Welcome toIona
An Abbey of global significance, a sea cave of basalt columns and panoramic views of the Inner Hebrides.
More about Iona
Ideal for:
History & heritage
Nature & wildlife
Landmarks
Walking
Birthplace of Celtic Christianity, resting place of Macbeth
Get the ferry to Iona for the geological masterpiece of Staffa and Fingal's Cave - formed of hexagonal basalt columns 59 million years ago. Or go to see where Saint Columba settled in 563AD to build Iona Abbey and spread Christianity to the Celts. Iona Abbey - one of Scotland's most sacred sites, and is the burial place of ancient Scottish Kings, including MacBeth.If you need a clearer view of the place, walk up Dùn Ì - the highest point on the island - for panoramic views of Mull, Tiree and Coll. Close by, you'll find white sandy beaches, the last land before North America
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor' guidance.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
Why not try Taste of Place Trails .
For more information on Mull visit Explore Argyll's or Visit Mull & Iona website.
How to get here
You'll need to get to Mull first - the route from Oban to Craignure on Mull takes 46 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Mull from Lochaline and Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
Vehicle reservations are recommended, where possible 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. You can purchase On our Turn up and Go routes (Fionnphort-Iona, Lochaline-Fishnish, Kilchoan-Tobermory) you'll be purchasing an 'open' ticket for a chosen departure date, valid for the season in which you've purchased it, but it won't have a specific sailing time. Simply turn up at the port of departure and go on the next available sailing. eservations are recommended, you can book online on our home page and select buy tickets.
Most vehicles are not allowed on Iona - if you need to take your car, you will need to apply for a Permit . Don't worry, though - Iona is less than a mile across, so getting around is easy. If you're staying overnight, there is a Taxi Service that can take you from Craignure, onto the ferry and straight to your accommodation on Iona.
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.
Postcode for sat nav
Fionnphort Port: PA66 6BL
Getting to Mull for Iona
By car
It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to drive from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, there are charging points available at the Argyll College.
The Isle of Mull is well equipped with electric vehicle charging points with points in Craignure, Bunessan, Fionnphort, Tobermory and Treshnish Holiday Cottages.
Postcode for sat nav
Oban Port: PA34 4DB
Travelling without a car
Most routes to Oban pass through, or past, Glasgow:
By train
If you're coming from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll need to travel through Glasgow. There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and it takes just over 3 hours.
Check the train times on our Journey Planner
By bus
The bus route to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. The bus from Inverness to Oban takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with a change at Fort William.
West Coast Motors operate regular services (Monday to Saturday) across the Isle of Mull. Check out our new Journey Planner for more details.
By foot
Iona is likely to be the most celebrated of all Scotland's small islands, and has one of the oldest Christian religious centres in Western Europe. Walking around Iona allows you to take in the tranquillity of the island with its amazing turquoise waters and scenic beaches with little effort as the island is only 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles long. For more information on what to do on the island take a look at the Holiday Mull website.
By bike
Why not explore Iona by bike? Cycling would enable you to get to the beaches in the north of the island fairly quick and the terrain is fairly flat and easy to cycle. Why not stop in a Martyrs Bay and grab some refreshments before heading off to see the flowers at the nunnery ruins.
If you're bringing your bike, please do 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 Cycle Streets .