Transport on the Isle of Arran
Ferry, bus and car-free travel to the Isle of Arran. Ferry routes to Brodick and Lochranza, island bus routes, cycling, taxis and car hire. Everything you need to plan your trip to Whiting Bay.
Ferries: Getting to Arran
There are two ferry terminals on Arran - one in Brodick and one in Lochranza.
Most visitors get the ferry to Arran via Brodick (there are hourly ferries from either Ardrossan or Troon) - with the crossing taking just under an hour. If you're coming by car, it's worth booking in advance as car spaces sell out. The crossing is subsidised by the Scottish Government, with a single car fare costing £21. Tickets can be changed (or cancelled) for free before the date of travel.
The ferry between Lochranza and Claonaig cannot be booked, but runs continuously through the day. This route is ideal for travelling from or to Islay or to explore Kintyre.
We strongly recommend booking directly with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), rather than through third parties.
Ferry tickets can be changed at no cost before the date of travel and cost the same for single or return tickets. Multi island tickets are available if you plan to visit other islands on your trip.
Detailed information and booking is available via the Cal Mac website.
Sorted your travel? Now sort where you'll stay...
Clyde House is in the centre of Whiting Bay on the island's east coast, a short walk from the 323 bus stop. Buses meet ferries, so you can get here without a car.
Bus Services on Arran
Buses run regularly between the main villages on Arran, with buses from Brodick and Lamlash to Whiting Bay available into the evening. Buses are timed to meet ferries, which makes it easy to travel to Arran without a car.
You can check the latest timetable via Google Maps or stagecoachbus.com.
The nearest bus stop to Clyde House is at the bottom of the hill, opposite MBS stores. You can get the 323 or 323a from Brodick Pier.
Taxis on Arran
Most taxi firms on the island just have one or two cars so it’s best to pre-book.
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ITS Private Hire (based in Lamlash): 07802 542495
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Arran Taxi (based in Brodick): 07901 068968
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ARC Private Hire: 07776 082752
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Arran Private Hire: 07908 843144
Car Hire
Arran Motors offer a range of cars and even vans to hire on the island. Contact details are on their website.
Petrol on Arran
Getting petrol on Arran is relatively easy, though local prices are expensive. If possible, it's worth filling up on before you come over.
There are 4 petrol stations on Arran:
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Brodick Pier
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Whiting Bay Garage
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MBS Whiting Bay (just down the road from Clyde House)
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Blackwaterfoot Garage
EV charging on Arran
While there's no EV charging at Clyde House itself, there are charging points available across the island.
For an up to date list of available electric vehicle charging points on Arran, see Zap Map
Cycling on Arran
Arran is a popular place for a cycling holiday with beautiful scenery and quiet roads, along with off-road routes including the forestry road network.
The island is known for being on the 5 Ferries cycling route. The demanding 55 mile (89 kilometre) circular loop around Arran is also very popular.
See the Visit Arran website for information about some of the most popular road cycling route along with mountain biking and off-road cycling routes
Clyde House has a shed available to store your bikes during your stay. There's a self-service bike repair station with a pump and tools at the bottom of the road. What3Words. For anything repairs which you need help with, Bay Serrvices in the centre of Whiting Bay can help.
E-Bike charging on Arran
We have external sockets at Clyde House which you are welcome to use when you stay.
There is also a free, covered e-bike charging hub in Brodick if you need a top up while you are out and about for the day. What3Words
Air Travel
For visitors coming from further afield, the Arran ferry terminals are well placed for either Glasgow or Prestwick Airport.
Prestwick Airport
By taxi, the airport is just over 10 minutes to Troon Harbour, or half an hour to Ardrossan.
Prestwick mainly offers flights to destinations in Spain and Italy, while Glasgow offers a wide range of destinations including London, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, the USA and Canada.
Glasgow Airport
The airport is 40 minutes from Ardrossan or 45 from Troon by taxi.
