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.

Opens in new window Buy tickets Timetables

Port Ellen will be closed from Tuesday 2 June 2026

From Tuesday 2 June, Port Ellen on Islay will temporarily close for upgrades and modernisation by CMAL. The site will be closed until 2029. During this time, our Islay service will operate between Kennacraig-Port Askaig. Read our guide to travelling to Islay during the Port Ellen closure.

Find out more

Port information

Caledonian MacBrayne

Port Ellen

Isle of Islay

PA42 7DW

Until 1 June 2026

  • Mon: 6.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m
  • Tues/Fri: 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
  • Wed: 6.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
  • Thu: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m
  • Sat: 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m
  • Sun: 12.00 p.m - 5.00 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. 

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

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

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.
Bus 324 to Brodick Pier driving near a ferry terminal, with a large ferry and another bus visible in the background.

Connections

  • Connect with the local bus service, 250 metres away from the port.