Transport on the Isle of Arran

While a car makes it very easy to get between villages, Arran is well served by public transport with regular buses between the main villages including in the evenings. There are also good cycling options and a number of taxi companies.

Ferries: Getting to Arran

There are two ferry terminals on Arran - one in Brodick and one in Lochranza.

Most visitors come 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.

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 0f the hill, opposite MBS stores.

Taxis on Arran

Most taxi firms on the island just have one or two cars so it’s best to pre-book.

ITS private hire (based in Lamlash): 07802 542495
Arran taxi (based in Brodick): 07901 068968
ARC private hire: 07776 082752

Car Hire

Arran Motors offer a range of cars and even vans to hire on the island. Contact details are on their website.

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.