Getting To Arran
How to get to the Isle of Arran
Driving:
Via Ardrossan and Troon:
The UK’s network of motorways, and other major roads means that Ardrossan and Troon can easily be reached by car, possibly via the M6/M74 (from London to Glasgow) and M77/A77 (from Glasgow to Ardrossan/Troon). Remember if you are bringing a vehicle over to the island, you are strongly advised book well in advance with CalMac.
Typical journey times by car to Ardrossan Harbour from:
London – about 7.5 hours
Birmingham – about 5.5 hours
Manchester – about 4.5 hours
Edinburgh – about 2 hours
Glasgow – about 45 minutes
Inverness – about 4 hours
Via The Kintyre peninsula:
There is also a shorter ferry crossing to Lochranza on Arran’s northern coastline, from Claonaig in the summer and Tarbert in the winter. This also operated by CalMac it is ideal for people touring the western isles or following the Whisky Island Hopping adventure. The drive round to the 'Wee ferry' is a more relaxed scenic route from Glasgow, via Loch Lomond and Inveraray.
This is a turn up and go service and no option to book in advance.
One of our favourite island hopping trips is Ardrossan to Arran then to Gigha (via Lochranza) and onwards to Islay & Jura then back home via Oban.
Public Transport:
Via Ardrossan:
Train
One of the easiest options to get to Arran is by train to Ardrossan Harbour (ADS) Station then ferry to Brodick.
There is a covered walkway from the station to the ferry terminal.
Bus
Local Buses run from Largs and Ayr, more details and routes can be found at Traveline Scotland.
Via Troon:
Train
There is a fast and frequent train service to Troon (TRN) where a free shuttle bus will take you to the ferry terminal.
Bus
Local Buses run from Prestwick, more details and routes can be found at Traveline Scotland.
Via Claonaig:
Bus
Local Buses run from Lochgilphead to the ferry port, this is a limited service run by West Coast Motors
Lochgilphead is on the Citylink Network, more details and routes can be found at Traveline Scotland.