Welcome to

Arran

The Isle of Arran is a destination that offers a diverse range of experiences and activities, a destination that proudly showcases all that you would desire from a Scottish island.

Food & drink

History & heritage

Outdoor adventure

Nature and wildlife

Goatfell, the highest peak on Arran, with woodland and water in the foreground.

Scotland in miniature

It may be a cliché, but it’s true! Arran is our very own ‘Scotland in miniature’, its geography mirroring that of the mainland while encompassing so much of what makes Scotland a magical destination. Small enough to cycle round in a day, big enough to make memories.

Arran is a stunning island that features mountains, forests, beaches and glens, all in one place. From stately castles to mountain hikes, and from spa days to gourmet dining, Arran has a wee bit of everything. They call it 'Arranology'.

outside view of the Lochranza distillery on a sunny day

View from Arran of Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire coast at sunrise.

Wee island, big history

Arran is an island steeped in history, with two vastly different castles anchoring the past in the modern day. The stately grandeur of Opens in new windowBrodick castle delights visitors with its grand reconstruction of Victorian splendour and beautifully maintained walled garden (as well as an adventure playground for younger visitors). On the other end of the historical scale, Opens in new windowLochranza castle brings to life a darker period of Scottish history – a hunting lodge, base for attack and location of a terrifying ‘pit’ prison. Take a step back in time and feel the history of this great island. For a varied and detailed history of Arran and her people through the years, look no further than Opens in new windowArran Heritage Museum.

Brodick Castle and gardens with colourful plants. Arran.

Wee island, big history

Gastronomical delights

It’s all happening on Arran, and it’s all local. Roll up your sleeves, loosen your belt and get stuck in to a smorgasbord of gastronomical delights. From bountiful bistros, to legendary local cafes and even conceptual dining experiences – you’ll not be short on great food to enjoy. Add in artisanal drinks from the highly rated Opens in new windowArran Distillers and Opens in new windowArran Brewery for a perfect meal, finished off with some delectable Opens in new windowIsle of Arran cheese … foodie heaven!

A round packet of Arran cheese being held in two hands

Gastronomical delights

Outdoor adventures

Arran is overflowing with adventures for the adventurous. The best place to start? The top! Goatfell is Arran’s biggest mountain, imperiously overlooking the island. One of Scotland’s most famous (and popular) walks, the views from the top are simply breath-taking. Walks of a wilder nature can be organised with Opens in new windowArran Wild Walks, providing a chance to witness some of the incredible local wildlife in their natural habitats. But why consign yourself to dry land? Opens in new windowOtter's Tail - gives you the opportunity to tour the glorious coastline via sea kayak.

A dog and hiker sitting on a rocky peak enjoying views of Arran and Ayrshire

Outdoor adventures

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activities

Tourist information

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Be a great visitor

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy

VisitScotland | Responsible tourism promise

Safety tips

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.

RLNI | Safety tips

Getting to Arran

To reach the Isle of Arran, you can take a ferry from Troon to Brodick (80 mins), Ardrossan to Brodick (55 minutes) or Claonaig on Kintyre to Lochranza (30 mins). Note: read our  service status pages for the latest information on Arran services from Troon and Ardrossan. We recommend buying tickets in advance.

Opens in new window Buy tickets

Getting to Arran

Opens in new window Buy tickets

A picture montage of a train, bus and ferry

Getting here by public transport

Looking for the best way to get to Arran by public transport? The Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options.

Opens in new window Start planning your journey

Travel information

Bus

Opens in new windowStagecoach operates services from Glasgow to Troon or Ardrossan and also operates across the Isle of Arran, connecting Lochranza in the north and Brodick in the south of the island. Passengers can find bus services and island tours adjacent to terminal buildings.

Frequent and daily services to / from Ardrossan and Glasgow.
Let someone else do the driving. Travel to the ferry and across the island by Opens in new windowbus (with Stagecoach)
Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Opens in new windowJourney Planner.

Car

Ardrossan and Troon

Ardrossan Harbour is just over 30 miles from Glasgow, which is about a 50-minute drive. Troon ferry terminal is 35 miles, and around a 55-minute drive.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle you can find charging points via Opens in new windowChargePlace Scotland
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.

Claonaig

Just ten miles south of Tarbert and a mile south of Skipness and the famous Opens in new windowSeafood Cabin, Claonaig offers a gateway into Argyll and Kintyre. Best suited for active travellers and vehicle drivers due to its remote but beautiful location (unless you’re walking to Skipness!)

Claonaig is around 2 hours and 40 minutes’ drive from Glasgow.

Train

Getting to Arran by train? The train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes. It's also around 42 minutes from Glasgow to Troon. Check out the Opens in new windowScotRail timetable and plan your trip today.

Frequent service to / from Ardrossan and Troon from Glasgow Central
Short connecting walk from Ardrossan train station to Ardrossan ferry terminal
Shuttle bus service from Troon train station to Troon ferry terminal

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Arran.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination. View our timetable pages for the latest sailing information on the following routes:

Ardrossan-Brodick
Troon-Brodick
Claonaig-Lochranza/Tarbert (Loch Fyne)

11 January - 6 February 2026: Due to the vessel that operates Ardrossan - Brodick departing for annual overhaul, there will be no service operating to/from Ardrossan. See alternative routes to Arran - Troon-Brodick and Claonaig-Lochranza.

Bus

Frequent and daily services to / from Ardrossan and Glasgow.
Let someone else do the driving. Travel to the ferry and across the island by Opens in new windowbus (with Stagecoach)
Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Opens in new windowJourney Planner.

Car

Ardrossan and Troon

Ardrossan Harbour is just over 30 miles from Glasgow, which is about a 50-minute drive. Troon ferry terminal is 35 miles, and around a 55-minute drive.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle you can find charging points via Opens in new windowChargePlace Scotland
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.

Claonaig

Claonaig is around 2 hours and 40 minutes’ drive from Glasgow.

Train

Frequent service to / from Ardrossan and Troon from Glasgow Central
Short connecting walk from Ardrossan train station to Ardrossan ferry terminal
Shuttle bus service from Troon train station to Troon ferry terminal

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Arran.

Ardrossan-Brodick
Troon-Brodick
Claonaig-Lochranza/Tarbert (Loch Fyne)

Getting around the island

Bike

Enjoy cycling on the Isle of Arran with 15 mountain bike routes and 9 road routes that target all levels from enduring hill climbs to easy flat coastal rides.

Bikes are available to hire at a number of locations across the island. More information can be found at Opens in new windowVisitArran.

If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Plan your journey at Opens in new windowCycleStreets.

Bus

Public buses cover North Arran, South Arran and the B880 String Road. There are also a number of local private hire taxi companies and guided tour options to explore for those excursions off the beaten track or outside of bus timetabled hours. Check out Opens in new windowVisitArran for more information.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Opens in new windowJourney Planner

On foot

With its famously diverse landscape, the Isle of Arran offers an array of walking routes for all levels - a great way to see, experience, and get around the island.

Easier strolls can take you through beautiful forest pathways and along coastal routes. More challenging hikes such as the Three Beinns Walk and Goatfell reward the intrepid explorer with incredible views.

For more information about walks on Arran, check out Opens in new windowVisitArran and walkhighlands.

Arran is a wonderful destination for walking and outdoor adventures
Range of routes from coastal to more challenging mountain routes like Goatfell

Bike

Enjoy cycling on the Isle of Arran with 15 mountain bike routes and 9 road routes that target all levels from enduring hill climbs to easy flat coastal rides.

Bikes are available to hire at a number of locations across the island. More information can be found at Opens in new windowVisitArran.

If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Plan your journey at Opens in new windowCycleStreets.

Bus

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Opens in new windowJourney Planner

On foot

With its famously diverse landscape, the Isle of Arran offers an array of walking routes for all levels - a great way to see, experience, and get around the island.

For more information about walks on Arran, check out Opens in new windowVisitArran and walkhighlands.

Arran is a wonderful destination for walking and outdoor adventures
Range of routes from coastal to more challenging mountain routes like Goatfell

Helpful tips for driving on Arran

When travelling with a vehicle we want to make sure you’re feeling informed and confident to take on Scotland’s roads. From passing places to parking etiquette, we’ve created a short guide to driving on the (occasionally) challenging roads of Scotland.

Opens in new window Driving on Scotland's islands