How To Get Here
Getting to Colonsay is part of the adventure. Although the island feels wonderfully remote, it’s straightforward to reach by ferry or small plane.
BY FERRY BY AIR
Colonsay is served by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries. All passengers (including foot passengers) and vehicles should book tickets in advance on the CalMac website. The crossing typically takes about 2 hours 15 – 2 hours 20 minutes and offers scenic views of islands such as Kerrera, Mull, Seil, Luing, Scarba and Jura. The current summer timetable runs between 27 March – 18 October 2026. Thereafter, the winter timetable will typically be in place until March. Ferry schedules change with season and special events, so always check the CalMac timetable before you travel. To check timetables and book tickets, see CalMac's website for details.
Oban to Colonsay
This is the main ferry link all year round. Caledonian MacBrayne runs regular sailings between Oban on the Scottish mainland and Colonsay. It’s the most reliable way to access the island. Oban is a busy town with all the shops and services you could ask for. There is a great open air seafood bar and fish shop on the pier where you can buy fresh crab and langoustines before jumping on the ferry.
Getting to Oban: You can drive to Oban in around two hours from Glasgow. It is a very scenic drive passing alongside Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne. Cars can be hired from Glasgow airport and be brought over to Colonsay on the ferry. You can also get the train to Oban from various stations including Glasgow Queen Street, and connect with the ferry to Colonsay. The train station is next to the ferry terminal in Oban. See ScotRail for details.
Kennacraig to Colonsay via Port Askaig (Islay)
During the summer timetable only, there are special sailings that start at Kennacraig (on the mainland near Tarbert), go via Port Askaig on Islay, and continue to Colonsay. These usually operate on specific days of the week and allow island hopping between Islay and Colonsay.
Port Askaig (Islay) to Colonsay
This is not a year-round standalone scheduled route, but when the Kennacraig service calls at Port Askaig in summer, you can board there and travel to Colonsay as part of that service. This option is also great if you are island hopping.
You can fly to Colonsay Airport (CSA) from Oban Airport (North Connel) with Hebridean Air. Flights are a quick and scenic alternative to the ferry. Scheduled services typically run weekly or on selected days depending on season; consult the airline’s timetables before booking. Flights connect Colonsay with Oban and sometimes with other Inner Hebridean islands, such as Tiree. Check timetables and book at the Hebridean Air website.
