Fort William

© VisitScotland

Skye and Fort William by public transport

Skye is one of Scotland's most beautiful and romantic islands. Beginning in Inverness and finishing in Glasgow via Fort William, you'll make use of good integrated public transport links to get around. Clans, castles and one of Europe's finest rail journeys are all part of this itinerary - get ready to make some awesome island memories.

Plan your journey with the Scottish CityLink timetables

Explore the Stagecoach timetables for the Isle of Skye

Start / Finish
Broadford / Inveraray
  • Days
    4
  • Distance
    174Miles

    278km
  • Transport
    Bus
  • Main theme
    Sightseeing
Highlights
Breathtaking scenery
Geological wonders
Charming towns
Ferry journey
The UK's highest mountain
Areas covered
North

Day 1Getting to Skye

Transport:
Bus

You can get to the Isle of Skye from the Highland capital of Inverness. The city has good bus links to the island or you could go by train to Kyle of Lochalsh. It terminates close to the Skye Bridge which links the island with the mainland, and the train connects with bus services.

If coming directly from central Scotland, you can take advantage of daily bus services operating between Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station and Uig on Skye. However you choose to travel, either route is a magnificent introduction to the landscapes of the west - the views out the window are superb.

  • Broadford Broadford

    View across Broadford Bay, Broadford, Isle of Skye.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Plan in Advance

    The journey from Broadford to Egol is stunning – but it is essential to check bus times and plan your route carefully prior to arriving.

    Broadford lies in the shadow of the imposing Cuillins, and is the first town you come to after crossing the Skye bridge. 

    Catch the bus service to Elgol, a remote community on the west coast of Skye offering boat trips as well as the wonderful scenery of the Cuillins. This is often described as Scotland's finest mountain view, so have the camera charged and ready for some snaps!

    Find out more about Broadford
    Broadford,Broadford,IV49 9AB
  • Portree Portree

    Portree harbour

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Portree is a lovely place to stay while you're on Skye. It's one of the island's most thriving spots, with plenty of accommodation options and places to eat and drink. 

    Explore local attractions around Portree. Take a stroll around the harbour, and if time allows, pay a visit to Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre. From its humble origins in a grass-roofed croft on the Braes of Skye, this local brand now boasts stores across the UK. Find out how their beautiful candles, soaps and skincare products are still handmade on Skye by islanders using sustainably sourced soya wax.

    Remember to book accommodation in advance, especially in the summer.

    Find out more about Portree
    Portree,IV51 9EL

Day 2North Skye

Transport:
Bus
Walking

There's a lot to pack in today! You'll see some of Skye's world-famous landscapes, get a flavour for island life, and then you can either catch the bus to an ancient castle, or take it to Talisker Distillery, to try the island's warming malt whisky at its source. Decisions, decisions!

 

  • Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island Life Trotternish

    The Skye Museum Of Island Life

    Explore the beautiful Trotternish Ridge - 20 miles of extraordinary rock formations located north of Portree, marked at each end by the rock pinnacles of the Storr and the Quiraing. Local bus services also serve the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life which has a bus stop located in the village of Kilmuir.

    Find out more about Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island Life
    Kilmuir,Trotternish,IV51 9UE
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Level Access
  • Dunvegan Castle Dunvegan

    Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

    © Talisker Distillery / Jakub Iwanicki

    Don't miss

    The clan treasures - the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag, a sacred banner which comes with its own legend.

    This castle is set on a spectacular location on a rocky perch beside a loch, surrounded by verdant woodland. And its history is bound to impress too. It's the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and it's been the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.

    Outside, explore the grounds and get a seal-eye view of the castle as you enjoy a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan.

    Find out more about Dunvegan Castle
    Dunvegan Castle & Gardens,Dunvegan,IV55 8WF
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Talisker Distillery Drynoch

    Talisker Distillery & Visitors Centre

    This is the original distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Take a distillery tour and enjoy the sweet tastes of Skye's full-bodied whisky.

    Remember to book a tour in advance to avoid disappointment.

    Find out more about Talisker Distillery
    Diageo Scotland Ltd.,Carbost,Drynoch,IV47 8SR
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi

Day 3Portree, south Skye and the west Highlands

Day 4Oban and Inveraray

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