Getting Here

Airports

The West Highlands may feel wonderfully remote, but it’s easier to reach than you might think. Whether you’re flying from overseas or within the UK, several airports offer convenient access to the region, with onward travel by car, bus, train, or ferry.

Inverness Airport (INV)
The closest airport to Lochaber, Wester Ross, and Skye & Lochalsh. Inverness offers flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, and some European destinations. From here, it’s a scenic drive or train journey into the heart of the West Highlands.

Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Ideal for visitors heading to Lochaber, Oban & North Argyll, or starting the West Highland Way. Glasgow is well-connected with domestic, European, and long-haul flights. It’s around a 2.5-hour drive to Fort William or Oban, and offers direct train and bus routes north.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Scotland’s busiest airport, with global connections. While slightly further away, it’s a good option for those combining a city break with Highland exploration. Expect a 3–4 hour journey by car or public transport.

Benbecula (BEB) and Stornoway (SYY)
These smaller island airports serve the Outer Hebrides but connect via ferry routes through Ullapool or Mallaig, making them part of a scenic, multi-stage adventure.

Ferry Ports

Ferries are a vital part of life in the West Highlands — and a wonderfully scenic way to arrive or explore. Whether you’re island-hopping from the Inner Hebrides or arriving from the Outer Hebrides, several ferry ports connect the region to the rest of Scotland and beyond.

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) are the main ferry operators. As well as ferry timetables and bookings, you’ll find useful travel information on the CalMac website.

Key Ferry Ports in the West Highlands

Oban
A major CalMac ferry hub known as the “Gateway to the Isles.” Ferries from Oban serve:

• Isle of Mull (Craignure) – 45 min crossing
• Coll, Tiree, Barra, Colonsay – longer crossings with spectacular views
• Lismore – a short hop to a quiet island getaway

Oban is ideal for combining island visits with time on the mainland.

Mallaig
Located in Lochaber, Mallaig connects the mainland to:

• Isle of Skye (Armadale) – 30–45 min scenic crossing (Skye can also be reached by car across the toll-free Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh to Broadford)
• Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna, perfect for off-the-beaten-track adventures

Mallaig is easily reached by road or train, including the famous Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William.

Ullapool
A key port in Wester Ross, Ullapool is the mainland link to the Outer Hebrides:

• Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) – 2.5 hour crossing operated by CalMac

This route is ideal for those exploring both the West Highlands and the Hebridean isles.

 

Smaller Ferry Ports

Corran to Ardnamurchan and Morvern
The quickest way to reach the stunning Ardnamurchan and Morvern Peninsulas in Lochaber is by the short crossing aboard the Corran Ferry to Ardgour.

Lochaline – Mull
Tucked away at the western edge of the gorgeous Morvern peninsula, the small ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish in Mull takes about 15 minutes to cross the Sound of Mull. See CalMac for details of the route.

Glenelg – Skye
The original way to reach Skye from the mainland, the historic Skye ferry from Glenelg to Kylerhea runs from April to October. Take the five-minute scenic trip across the narrows on the MV Glenachulish, the world’s last operational manual turntable ferry.

Uig – North Uist & Harris
The ferry to Lochmaddy in North Uist runs from the scenic port of Uig at the north of Skye. You can also cross from here to Tarbert in Harris, with a shorter time at sea than the main ferry from Ullapool to Lewis.

Train Stations

Travelling to the West Highlands by train is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Winding through mountains, skirting lochs, and crossing iconic viaducts, it’s a relaxed and memorable way to arrive — with connections to many key towns and ferry ports in the region.

Main West Highland Line Stations

• Fort William
  The rail hub of Lochaber, Fort William is served by the West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street. This is also where you can board the famous Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig — a must for Harry Potter fans and railway lovers.
• Mallaig
  A charming end-of-the-line station on the coast, Mallaig links directly to ferries for Skye and the Small Isles. The train from Fort William to Mallaig is regularly named as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.
• Oban
  The end of the scenic branch line from Glasgow, Oban provides access to North Argyll and ferry connections to the Inner Hebrides, including Mull, Lismore, and Tiree.
• Kyle of Lochalsh
  This remote and picturesque station connects the mainland to the Skye Bridge. Trains run from Inverness through wild Highland scenery. Please note that the train does not go further than Kyle, so you’ll need to take a bus or taxi from here to Skye if you’re planning on visiting the island.
• Plockton, Stromeferry & Strathcarron
  Smaller stations on the Kyle Line that serve villages in Lochalsh and parts of Wester Ross — great for slow travel and local exploration.
• Ullapool
  Note: Ullapool has no train station, but is easily reached by regular buses from Inverness, which has rail links to major cities and is the nearest station for much of Wester Ross.

Rail Travel Tips

• Book in advance for the best fares, especially in summer
• Consider a ScotRail Highland Rover or Spirit of Scotland pass if travelling widely by train
• Most routes offer space for luggage and bikes
• Bring a camera — the views are world-class!

Arriving by train sets the pace for your Highland adventure — unhurried, scenic, and full of charm. Whether you’re heading to the coast or into the glens, the journey truly is part of the experience.

 

Bus Terminals

Travelling to the West Highlands by bus is affordable, scenic, and ideal for those who want to sit back and enjoy the views. A network of regional and long-distance bus services connects major Scottish cities with Highland towns, ferry ports, and rural communities.

Major Bus Terminals & Hubs

• Fort William Bus Station (Lochaber)
  Located beside Morrisons supermarket, this is a key transport hub with regular services to and from Glasgow, Inverness, Oban, and Skye with Citylink. New electric bus operator Ember also runs a regular bus service to Edinburgh and Glasgow from their nearby bus stop. Local Shiel buses connect Fort William to Glen Nevis, Mallaig, Spean Bridge, and beyond.
• Oban Bus Station (North Argyll)
  Centrally located near the train station and ferry terminal, Oban is well connected to Glasgow, Fort William, and inland villages via Citylink and West Coast Motors services.
• Portree Square (Isle of Skye)
  The main bus stop on Skye, served by buses from Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford, and Uig. See the Stagecoach website for timetables. Scottish Citylink also runs services from Portree to Glasgow and Fort William.
• Kyle of Lochalsh Bus Stop (Lochalsh)
  Near the train station and Skye Bridge, Kyle is a key mainland stop for Skye travellers. Buses connect here to Inverness, Portree, and surrounding villages.
• Ullapool (Wester Ross)
  While Ullapool doesn’t have a formal bus station, long-distance buses stop at the ferry terminal and town centre. It’s the main mainland connection for ferries to the Outer Hebrides, with services to and from Inverness.

Bus Travel Tips

• Scottish Citylink operates most long-distance routes — book online at www.citylink.co.uk
• Local operators, including Stagecoach Highlands and West Coast Motors, serve smaller towns and rural routes
• Bus services are less frequent in remote areas — always check timetables in advance, especially on weekends
• Booking ahead is advised for summer travel, particularly on routes to Skye and Fort William

Travelling by bus lets you see more, spend less, and reduce your environmental impact — while still reaching some of the most stunning corners of the Highlands.