Benbecula

Bus

The bus route to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. If you’re travelling to Mallaig by bus – the journey to Fort William will take 3 hours from Glasgow, where you can change to the local bus service, or the train direct to Mallaig, or onwards to Oban.

From Glasgow, there’s a direct service throughout the year to Uig, Skye which will take around 7 hours.

• Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Campervans and motorhomes

If you’re travelling by Campervan or Motorhome – or with a Caravan, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) ask that visitors stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots only. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on the fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on the communities.

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.

Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides. 

Car

It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to drive to Oban from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness. The car journey from Glasgow to Uig, Skye will take around 5 hours and 45 minutes. 

• If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
• We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
• For full details about the location of Mallaig and Oban ports and the facilities there, visit our port section.

Train

If you're travelling to Oban from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll travel through Glasgow to reach the port of Oban.

There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, taking just over 3 hours. If you’re travelling to Mallaig, you’ll also travel from Glasgow Queen Street directly – via Fort William. The journey takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Alternative Routes

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Benbecula via the Outer Hebrides which are supported by good connectivity throughout the islands.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

In addition to reaching Barra from Oban, you can also travel to the Outer Hebrides via: alternative route options to the Outer Hebrides:

• Castlebay (Barra) from Oban 
• Lochboisdale (South Uists) from Oban and from Mallaig
• Lochmaddy (North Uists) from Uig (Skye) 
• Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye) 
• Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool 

Bike

Keen to get on your bike in Benbecula? The Island links into the 185-mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route that crosses 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries.

• If you’re looking to hire bikes in Benbecula, you’ll find details can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.
• If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
• Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited
• Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

Bus

If you’re travelling by bus in the Outer Hebrides, bus services operate regularly (Monday to Saturday)

• Buses in / from Benbecula are operated on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
• Local services from Benbecula link directly to both Lochmaddy Pier (North Uist), and Lochboisdale (South Uist).
• Take time to review the timetables for outward and return journeys.
• Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner.
• If you’re travelling as a group, there may be limited seating capacity and groups of 6 or more are advised to contact the operator in advance.

Car

Many visitors to the Outer Hebrides like to take a vehicle because you can travel around as you wish. A car is a must if you want to explore the more isolated areas.

• Travelling in an Electric Vehicle? Use ChargePlace Scotland to find and use over 2,000 EV charging points all over the country.

We’ve shared more driving tips below.

On foot

The Isle of Benbecula neighbours both North and South Uist and is connected by causeways. It’s beautiful and relatively flat, meaning it’s ideal for visitors wishing to explore the island’s unspoilt moorlands.

• Check the Visit Outer Hebrides or the Walk Highlands site for information on a selection of walking trails in Benecula.
• The walking trails include nature viewpoints to climbs up Rueval (Ruabhal) the highest point on Benbecula.