Port Ellen port

Situated to the South of glorious Islay, Port Ellen is a charming small town built around Leodamais Bay, the island’s main deep water harbour. Our route connects the south is Islay with Kennacraig near Tarbert on the mainland.

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Port information

Caledonian MacBrayne

Port Ellen

Isle of Islay

PA42 7DW

Opening hours from 28 March 2025 - 19 October 2025

Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri: 6.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
Tue: 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m
Sat: 6.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m
Sun: 8:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m

Key Information

This is a bookable route. We advise you to book and reserve your preferred sailing in advance.
If you arrive at the port without a reservation we may still be able to carry you. Please proceed to the ticket office.
Pre-Booking of vehicles is strongly recommended.
Crossing Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Operates all year round.

Check in process

Vehicles

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The check-in booth is situated on the left-hand side after the car park entrance.
If you arrive earlier than the stated check in time please do not join the boarding lanes.
If the check-in booth is not manned please follow signs - terminal staff will check you in.
If you miss your booked sailing, or the size of your vehicle differs from that declared, you may have to pay an additional fee.
We reserve the right to amend your booking appropriately on arrival.

Vehicles

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The check-in booth is situated on the left-hand side after the car park entrance.
If you arrive earlier than the stated check in time please do not join the boarding lanes.
If the check-in booth is not manned please follow signs - terminal staff will check you in.
If you miss your booked sailing, or the size of your vehicle differs from that declared, you may have to pay an additional fee.
We reserve the right to amend your booking appropriately on arrival.

Foot passenger

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.
Proceed directly to the check-in desk within the terminal.
If you arrive earlier than the stated check in time please do not join the foot passenger queue.
If you miss your booked sailing you may incur an additional fee.
We reserve the right to amend your booking appropriately on arrival.

Nearby

Fill up for your island adventure at the local petrol station, 500 metres from the port
Make sure you have plenty of cash for those island souvenirs, the nearest cash machine is 250 metres away in the Spar shop
Need some essentials from the shop? Get everything you need at the local store, 250 metres away
Check out the Visit Scotland guide to Port Ellen to learn more about the fabulous food and drink offerings available on the island