Where does the ferry leave for Skye?

Our Journey PlannerGet the ferry to Skye from Mallaig on the mainland, or Lochmaddy from North Uist and Tarbert (Harris) from Harris. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes.



The primary ferry for the Isle of Skye departs from Mallaig on the Scottish mainland and arrives at Armadale on the southern end of Skye. Operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), this crossing takes about 30–45 minutes and is a popular scenic alternative to the Skye Bridge. In 2026, it is essential to book vehicle space well in advance, especially during the summer months. There is also a smaller, historic turntable ferry that runs from Glenelg to Kylerhea, which is the last of its kind in the world and offers a unique, nostalgic entry point to the island. Additionally, while not directly to Skye, CalMac operates ferries from Uig on Skye to the Outer Hebrides (Harris and North Uist), making Skye a major hub for island hopping in the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

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For those who want to take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, your best option is to take the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Mallaig in the Highlands of Scotland, and then get a ferry from there to Armadale. Located on the west coast, it typically takes between 7 to 9 hours to complete this journey.

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Sailing on her is like being privy to a well-kept secret. At 800 metres, the five-minute crossing from Glenelg to Kylerhea village is the shortest to Skye. It's also the oldest, serviced by a ferry from as early as 1773 – look to the side of the slipway at Glenelg and you'll see the cobbled pier used in those days.

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Mallaig is a port in Morar, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. It faces Skye from across the Sound of Sleat. The local railway station is the terminus of the West Highland Line, and the town is linked to Fort William by the A830 road – the Road to the Isles.

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I recommend you spend at least 2 nights on the Isle of Skye, so you have one full day to fill with one of these itineraries. Day 1 and 4 cover the northern parts of the island, the Trotternish peninsula and north-west Skye towards Dunvegan and Neist Point.

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That said, some ferries sell out, or require you to reserve a spot in advance (especially if you bring a vehicle). Tickets are often more expensive when purchased at the last minute, so by planning ahead and buying your tickets online you can likely save some money.

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If you're wondering how long it takes to drive around the Isle of Skye, the answer is not very long. You could drive around the whole island in about 3 to 5 hours if you didn't stop, but that defeats the purpose of visiting. The island is full of amazing places to visit, which is remarkable given its size.

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