The Isle of Skye is a stunning place to visit, and it’s no wonder so many people want to come here when they travel to Scotland. Given its remoteness in the northwest of Scotland, it’s easiest to explore by car or on a guided tour.
Cars can be rented in major centres like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, or there are a few smaller hire companies on the Isle of Skye if you want to travel here by public transport and then switch to a hire car.
However, many people choose to travel to the Isle of Skye by public transport and also want to explore the island on their own.
The easiest way to do this would be on a guided tour with a local Skye guide, but you will still need to get to your accommodation initially.
But if you’re not confident in driving or don’t want to for whatever reason, public transport is possible. Sometimes, you may just want to build a car-free day into your itinerary!
While there is public transportation on the Isle of Skye it is mainly to serve local needs. Services are not particularly regular, change with the seasons, and do not tend to stop directly at tourist sites. Hopping from site to site throughout the day is not really possible, but rather, with careful planning, you may be able to see one or two things a day.
For this reason, I usually recommend that those wishing to travel by public transport consider carefully where they stay and their travel days (avoid a Sunday!) and also consider a private guide for at least one day to tick off a larger amount of the things they would like to see.
I don’t mean to put anyone off! It is possible to travel the Isle of Skye by public transport, but it requires careful planning.
So here’s some help!
Getting to the Isle of Skye
By Train and Bus:
- From Inverness: Take a train to Kyle of Lochalsh, a scenic journey of around 2.5 hours. From Kyle of Lochalsh, Stagecoach bus services (routes 52 and 55) or the Citylink Bus (915/916/917) connect you to Broadford, Portree, and other key locations on Skye.
- From Glasgow: Take a train to Mallaig (around 5 hours), then catch the ferry to Armadale. From Armadale, Stagecoach bus services (route 52) link to Broadford and Portree.
- From Edinburgh: Take the train to Inverness or Glasgow and proceed as above.
By Direct Bus:
- From Glasgow and Inverness: Scottish Citylink operates direct bus services to Skye, including stops in Broadford and Portree. The journey from Glasgow takes around 6-7 hours, while from Inverness, it’s approximately 3.5 hours.
- From Edinburgh: You can take a bus and with a change in either Glasgow, Fort William, or Inverness depending on the route you choose.
Public Transport on the Isle of Skye
The primary public transport option on the Isle of Skye is by bus, with both Stagecoach and Citylink. Stagecoach is a smaller, more local bus, and Citylink connects the major centres from Kyle of Lochalsh through Broadford, Portree, to Uig, but you can use it to join up routes where needed.
- For Stagecoach website and timetables click here.
- For Citylink website and timetables click here.
Stagecoach Key Routes
- Route 50/150: Connecting Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford, and Portree.
- Route 52: From Armadale to Broadford and Portree.
- Route 57A: Portree to Uig, useful for accessing the ferry to the Outer Hebrides.
- Route 57C: Covers parts of the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Quiraing, Staffin, and Flodigarry.
- Route 56: Runs between Portree and Dunvegan, stopping at various points of interest, including the Fairy Bridge.
Tips for Bus Travel
- Timetables: Check the Stagecoach website or app for up-to-date schedules. Services can be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Day Tickets: Consider purchasing a day ticket for unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses within a day.
- Stops and Routes: Plan your itinerary around the available bus stops. Ensure you can make the return journey if you’re travelling somewhere.
Exploring Skye’s Popular Places by Bus
Portree: The island’s largest town and main transport hub. From here, you can access other parts of Skye by bus. Portree itself offers attractions such as the picturesque harbour, local shops, and restaurants. You could take a group bus tour from here or a boat tour.
Old Man of Storr: Accessible via bus route 57A from Portree. The bus stop is a short walk from the trailhead. You can also access it via 57C but this takes you the long way around the Trotternish Peninsula. Good if you want to take in the views and not stop, or pick another location on that route to visit and time it with getting another bus on to the Old Man of Storr.
Dunvegan Castle: Take the bus to Dunvegan village and walk or take a taxi to the castle. The castle, the seat of the MacLeod clan, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers boat trips to see seals.
Quiraing and Staffin: Route 57C provides access to the stunning landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Quiraing and the village of Staffin. The Quiraing is known for its otherworldly landscapes, perfect for hiking and photography. You will need to get off at Brogaig Junction and walk up to the Quiraing trail and back, which adds an extra hour or so of walking.
Challenges and Considerations
- Infrequency: Bus services can be limited, especially in remote areas. Plan your schedule carefully to avoid long waits. Make note of the last bus times to avoid being stranded.
- Weather: Skye’s weather can be unpredictable. Always have a backup plan in case of bus delays or cancellations. Carry waterproof clothing and check the weather forecast regularly.
- Limited Services: Some popular sites are not directly accessible by bus, like the Fairy Pools. Be prepared for additional walks or taxi rides. Research the exact locations of bus stops and the distance to your destination.
Choosing Your Accommodation
If you are travelling by public transport on the Isle of Skye, then choose your accommodation carefully. I have often seen people unable to make journeys or tours they would like to because their location means they can’t make it to the right place in time.
I would usually recommend you stay in Portree, as it has the most connections and places to eat out within walking distance.
Alternatives to Public Transport
Tours:
Several companies offer guided tours of Skye, covering major attractions and providing transportation between them. This can be a stress-free way to explore the island. Tours range from half-day to multi-day options and can include visits to off-the-beaten-path locations.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing:
Taxis are available but are limited and would be expensive to take for long journeys. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons. You will find many taxi services book out as day tours for this reason.
Ride-sharing services are not as common, so taxis are the main alternative.
Cycling:
While cycling can be a rewarding way to explore the Isle of Skye, it is generally not recommended during peak season due to busy and narrow roads and we would personally not attempt it ourselves. If you do choose to cycle, plan your routes carefully, wear appropriate safety gear, and be mindful of traffic. Cycling off-peak can be more enjoyable and safer.
Hitchhiking:
For safety reasons, I would hesitate to suggest hitchhiking, but it is a personal choice. While less common, hitchhiking is still practised on Skye. Exercise caution and use your best judgment. It can be a way to meet locals and fellow travellers but always prioritise safety.
It can work for shorter distances, for example, from the ferry at Armadale to Broadford, as most cars are heading that way.
Travelling around the Isle of Skye by public transport may require some planning and flexibility, and we highly suggest combining tours and public transport to make the most of your trip, but it offers a unique and immersive way to experience this stunning Scottish island.
Sonja x
More About Skye
- 26 Tips for Visiting the Isle of Skye
- Top 13 Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
- Booking Accommodation on the Isle of Skye: Top Tip
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