Getting to the Isle of Barra

There are three main routes to get to the Isle of Barra. You can travel with your car via Oban or with your car via Eriskay or you can fly from Glasgow or Benbecula.
Travelling to the Isle of Barra can be a very enjoyable part of your holiday, there are magnificent views of the islands and if your very luck on your journey from Oban you may spot some dolphins or whales.

Flying to the island offers some truly spectacular views, white sand beaches and almost tropical blue waters give you a new appreciation of Barra. (weather permitting)

By Ferry – Oban -Barra

Caledonian MacBrayne run a car ferry service which runs from Oban to Barra(castlebay) and on some days goes via Lochboisdale (Uist). The journey takes around five hours however if the ferry goes via Lochboisdale it can take around seven hours.

The ferry has plenty of outside seating allowing you to truly admire the scenery upon leaving Oban bay and also arriving in Castlebay. Their is a TV area with reclining seats, an observation lounge and a separate bar area. Also there is a cafeteria which serves a variety of hot food and snacks.

Oban – Barra 5 hours
Oban – Lochboisdale 5 hours 20 minutes
Lochboisdale – Barra 1 hour 40 minutes
Calmac Summer timetable

By Ferry – Eriskay – Barra

Caledonian MacBrayne also run a car ferry service which runs from Eriskay to Barra (Ardmhor). This is a smaller ferry which can only take a few cars at a time however is runs a lot more frequently.

This ferry arrives on Barra at Ardmhor which is around 10 miles from Castlebay, there is usually a bus which meets the ferry but not always, please check in advance.

Eriskay – Barra 40 minutes
Calmac Summer timetable

By Air – Glasgow – Barra

Flybe Fly to Barra via Glasgow and via Benbecula. Flying to Barra is very popular as the runway is not tarmac but a beach, The Isle of Barra is believed to be the only commercial beach runway in the world.

Glasgow – Barra 55 minutes
Glasgow – Benbecula 55 minutes
Benbecula – Barra 20 minutes
Flybe Website