Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye: how to get there + Travel tips
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If you are planning a trip to the spectacular Isle of Sky from Edinburgh or other cities in Scotland, look no further.
Depending on several factors, there are several ways to travel between the iconic city and the popular tourist area. So, let’s find out which one is best for your travel plans.
Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
There are various methods of transportation to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh. Here are all the options.
Note: For all the public transportation options, I use the website Rome2Rio to see the different routes, estimated costs, and booking links. It’s a fantastic resource for planning any trip that incorporates public transportation!
1. Getting from Edinburgh to Skye by car
The best way to travel to Skye is by car if you want to explore the beautiful island thoroughly and at your own pace.
As I update this post, I am housesitting in a small village near Portree on the island of Skye. After spending a week there, I rented a car in Glasgow and went to Skye, stopping for two nights in Glencoe.
It was a spectacular scenic route that I highly recommend you take. Whether you come from Edinburgh or Glasgow, renting a car is the best solution for me.
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Driving to Skye: which road is best
If you are driving to Skye, you have two routes. Both are spectacular, so I suggest you try both, one each way.
You can drive through the bridge, which is usually faster, or you can take the ferry in Mallaig, which would be a great adventure, although a bit longer.
Also, on the way to the ferry, you should stop by the old Glenfinnan Viaduct, now notorious as one of the most Instagrammed places in Scotland.
Driving to Skye distances
No matter where you are driving from, you should know that the roads are spectacular and very scenic. Make sure you don’t get distracted by the spectacular views when driving. There are a lot of parking spots along the roads where you can stop in a safe place and enjoy the views.
During winter, the roads may be icy, but they usually treat them for the snow, so you should be fine. I rented the car in January to get from Glasgow to Skye, and I decided to upgrade my rental to an SUV, which made me feel safer in case of bad weather. Otherwise, a small car would be just fine.
From Edinburgh to Skye Distance
The distance from Edinburgh to Skye is 253 miles, which means a six-hour drive. If I were you, I would do it in two days and stop halfway to check out some historical sites. Outlander lovers may want to stop by Craigh na Dun, the fictional location of the popular stones that send you back in time.
HISTORICAL NOTE—There are real standing stones scattered around Scotland, as they were important ritual sites for ancient civilizations. The Callanish standing stones, or Calanais as they’re known in Scottish Gaelic, are located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides archipelago. According to Historic Environment Scotland, the 5,000-year-old stone circle was “an important place for ritual activity for at least 2,000 years.
From Glasgow to Skye Distance
From Glasgow to Skye, the distance is slightly shorter (207 miles), but I stopped in Glencoe for two nights to explore the surroundings and split my trip into two, so I could enjoy more views of the spectacular highlands.
From Inverness to Skye Distance
It is only 100 miles from Inverness, so if you are coming from there, you can definitely make it in the same day. I will talk about that in another post.
2. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye by train + ferry
A unique way to reach the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh is to take the ferry across the Sound of Sleat from Mallaig to Armadale.
This is a fun way that not many tourists know about and can be a whole experience in and of itself!
The best way to accomplish this is to first take the train from Edinburgh to Mallaig and then take the ferry across the water to Armadale.
You’ll take the First ScotRail Service from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street, transfer to Crianlarich, and then transfer to Mallaig.
Once in Mallaig, you’ll take the CalMac Ferries ferry across the water to Armadale.
The ferry operates on a seasonal schedule, so the times of operation vary depending on the time of year you visit. In the winter, there are only 2-3 ferries a day, so keep this in mind when you plan your journey.
2. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye by train + bus
One of the most popular ways to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye is to take a train and a bus.
Since there is no direct train line to the Isle of Skye, you’ll need another mode of transportation to get the rest of the way if you want to travel by train.
3 combinations of train and bus will get you to the Isle of Skye. The first is to take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness (directly with First ScotRail Service) and then the bus (directly with Stagecoach Highlands) to Portree.
This is the best option because it’s the fastest, most direct, and also a good budget-friendly choice. Plus, it will get you to Portree, the best place to base yourself on the Isle of Skye.
The second option is to take a night train with First ScotRail Service from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street, spend the night in Glasgow, and then take the train again from Glasgow Queen Street to Anniesland. From there, you’ll take the bus (Scottish Citylink 916) from Anniesland Cross to Portree.
I would only consider this route if you wanted to spend a day or two in Glasgow before heading to the Isle of Skye or if you are OK with finding a hotel in Glasgow to sleep at for a few hours.
The third choice is to take the direct night train to Fort William with Caledonian Sleeper and then the bus (direct with Scottish Citylink) to Portree. This would be a good option for you if you want to combine a place to stay with transportation. This is more expensive than the others but could also be fun and part of the adventure.
3. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye By bus
If you would rather travel exclusively by bus, there are several options.
The first is to take Megabus from Edinburgh to Inverness and then transfer to the 917 bus directly to Portree. The second is to take the 900 bus from Edinburgh to Glasgow and then transfer to either the 915 or the 916 bus directly to Portree.
If you are on a budget, taking the bus will likely be your most cost-effective option. It’s a slower way to get there than a train + bus combo, but you’ll spend less money.
4. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye by train + tour
Maybe you want to take a day tour to explore the Isle of Skye, but you want to base yourself a little closer than Edinburgh.
A good option for this is to take a train to Inverness and then catch a tour that leaves from there.
You would take the direct train with First ScotRail Service to Inverness, stay overnight, and then take a tour to Skye the next day.
There are a few great tour options that leave from Inverness. One of the best-valued and highest-rated is this full-day Skye tour from Timberbush Tours. You’ll see lots of popular attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle, the Skye Bridge, Portree, The Old Man of Storr, and Kilt Rock.
If you want to drive past Loch Ness and see attractions around this area as well, this 8-seat tour from Happy Tours is perfect for those who also want a small-group experience.
The tour only takes 8 people at a time, and you’ll get to see Urquhart Castle along Loch Ness as well as several stops on the Isle of Skye itself.
5. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye By tour
If navigating the public transportation system seems too overwhelming for you, or if you’d rather be chauffeured around without worrying about anything, then consider taking a multi-day tour to the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye directly from Edinburgh.
While it is too far to take a day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, there are multi-day Scotland tours for all budgets, group sizes, and lengths. Check out the section below for the best 3-5 day tours from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.
Also, having a knowledgeable guide and letting someone else drive is a great stress-free way to experience the Isle of Skye and all it has to offer. Here are the top multi-day tours from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.
➡️ 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
If you have 3 days, take this Isle of Skye and Highlands tour with Highland Experience Tours. You’ll see all the popular sights on the Isle of Skye, including Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr, and Portree, plus attractions around Loch Ness and also the Culloden Battlefield.
➡️ 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including “Hogwarts Express” Ride
Harry Potter fans, train enthusiasts, and history buffs will love this 3-day Isle of Skye tour by Highland Explorer Tours, including a Jacobite Steam Train ride. This train and the Glenfinnan Viaduct were famous in the Harry Potter movies and in the Scottish history of the Jacobite uprising and Bonnie Prince Charlie. In addition to the sights on the Isle of Skye, you’ll also see Eilean Donan Castle, Dunvegan Castle, and the dramatic scenery of Glencoe.
➡️ 4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
If you’ve got four days, this highly-rated tour from Rabbies Trail Burners is a great option. Not only will you spend two days on Skye, taking a customized tour based on what the group wants to see, but you’ll also get to ride the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, which is a fun experience.
➡️ 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience from Edinburgh
If you want the full package and have five days to take a tour, then this one with Highland Experience Tours is the one you won’t want to miss. In addition to the Isle of Skye and the Highlands, you’ll also venture around Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
6. Getting from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye by car (road trip)
Renting a car in Scotland and driving yourself from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye is a fantastic way to really explore the Highlands and see as much as you can of this beautiful country.
If you are adventurous and want to have the most freedom to see everything on your Isle of Skye bucket list plus lots of other things along the way, then taking a road trip through Scotland is going to be the best option.
For some inspiration, take a look at this 7-day road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.
The best way to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye – Things to know before planning
Before you decide how to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, there are a few things you should know ahead of time when you are planning your trip. So let’s get to it first.
How long is your trip?
The length of your trip matters because if you only have a few days from start to finish, you’ll probably want to get there as fast as possible so you have the most time to explore the area. If you have more time, you might sacrifice a bit of time for a cheaper or more exciting mode of transportation.
What is your budget?
There is a mode of transportation for all budgets, but you’ll need to know how much you can spend ahead of time so you can stick to it and not spend more than you can afford.
Who is traveling with you?
You may decide to travel differently depending on whether you are traveling alone, with a friend, or with your spouse and children. Certain options may work better and be cheaper depending on who is going with you and how much luggage you have.
When are you visiting?
Depending on the time of year, there may be limited options and routes available. The price can also fluctuate a bit by season and demand, so keep this in mind as well.
What do you want to see?
If you decide to rely entirely on public transportation, you will be limited on what attractions you can reach and also what time of day you can arrive.
On the flip side, if you plan to rent your own car, you’ll be able to see what you want when you want to.
Decide ahead of time what attractions are a priority and whether you can see them based on your preferred method of transportation.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Isle of Skye?
There’s really never a bad time to visit the Isle of Skye, but the time of year to visit will depend on what kind of experience you want to have.
If you want the best weather and all the attractions to be open, visit in the summer.
This is the most popular time to visit the Isle of Skye, which also means you’ll have to deal with crowds and traffic.
But you’ll have the warmest weather and the longest days, which means more time to see the things you want.
If you want to visit with the least amount of tourists, consider taking a trip in the winter. While there will be certain attractions that won’t be open, you will often have many of the sights to yourself or only a few others, and the traffic won’t be bad at all.
It will be much colder, though, and while the Isle of Skye doesn’t usually get snow, you will have a good chance of rain, so pack appropriately.
This is when we visited Scotland, and we loved it. We didn’t mind the rain, although it did hamper a few of our hiking ambitions. Driving on the one-lane roads was easy with fewer cars, and we often had attractions that are swamped in the summer entirely to ourselves, like the Fairy Glen.
Spring and fall are also great times to visit the Isle of Skye. Although there are fewer tourists than in the summer, the weather is slightly warmer than in winter, and many attractions will still be open.
Prices are also good this time of year, and it’s a nice time for hiking and outdoor exploring.
Getting from Inverness to the Isle of Skye
Inverness is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the Isle of Skye and see more of the Highlands. It’s also a great choice if you want to take a day trip to the Isle of Skye since one-day tours are not available from Edinburgh to Skye.
You can get to the Isle of Skye from Inverness in several ways. If you want to take public transportation, you can take the 917 direct bus to Portree.
You can also rent a car and drive yourself, or you can take a tour (see the previous section on the best days tours to the Isle of Skye from Inverness).
From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye FAQ
Can you do a day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye?
The short answer: no, you can’t feasibly do a day trip to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh. The journey takes approximately 6 hours by car from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye one way, leaving you with little time to explore the island.
When planning your trip, allow at least one day to travel to the Isle of Skye and another day to return.
Is the Isle of Skye worth it?
Yes, the Isle of Skye is absolutely worth visiting! The scenery is breathtaking and varied.
Even if you only have 1 full day to explore, it is well worth the journey to experience this magical place.
What is the best month to visit Skye?
While there is never a bad time to visit Skye, if you are looking for fewer crowds and decent weather, September is a great month.
How many days do you need in Skye?
In short: as many as you can manage! That being said, to get a really good overview of the Isle of Skye, consider spending 2-3 days here. However, even if you only have one full day, you’ll still be able to see a lot and in my opinion is still worth it.
Is there a train from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye?
No, there is no train on the Isle of Skye. If you want to utilize the train system as much as possible, you’ll need to take a train to Inverness, Fort William, or Mallaig and then take a bus or a ferry to get the rest of the way.
Is it easy to walk to the Fairy Pools on Skye?
It is easy to walk to the Fairy Pools on Skye. When you park in the car lot, a dirt path across the road leads to the pools.
It can be a little steep and uneven in places, but if you take your time, it’s not a difficult walk. Just be mindful if it’s wet or raining, as it can be slippery.
Is Fairy Pools worth visiting?
Yes, I absolutely think the Fairy Pools are worth visiting! It can get a little crowded in the busy summer months, but the landscape is stunning and well worth visiting.
Can you explore the Isle of Skye without a car?
Yes, you can explore the Isle of Skye without a car, but you will be much more limited on where you can go and when. A bus service will take you to some of the other towns on Skye, but you may have trouble getting to many attractions this way.
If you don’t have a car, I highly recommend you tour the Isle of Skye so you can see the main sites and have a guide to enrich your experience.
Final thoughts: How to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
No matter your budget or number of days to explore, there is an option for you on how to get from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. From public transportation to renting a car, to taking a tour, to a combination of them all, there is a choice that will work for you!
This post is written in collaboration with our fellow blogger Stefanie from Open Road Odysseys who shares her expertise on this beautiful area.
