Getting There & Away: Western Isles

Air Travel

Island Airports & Airlines

Stornoway (SYY) on Lewis, Benbecula (BEB), and Barra (BRR) serve the islands. Barra's beach runway presents an unique landing.

Information

Loganair is the main carrier, providing lifeline services.
Routes typically connect to Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI), and Inverness (INV).
Seasonal flight availability: year-round, with reduced frequency in winter.

International Connections & Transfers

No direct international flights operate to the Western Isles. International travelers fly into major UK hubs (London Heathrow, Glasgow, Edinburgh) then connect to a domestic flight.

Transfer Considerations

Plan ample time for transfers between international and domestic terminals.
Airport transfers: Taxis and limited bus services at Stornoway; pre-booking taxis for Benbecula/Barra.
Car rental agencies available at Stornoway and Benbecula airports.

Flight Search & Deals

Explore flight deals through Dollar Flight Club that identify low fares.

Comprehensive Flight Search

Utilize platforms like Skyscanner that compare prices across various airlines.

Flight Compensation

Passengers may claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights via AirHelp.

Ferry Services to the Western Isles

Caledonian MacBrayne CalMac Routes

CalMac operates the extensive ferry network. This represents the main method for reaching the islands with a vehicle.
Mainland to Western Isles Routes: Ullapool to Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) - ~2h 30m.
Uig (Isle of Skye) to Tarbert (Isle of Harris) or Lochmaddy (North Uist) - ~1h 40m.
Oban to Castlebay (Isle of Barra) or Lochboisdale (South Uist) for southern islands.

Inter-Island & Cruise Connections

Inter-island Ferry Routes: Leverburgh (Harris) to Otternish (North Uist); Eriskay to Barra.
Immigration Procedures: No specific procedures beyond general UK entry requirements for domestic arrivals.
Connections to Land Transportation: Ferry terminals usually have limited public transport links or taxis.
Cruise Ports: Stornoway has a port accommodating cruise ships for day visits to Lewis.

Car Rental for Arrival

Pre-Booking Essential

Pre-booking a rental car finds strong advice, specifically during peak season, as island fleet sizes remain limited.

Local Providers

Local companies like Car Hire Hebrides and Lewis Car Rental are the main providers on the islands.

Location & Pickup

Car rental agencies are available in Stornoway, Benbecula, and Barra, often near main ferry ports or airports.

Departure Information

Air Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied when departing the Western Isles by air.

Airport Protocol

For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the airport at least 60-90 minutes before scheduled departure.
Security checks are standard, but processing is usually quick due to the small size of island airports.
Island airports offer minimal facilities; plan to bring any provisions for your journey.

Sea Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing the Western Isles by sea.

Ferry Protocol

If traveling by car, CalMac's recommended arrival times typically run 30-60 minutes before departure.
Foot passengers may arrive closer to the departure time.
Always check for any service updates or delays via the CalMac website or app, specifically during adverse weather.

Car Rental Return

Ensure a smooth rental car return before your departure.

Return Guidelines

Return rental cars at designated airport or ferry terminal locations as per agreement.
Confirm fuel policy compliance (e.g., full to full).
Conduct a quick inspection with staff upon return to note any existing damage.

Airport & Station Facilities

Island airports and ferry terminals offer basic facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities at Departure Points

Island airports offer minimal facilities, usually just a small waiting area and check-in desks.
Stornoway Airport presents a small café and gift shop.
Ferry terminals provide basic waiting areas and often a small café or shop for snacks and drinks.

Departure Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.
Your policy should cover trip cancellation or interruption, especially given potential weather-related ferry disruptions.
Coverage for lost luggage and personal liability.

Medical emergencies and emergency repatriation.
World Nomads is a travel insurance storefront for adventurous travelers.
SafetyWing offers insurance designed for digital nomads and remote teams.

Car Rental Resources

Rental Procedures & Requirements

Car rental is highly recommended and frequently finds necessity for independent and efficient exploration of the islands.

Requirements

Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit helpful if not UK/EU).
Credit card for the deposit.
Minimum age requirement (typically 21 or 25, surcharge for under 25).

Local & International Companies

Book your rental car well in advance, specifically during peak season, as the fleet size on the islands remains limited.

Company Overview

Local companies like Car Hire Hebrides and Lewis Car Rental are main providers.
Smaller local providers may appear on Barra.
Major international companies like Hertz or Avis generally do not have direct branches on the islands.

Driving Laws & Roads

Drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 60 mph on single carriageways. Seatbelts are required.

Road Conditions

Many roads are single-track with passing places. Watch for sheep and deer, which often roam freely on the roads.

Parking Information

Parking generally remains free and ample in most towns and at attractions. Designated parking areas are available.

Car Rental Companies

Local & Regional Options

Providers

Car Hire Hebrides: Serves Stornoway (Lewis) and Benbecula. Local, established, offers a range of vehicles.
Lewis Car Rental: Based in Stornoway (Lewis). A local company with competitive rates.
Barra Car Hire: Specific to Barra, suitable for exploring that island.

Booking Recommendations

Strategic Booking

Book early to secure your vehicle and avoid disappointment, notably in summer.
Arnold Clark (nearest on mainland, e.g., Inverness) possesses a larger fleet but less island pickup convenience.
Only consider mainland pickup if flying into the mainland first and driving over.

Car Rental Comparison

Company Name

Car Hire Hebrides
Lewis Car Rental
Barra Car Hire

Locations Served

Stornoway (Lewis), Benbecula
Stornoway (Lewis)
Barra (Castlebay, Airport)

Features

Local, established. Offers a range of vehicles.
Local company, competitive rates.
Specific to Barra, good for exploring the island.

Driving Tip

When driving on single-track roads, use passing places courteously. Pull into a passing place on your left to let oncoming traffic pass, or on your right if the passing place is on your right and it is safe to do so.

Getting There & Away