Getting around

By Bus

islay-bus-service

There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. They both stick to the main roads on the island. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. The 451 service runs between Port Askaig in the north-east and Port Elen and Ardbeg in the south. Check the latest timetable to plan your journey.

By Car

islay-by-car

You can take your own car to Islay via the ferry service and explore the island that way.

Car hire is another option that Cresswell Cars Ltd and Islay Car Hire offer from the terminal building at Islay Airport.    

There's also a good selection of taxi services for tours, transfers and private hire:

By taxi

Attic Cabs   07944 873323 atticcabs@gmail.com
Bodachs Islay Taxi   07513 066029  
Bonnie Islay Taxis   07903 568724  
Bowmore Taxi Service 01496 810449 07899 756159   
Bruichladdich Taxis 01496 850271 07899 942673   
Carol's Cabs 01496 302155 07775 782155   
Cathy Heads Taxi   07376 952320 cathyheads@yahoo.co.uk
Dougie MacTaggart   07474 686367  
Hughie’s Taxi   07737 491429  
Islay Taxis  01496 850170 07771 921157   
Islay Tours and Private Hire   07474 686367  
Jim's Taxi Bowmore   07967 505991  
Lamb Islay Taxi   07846 055399  
McIntyre Private Hire Taxi - Islay   07359 489038  

By Bike

islay-cycling

Islay is a small island, so cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly option for getting around. The largely flat terrain makes it feasible fitness-wise, and the low level of traffic ensures that it’s relatively safe. You can also see Islay’s beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife up close.

In Port Ellen, Islay Cycles has bike hire and repairs, and you can hire the latest e-bikes at Islay E-Wheels and Kayak Wild Islay.

In Bowmore, there's also Islay Bike Hire, while in Bruichladdich the Velo Club D'Ardbeg meet for a ride at Debbie's Mini-Market every Sunday at 10am: newcomers are welcome to join them!