The Isle of Skye is an amazing place to visit and it’s no wonder so many people want to visit here when they travel to Scotland. Given its remote location in northwest Scotland, it's easiest to explore by car or with a guided tour.
Cars can be hired in major centers such as Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness, and there are also some smaller car hire companies on Skye if you want to take public transport to get here and then hire a car instead.
However, many people choose to travel to Skye by public transport, but also want to explore the island on their own.
The easiest way is to take a tour with a local Skye guide, but you still need to get to your accommodation first.
Although there is public transport on Skye, it is mainly to cater for local needs. Service is irregular, varies seasonally, and often does not stop directly at tourist attractions. It's virtually impossible to jump from one location to another all day long, but with careful planning, you might be able to see a thing or two every day.
Therefore, I generally recommend that those wishing to travel by public transport carefully consider where they will stay and the dates of their trip (avoid Sundays!) and consider at least a day with a private guide to tick off more things they want to see.
I didn't mean to hold anyone back! It is possible to visit the Isle of Skye by public transport but requires careful planning.
So here’s some help!
Travel to Isle of Skye
By train and bus:
- From Inverness: Take the train to Kyle Heights, Lochalsh Parish, with beautiful scenery along the way. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. From Kyle of Lochalsh you can take the Stagecoach bus service (52 and 55) or the Citylink bus (915/916/917) to Broadford, Portree ( Portree) and other key locations on Skye.
- From Glasgow: Take the train to Mallaig (approximately 5 hours) and then the ferry to Armadale. From Armadale, take the Stagecoach bus service (number 52) to Broadford and Portree.
- From Edinburgh: Take a train to Inverness or Glasgow and proceed as above.
By direct bus:
- From Glasgow and Inverness: Scottish Citylink operates direct bus services to the Isle of Skye, including stops at Broadford and Portree. The journey from Glasgow takes approximately 6-7 hours, while the journey from Inverness takes approximately 3.5 hours.
- From Edinburgh: You can catch a bus and change at Glasgow, Fort William or Inverness depending on your chosen route.
Public transport in Isle of Skye
The main public transport options on Skye are by bus, including Stagecoach and Citylink. Stagecoach is a smaller, more localized bus and Citylink connects major centres, from Kyle of Lochalsh to Uig via Broadford, Portree ) , but you can use it to merge routes if needed.
Stagecoach main routes
- Route 50/150: Connecting Lochalsh Kyle, Broadford and Portree.
- Route 52: From Armadale to Broadford and Portree.
- Route 57A: From Portree to Uig, you can catch the ferry to the Outer Hebrides.
- Route 57C: Covers parts of the Trotternish Peninsula, including Quiraing, Staffin and Flodigarry.
- Route 56: Travel between Portree and Dunvegan, stopping at various attractions including Fairy Bridge.
Bus travel tips
- schedule: Check the Stagecoach website or app for the latest timetable. Service may be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Day ticket: Consider purchasing a one-day ticket for unlimited Stagecoach travel throughout the day.
- Stops and routes: Plan your trip around available bus stops. If you are traveling somewhere, make sure you can return.
Explore the popular places in Isle of Skye with a bus ride
portrait: The island's largest town and main transportation hub. From here you can catch buses to other parts of Skye. Portree itself has attractions such as a picturesque harbour, local shops and restaurants. From here you can join a group bus tour or boat tour.
Old Man Stoll: It can be reached by bus 57A from Portree. The bus stop is just steps away from the trailhead. You can also reach it via the 57C, but this requires you to go a long way around the Trotternish Peninsula. That would be great if you want to keep admiring the scenery, or choose another location on the route to visit and schedule a different bus trip to Old Manstor.
Dunvegan Castle: Catch a bus to Dunvegan village and walk or take a taxi to the castle. The castle, the seat of the Macleod family, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers seal-viewing opportunities on boat trips.
Quillain and Staffan: Route 57C leads to the stunning scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula, including the villages of Quiraing and Staffin. Quiraing is famous for its otherworldly scenery, perfect for hiking and photography. You'll need to get off at Brogaig Junction and walk to the Quiraing Trail and back, which adds an extra hour or so to your walking time.
Challenges and considerations
- Infrequently: Bus services may be limited, especially in remote areas. Plan your schedule carefully to avoid long waits. Please note the time of the last train to avoid being stranded.
- weather: The weather on Skye is unpredictable. Be sure to have a backup plan in case your bus is delayed or cancelled. Bring waterproof clothing and check the weather forecast regularly.
- Limited service: Some popular attractions cannot be reached directly by bus, such as the Fairy Pools. Be prepared for extra walking or taxi rides. Research the exact location of the bus stop and the distance to your destination.
Choose accommodation
If you are traveling on public transport in Isle of Skye, choose your accommodation carefully. I often see people unable to take the trip or tour they want because their location means they can't get to the right place in time.
I would generally recommend staying in Portree as it has the most transport links and places to eat out within walking distance.
Alternatives to public transportation
tour:
There are several companies that offer guided tours on Skye, covering the main attractions and providing transport between them. This is a stress-free way to explore the island. Tours range from half to multiple days and can include visits to off-the-beaten-path locations.
Taxis and rideshares:
Taxis are available, but they are limited and expensive for longer trips. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist season. You will find that many taxi services book day trips for this reason.
Rideshare services are not common, so taxis are the main option.
Cycling:
While cycling is a rewarding way to explore the Isle of Skye, it is generally not recommended during high season due to the busy and narrow roads, and we personally would not attempt it. If you choose to ride a bike, plan your route carefully, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of traffic. Off-peak riding will be more enjoyable and safer.
Hitchhiking:
I would be hesitant to recommend hitchhiking due to safety concerns, but that's a personal choice. Although less common, there are still hitchhikers on the Isle of Skye. Please exercise caution and use your best judgment. This can be a way to meet locals and other travelers, but always prioritize safety.
It can be used for shorter distances such as the ferry from Armadale to Broadford as most cars travel in that direction.
Visiting the Isle of Skye by public transport may require some planning and flexibility and we highly recommend combining tours with public transport to make the most of your trip, but it offers a unique and immersive way to experience this Stunning Scottish islands.
Sonya x
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