How to get to lewis and harris
Lewis and Harris is an enchanting destination wrapped in the beauty of the Outer Hebrides and is a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Located off the west coast of Scotland, this stunning island offers breathtaking landscapes, idyllic beaches, and a fascinating history.
Getting to Lewis and Harris requires some planning, as it is not connected to the mainland by bridge or tunnel. However, the journey is part of the adventure and traveling to this captivating destination is definitely worth the effort.
If you prefer air travel, the closest airport to Lewis and Harris is Stornoway Airport. It is served by regular flights from major cities in the UK, such as Glasgow, Inverness, and Edinburgh. From the airport, you can easily rent a car or take a taxi to explore the island at your own pace.
If you prefer a scenic route, you can also travel by ferry. Caledonian MacBrayne operates regular ferry services from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis and Harris. The ferry journey offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the possibility of spotting marine wildlife along the way.
Directions to Lewis and Harris
If you are planning a trip to Lewis and Harris, there are several options to reach this stunning destination in Scotland. Here are the main directions you can follow:
- By Plane:
- By Ferry:
- By Bus:
- By Car:
- By Train:
- By Cycle:
The easiest way to reach Lewis and Harris is by flying to Stornoway Airport, which has regular flights from major cities in mainland UK, including Glasgow and Inverness. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to your destination.
If you prefer a maritime voyage, you can take a ferry from various ports in mainland Scotland, such as Ullapool or Oban, to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, and timetable information is available on their website.
If you are already in Scotland, you can take a bus to Lewis and Harris. Citylink operates buses from both Inverness and Glasgow to Stornoway. The journey may take several hours, but you will enjoy breathtaking views along the way.
If you prefer to drive, you can reach Lewis and Harris by taking the A9 north from Inverness, and then crossing the sea on the A835/A838. From Ullapool, you can take the ferry to Stornoway. The drive is long but provides beautiful scenery, so be sure to plan your stops accordingly.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Lewis and Harris. The nearest train stations are in Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, you can take a bus or drive to your destination.
If you are an adventurous cyclist, you can also reach Lewis and Harris by cycling. There are various cycling routes in the region, and you can combine your journey with a ferry trip or use the dedicated cycling paths available.
Whichever way you choose to travel to Lewis and Harris, make sure to plan your trip well in advance, especially during peak seasons. This way, you can fully enjoy the magic of this unique destination.
By Air
If you prefer to travel by air, the nearest airport to Lewis and Harris is Stornoway Airport (SYY), located on the Isle of Lewis. The airport offers regular flights from various cities in Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness.
From Stornoway Airport, you can reach Lewis and Harris by taking a taxi or renting a car. Taxi services are available outside the airport terminal, and car rental options can be booked in advance or upon arrival. The journey from the airport to the island takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the specific destination.
Flight Information
Stornoway Airport operates regular flights throughout the week, although schedules may vary depending on the season. The most frequent flights are from Glasgow and Edinburgh with multiple daily departures. Flight duration from these cities is approximately 1 hour.
Additional Airport Services
Stornoway Airport offers various amenities for travelers including dining options, duty-free shopping, and car parking facilities. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your departure time to allow for check-in and security procedures.
| Airport Name | Code | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stornoway Airport | SYY | Isle of Lewis, Scotland |
By Ferry
Traveling to Lewis and Harris by ferry is a popular and scenic option. There are several ferry services available that can take you to the islands from various mainland locations. The most common routes are from Ullapool and Oban on the west coast of Scotland.
| Route | Operator | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ullapool to Stornoway | Calmac | Multiple sailings per day |
| Oban to Castlebay (Barra) | Calmac | Twice a week |
The ferry crossings are operated by Calmac, the main ferry operator in Scotland. The sailings are usually comfortable, with amenities such as onboard cafes, lounges, and outdoor deck areas for enjoying the views.
Booking a Ferry
It is recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book online through Calmac’s website or by calling their reservation line. By booking ahead, you can secure your preferred sailing times and make your travel planning more seamless.
Arriving at the Islands
Once you arrive at Stornoway or Castlebay, there are various transport options available to explore Lewis and Harris. You can rent a car, take a bus, or even hire a taxi to get around the islands.
Traveling by ferry is not only a convenient way to reach Lewis and Harris but also an opportunity to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the way. Be sure to check the ferry timetables in advance and make your travel arrangements accordingly.
By Car
If you prefer to travel by car, getting to Lewis and Harris is possible through ferry services from the Scottish mainland. From Ullapool, you can take the CalMac ferry to Stornoway, located in the Isle of Lewis. The ferry ride takes around 2 and a half hours.
Alternatively, you can also drive to the Isle of Harris by taking the scenic route via the A859 road from Tarbert, located in the Isle of Lewis. This route offers picturesque views of the Scottish Highlands and the stunning coastline of Harris.
It is important to note that driving in Lewis and Harris can be quite challenging, especially if you are not used to narrow and winding roads. It is advisable to take caution and drive slowly, particularly in rural areas.
There are car hire options available in Stornoway and Tarbert if you do not have a vehicle of your own. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
Keep in mind that fuel stations are not as common in Lewis and Harris as they are on the Scottish mainland. It is advisable to plan your fuel stops accordingly to avoid running out of petrol on your journey.
Overall, traveling by car to Lewis and Harris offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the scenic routes at your own pace.
By Public Transportation
Getting to Lewis and Harris by public transportation is easy and convenient. Here are some options for you to consider:
1. By Bus: There are regular bus services that connect Lewis and Harris with other parts of Scotland, including major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. The journey by bus takes approximately 5-6 hours from these cities to Lewis and Harris.
2. By Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry to Lewis and Harris. There are regular ferry services from mainland Scotland, such as Ullapool or Oban, to Stornoway, which is the main town on the island. The ferry journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on the route.
3. By Air: If you prefer to travel by air, there are flights available from several cities in Scotland to Stornoway Airport, located in Lewis. Flights are operated by airlines like Loganair and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Please note: It is recommended to check the latest schedules and book your tickets in advance to secure your seats as public transportation options to Lewis and Harris can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
Once you arrive at Lewis and Harris, you can use local buses or taxis to explore the island and get around between different towns and attractions. Hiring a car is also a popular option for travelers who want more flexibility and convenience in their transportation.
Overall, traveling to Lewis and Harris by public transportation is a great way to experience the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of these beautiful islands in Scotland.
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