Explore the best options to travel to the Isle Harris
The Isle of Harris isn’t exactly around the corner… but that’s the beauty of the island. Not many people “stray” to the islands for a day visit. It takes some time effort to travel to the Isle of Harris. However, you are rewarded with unspoilt beauty, glorious beaches and a glimpse into a traditional lifestyle and you can explore the wild beauty of the island.
(Example travel routes are shown from Glasgow or Edinburgh, Scotland.)
Island Info
Important to know: While it’s called the “Isle of Harris” and the “Isle of Lewis”, they are actually one island with different routes in and out.
You can drive between them once you’re on the island.
Uig, Isle of Skye to Tarbert, Harris
The Scenic Route – Travelling to the Isle of Harris through Glencoe & the Isle of Skye
Make a day of it and enjoy the glory of the Scottish landscape and travel through Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. You could even stay over on the Isle of Skye and extend your holiday before entering the Harris tranquility.
Especially if you’re keen on taking photographs, this is an amazing route to stop regularly and come home with more photos.
Please check the ferry time table and book your ticket in advance.
Ferry crossing time between Uig, Skye and Tarbert, Harris: 1:40 hour.
Ferry from Uig, Isle of Skye to Tarbert, Isle of Harris
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Buachaille Etive Mhor Waterfall Glen Coe, Scotland
Od Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
The Skye Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Winter Isle of Skye
Glen Coe Snow covered
Ullapool to Stornoway, Lewis
Travelling past Aviemore and Inverness to Ullapool
While this route is a little bit longer (if you travel from the South), it might feel quicker as you’re missing out potential traffic in Glencoe and avoiding tourist traffic on the Isle of Skye.
Many sections of the A9 are now dual carriageway so that you’re in Inverness in no time! Enjoy the wilderness and vast and remote landscape between Inverness and Ullapool before boarding the ferry to Stornoway.
The ferry service is more frequent between Ullapool and Stornoway, the ferry is bigger and can take more cars & passengers.
From Stornoway to Harris and Oran Na Mara it will take you approximately 90 minutes.
Please check the ferry time table and book your ticket in advance.
Ferry crossing time between Ullapool and Stornoway, Lewis: 2:30 hours.
Can you travel to Harris by public transport?
Oh yes! It will be an adventure!
- Take the bus (Citylink)
- Take the ferry (Calmac)
- Take the bus in Stornoway to Harris or on Tarbert to Leverburgh.
- Or: Hire a car from Car Hire Hebrides – they have an office at the ferry port.
Citylink Bus travels from Edinburgh or Glasgow directly to the ferry port in Uig, Isle of Skye or the ferry port in Ullapool.
The local bus on Harris and Lewis is matched to the ferry arrival times. Oran Na Mara is on the local bus route between Tarbert and Leverburgh and if you speak nicely to the driver, they will stop right outside our holiday home 🙂
Take the plane to Stornaway and travel to the Isle of Harris with a hire car
Loganair flies from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stornoway. It’s a very short flight – only about 40 minutes. The plane is much smaller with only 3 seats in each row. The cabin service is super cute! They hand out biscuits during the flight 🙂
Once you arrive in Stornoway, you can pick up your hire car from Car Hire Hebrides. They are located directly at the airport.
Loganair Plane to Stornoway
Loganair Plane to Stornoway
Stornoway Airport Arrivals
The Forth Bridges from the air
Plan your Harris holiday and stay on the Isle of Harris
