Port Ellen port

Situated to the South of glorious Islay, Port Ellen is a charming small town built around Leodamais Bay, the island’s main deep water harbour. Our route connects the south is Islay with Kennacraig near Tarbert on the mainland.

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The village of Port Ellen with hillside houses, greenery, and a dock area featuring trucks and stacked logs in the foreground.

Port Ellen port

Situated to the South of glorious Islay, Port Ellen is a charming small town built around Leodamais Bay, the island’s main deep water harbour. Our route connects the south is Islay with Kennacraig near Tarbert on the mainland.

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Port information

Caledonian MacBrayne

Port Ellen

Isle of Islay

PA42 7DW

Opening hours from 28 March 2025 - 19 October 2025

  • Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri: 6.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
  • Tue: 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
  • Sat: 6.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m
  • Sun: 8:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m

Key Information

  • This is a bookable route.  We advise you to book and reserve your preferred sailing in advance.
  • If you arrive at the port without a reservation we may still be able to carry you. Please proceed to the ticket office.
  • Pre-Booking of vehicles is strongly recommended.
  • Crossing Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.
  • Operates all year round.

Check in process

Vehicles

  • Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
  • The check-in booth is situated on the left-hand side after the car park entrance.
  • If you arrive earlier than the stated check in time please do not join the boarding lanes.
  • If the check-in booth is not manned please follow signs - terminal staff will check you in.
  • If you miss your booked sailing, or the size of your vehicle differs from that declared, you may have to pay an additional fee.
  • We reserve the right to amend your booking appropriately on arrival. 

Nearby

  • Fill up for your island adventure at the local petrol station, 500 metres from the port
  • Make sure you have plenty of cash for those island souvenirs, the nearest cash machine is 250 metres away in the Spar shop
  • Need some essentials from the shop? Get everything you need at the local store, 250 metres away
  • Check out the Visit Scotland Opens in new windowguide to Port Ellen to learn more about the fabulous food and drink offerings available on the island

Connections

  • Connect with the local bus service, 250 metres away from the port.
Home
Bus 324 to Brodick Pier driving near a ferry terminal, with a large ferry and another bus visible in the background.

Connecting ports

Kennacraig Ferry Terminal with a red bilingual welcome sign in English and Gaelic, accessible parking area, and a red car nearby.

Kennacraig

Kintyre

Port Askaig

Isle of Islay