranged with you at the time.
If your ferry booking is moved because of the Port Ellen closure and you face extra costs, CalMac has a passenger-rights form; you can also call CalMac on 0800 066 5000.
Should you leave a spare day before an international flight?
Yes. Because sailings can be disrupted, we recommend not flying home straight off the ferry:
| Travel month | Spare day before your international flight |
|---|---|
| April–October | At least 1 day |
| November–March | At least 2 days |
A spare day in Edinburgh or Glasgow is never wasted, and it protects an expensive long-haul ticket.
Can you fly to Islay instead?
There is also a short Loganair flight from Glasgow to Islay Airport, near Port Ellen. It saves the long drive and crossing, but seats are limited, luggage allowances are small and flights can also be affected by weather. You will need transport on the island once you land, and you would miss the scenic road through Argyll. Check current schedules directly with Loganair.
Our 3-day Islay whisky private tour includes a Toyota Alphard with a bilingual driver-guide, the return ferry and two hotel nights on the island. From £2,274 for 1–2 guests, whole vehicle.
See the 3-day Islay tourFrequently asked
Does the ferry still go to Port Ellen?
No. Port Ellen terminal has been closed since 2 June 2026 for redevelopment and is expected to reopen around 2029. All Kennacraig sailings go to Port Askaig.
How much is the ferry to Islay with a car?
Sample summer 2026 fares Kennacraig–Port Askaig are £45.40 single or £90.80 return for a car, plus £9.00 single or £18.00 return per adult.
What if my Islay ferry is cancelled on a MegaSpace tour?
Our driver rebooks the next available sailing. Each extra day on the island is £200 plus the driver’s room.