Reaching Islay by ferry

Islay has two ferry ports - Port Askaig and Port Ellen. Guests are advised to note that arrival and departure ports are sometimes different. By the time you arrive at the incorrect one it is often too late to make the check-in time at the other port. Port Ellen is approximately 20 miles from Port Charlotte and Port Askaig is approximately 16 miles away.

The 450/451 bus service connects the ferry ports with Port Charlotte, usually with a change in Bowmore: click here for the bus timetable. Directions by road are below.

From Port Ellen

When you arrive at Port Ellen, follow the road from the terminal turning left at the first junction. Follow the A846 north for about 4 miles until you pass the Airport on the left. Thereafter follow the detailed directions from the airport.

From Port Askaig

When you arrive at Port Askaig, follow the road up the hill from the terminal and continue approximately 8 miles on the A846. You will pass through the villages of Keills and Ballygrant and will eventually reach Bridgend.

At the signpost for Portnahaven, turn right on to the A847 and follow the road beside Loch Indaal for approximately 8 miles. You will pass through Bruichladdich and then arrive at Port Charlotte.

Reaching Islay by air: from Islay Airport

As you leave the airport car park turn left on to the A846. Follow the road approximately 6 miles to Bowmore.

The road continues through Bowmore, turning right at the Celtic House gift shop. Continue along this road with Loch Indaal on your left hand side until you reach the village of Bridgend.

After you pass the petrol station and Spar shop on your left, there is a junction with a sign for Portnahaven to the left. Turn left here. You are now on the A847.

Follow this road along Loch Indaal for approximately 8 miles, passing through the village of Bruichladdich and then Port Charlotte.

In Port Charlotte

However you arrive on Islay, once you reach the Port Charlotte, after entering the village you will pass the Port Charlotte Hotel on your left. Continue along Main Street, passing the Lochindaal Hotel on your right.

You will then come to a junction where there is a sign for Kilchiaran up to the right. Turn right here into Sraid na Sgoile (School Street). You will see Port Charlotte Hall directly in front of you.

Saligo and Kilchoman apartments are entered via the main entrance, whilst the Ardnave apartment entrance is on the far right of the building. Guests are requested to park at the front of the Hall for loading and unloading only. The parking area is to the rear of the Hall adjacent to the gardens.

Sanaigmore cottage is just a little further up School Street on the right hand side, past the gardens at the rear of the Hall and adjacent to the car parking area.