Ferry To & From Lewis | Visit Stornoway

More about Lewis

Ideal for:

History & heritage Culture Whisky Wildlife Watching

Voted No.1 island in Europe

As TripAdvisor's top island pick in 2014, Lewis has got a lot to recommend it. The Callanish stones are one of the finest examples of Neolithic standing stones to be found anywhere in Scotland, and the beaches are broad sweeps of white sand and clear seas. The ferry to Stornoway delivers you to the hub of the island, home to the HebCelt Festival each year - and the rest of the isle is yours for an adventure. The moors and lochs and coasts support plenty of wildlife, and a round of Stornoway Black Pudding should keep you going while you explore. And to warm up after the days outdoors, the 200 year old Abhainn Dearg Distillery is worth a visit.

For more information on this destination visit the Outer Hebrides website.

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater

For more information on what to expect in the Outer Hebrides now it is gradually opening its doors once again, watch the video below.

Find out about Scottish Island Passport here

How to get here

The main ferry to Lewis is from Ullapool on the mainland, which takes 2 hours 45 minutes. You can also travel from Skye to Harris and drive north. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.

Buy Tickets

The Outer Hebrides are perfect for an island hopping adventure. You can go from North Uist to Berneray, and from Berneray to Leverburgh on Harris, and drive north. Find out more about our Island Hopping tickets.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Journey Planner can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.

We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Ullapool

Ullapool is up on the North West coast of Scotland. Most routes to Ullapool go through Inverness.

By car

Driving from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Ullapool takes around 4 hours, traffic permitting. Electric vehicle charging points are available in the Ullapool Harbour in the car park by the terminal building.

Helpful tips for driving on Lewis

Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads

Postcode for sat nav

Ullapool Port: IV26 2UR

Travelling without a car

By train and bus

Get the train to Inverness - about 3 hours 20 minutes direct from Glasgow or Edinburgh. The bus from Inverness to Ullapool takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Local buses operate throughout the Isle of Lewis and Outer Hebrides, connecting Stornoway to many of the CalMac ports across the Islands.

For further information about travelling by public transport take a look at our Journey Planner.

By Foot

Lewis is the largest of the Outer Hebrides. It has a diverse terrain with dramatic rugged hill ranges in the south and flat peat boglands in the north. There are some spectacular beaches and a number of fine coastal walks can be undertaken. Check out the Visit Outer Hebrides website for a number of walks across the Isle of Lewis taking in some of the Islands highlights like the Callanish Standing Stones, stacks at Garry Beach and Ardroil Sands.

By Bike

The Isle of Lewis offers a multitude of options for cyclists with quiet single track roads, deserted sandy beaches and fantastic views. The Lewis leg of the Hebridean Way Cycling Route is not for the faint hearted but offers some spectacularly rewarding views and scenery. The route travels through the hilly Lochs area of Lewis, and then at Leurbost follows the road around the scenic west side of Lewis, past the famous Callanish Stones and then on up to the Butt of Lewis.

Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.

Plan your journey at CycleStreets

Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?

With 5 routes on and off the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

Whether you are 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.

Here are the 5 route options onto the Outer Hebrides

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (Uists) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (Uists) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Travelling with Campervans/Motorhomes/Caravans

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) request that visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots. Plan your trip carefully by booking sites where you can and do not stay out with these campsites/overnight spots. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on our fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on our communities. Please follow our P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special. Find out more about changes that have been made to taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides

In addition motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at ports on the following routes. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.