What information do I need to know when travelling on the Tobermory - Kilchoan service?
There are 3 routes to/from the island of Mull and one of these is via our non-bookable Tobermory - Kilchoan service. You can also travel via Oban - Craignure and Lochaline - Fishnish.
For those new to travelling on the Tobermory - Kilchoan route, we've shared some useful information to be aware of, below.
This route is a turn up and go service and is operated on a first come first served basis. View the timetable page for sailing times - and always check the service status page for the latest information. You can advance purchase tickets online. Read more about ticket validity for our turn up and go routes.
Travelling to Kilchoan
Directions to the mainland port at Kilchoan can be found using the postcode PH36 4LJ.
Route takes in the Corran Ferry
Please note the route to Kilchoan includes a ferry crossing via The Highland Council’s Opens in new windowCorran Ferry (if travelling from the south including from the Oban direction). You will have to pay separately for this ferry.
Should the Corran ferry not be in operation, there is a much longer detour via Fort William where you will drive north on the A82/A830 towards Lochailort, then turn left onto the A861 before connecting to the B8007 to Kilchoan.
The Corran Ferry operates on a turn up and go service and departs regularly throughout the day. The crossing ordinarily takes around 5 minutes. Once you depart the Corran Ferry at Ardgour, turn left and follow the directions to Strontian.
Directions and route to Kilchoan
Some portions of the road are narrow, and long sections are single track, with passing places (A8884), so please build this into your journey plan. Follow advice on travelling on rural roads - use passing places on your left to allow oncoming and following vehicles to pass, taking care to avoid verges. Be aware of wildlife and grazing livestock which may be close to the road.
When leaving the Corran Ferry, follow directions to Strontian (A861), once you reach Strontian continue on the A861 following signs for Lochailort, once you reach Salen, follow signs to Kichoan on the B8007 (Kilchoan-Tobermory ferry service).
Before you reach Kilchoan, follow signs for Kilchoan-Tobermory pier, and continue on Pier Road for three quarters of a mile before reaching Kilchoan slipway.
Fuel
A fuel station can be found before you arrive at Corran Ferry at North Ballachulish, PH33 6RZ – after you cross the Ballachulish Bridge, after a tight bend to the left. A further petrol station is located in Strontian on the road to Kilchoan – please check opening hours prior to travel.
What to expect at Kilchoan
Kilchoan is a small unmanned port with limited facilities available. Toilets are available 100 metres from the slipway. There is currently no shop or fuel station at Kilchoan. We recommend you plan ahead and come prepared with any food/drink as the drive including ferry journey can take up to 2 and a half hours from Oban. There are local cafes and restaurants in the Kilchoan area, check directly for opening times.
Due to the location of this port, and limited transport connections for foot passengers, this route is more suited for passengers travelling in their own vehicle.
Travelling to Tobermory from Craignure
Directions to the island port on Mull at Fishnish can be found using the postcode PA65 6BA. This only takes around 8-10 mins to drive here from Craignure. Head from Craignure, westwards towards Tobermory/Salen. Approximately 5 miles along this road, just after the Mull Rugby Club on your left, you will see a sign for Lochaline Car Ferry. Turn right here to reach the slipway. There is a message board on the right indicating the next sailing time.
Directions
Directions to the island port on Mull at Tobermory can be found using the postcode PA75 6NU.
This takes around 35 minutes to drive from Craignure. Head from Craignure, westwards towards Tobermory / Salen. Once you reach Tobermory continue to drive through the village, following signs for Tobermory car ferry.
When you reach the RNLI station, continue past this and you will reach slipway. The ticket office is located on the pier. There is a message board at the slipway indicating the next sailing time. The ticket office is open Monday to Saturday, view ticket office opening hours. If the office is closed, you can buy tickets online before you board or from our team on the ferry.
Facilities at Tobermory
Toilets can be found at Tobermory Harbour Association Building 800 metres away from the ticket office. Shops and cafe/restaurants can be found in Tobermory. If you are planning to travel via this crossing from Craignure, please plan ahead by checking shop/cafe/restaurant opening times, and/or come prepared with any food/drink required in the event of any extended wait time at the Tobermory slipway, and for your onward journey from Kilchoan.
There is fuel station located at Craignure, Salen and Tobermory. Information on the facilities from Kilchoan and onwards are shared above.
Onward directions from Kilchoan
Following the crossing from Tobermory to Kilchoan, the drive to Ardgour and the Corran Ferry which connects passengers to the A82 will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Once you arrive at the Kilchoan slipway turn right at the main junction onto the B8007. It is signposted for Salen.
Some portions of the road are narrow, and long sections are single track, with passing places (A8884), so please build this into your journey plan. Follow advice on travelling on rural roads - use passing places on your left to allow oncoming and following vehicles to pass, taking care to avoid verges. Be aware of wildlife and grazing livestock which may be close to the road.
After 20 miles on this road, it arrives at the T-junction with the A861. Turn right here, following signs for Strontian and Corran Ferry. As you arrive at Corran Ferry, follow signs to merge with the ferry lanes on your right.