Getting around

By Bus

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

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 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!