Travel to get to the Isle of Harris
or Outer Hebrides is either by ferry or by air.
The Outer Hebrides are linked to the mainland by ferries sailing the routes from Ullapool to Stornoway, Uig to Tarbert, Uig to Lochmaddy and Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale.
For timetable details,or to make a booking, look at www.calmac.co.uk or phone 0800 066 5400.
There are also inter-island ferries sailing from Barra to Eriskay and Berneray to Harris.
Another route get to Harris is through Skye from Mallaig to Armadale and then overland to the ferry at Uig.
Your choice to get to the Isle of Harris is dependent on where you are setting off from and also if you are doing a tour of the Western Isles.
To get to the Isle of Harris is not necessarily just a thing that you have to do to start your holiday. It should be part of the holiday in itself.
You pass through some amazing scenery even before you get to the ferry terminal and consider the ferry as a cruise.
There is nothing to stop you coming onto Harris on one ferry and departing from Stornoway on Lewis. Don't forget that the islands are joined.
Perhaps even consider getting on the ferry at Oban and drive up through Barra and the Uists. If starting early from Oban, its quite 'doable'.
Flights
Airports are in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in Benbecula and on the Isle of Barra.
More information about these airports can be found at HIA - The Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.
Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, provides you with the greatest number of flight options to/from the isles with over 50 years’ experience. Loganair.co.uk
Hebridean Air Services Limited now operate the service between Benbecula and Stornoway.
and Loganair operate to and from Barra airport.
Bus Services
The bus service through the islands is good. See further details below. All services are weather dependent, so please bear this in mind when planning your holiday.
Bus services through the Western Isles run either direct to Stornoway, or offer connection to/from Stornoway. Most services run Monday to Saturday. Bus fares are inexpensive with through fares available on many connecting buses. Day Returns offer a discount and are available for all journeys which return to the same start point.
The best pace to find up to date timetables and routes is on the Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) website:
Uists, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay:
Car hire
Car hire and taxi service can be found on the links below.