Getting to Jura

Jura Passenger Ferry

Our recommended way to travel to Jura is via the Jura Passenger Ferry.  The fast catamaran, Orion, operates from Tayvallich (on the mainland) to the pontoons in Craighouse, near the Jura Community Shop, in under an hour.  Fares for a single journey are £27.50, children under 5, bikes and dogs are free. For bookings, information, public transport, port information, and timetables visit www.jurapassengerferry.com or call Nicol on +44(0)7768 450000.

Getting to Tayvallich

The journey from Glasgow to Tayvallich by car should take about two and a half to three hours.  Follow the A82 past Loch Lomond, then the A83 near Tarbert towards Inveraray. Continue on the A83 following the shore line of Loch Fyne, until Lochgilphead where you take the A816 towards Oban.  Then follow the B841 and B8025 alongside the Crinan Canal to Tayvallich.

The Jura Passenger Ferry links up with the local 425 Lochgilphead to Tayvallich bus service, which means you can get from Glasgow to Jura by public transport in less than four hours!

Car Ferry to Islay

If you want to bring your car over to Jura, you will first need to take the Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) ferry to the neighbouring Isle of Islay.  The ferry sails from Kennacraig on West Loch Tarbert, to either Port Askaig or Port Ellen on Islay.  The crossing takes approximately two hours.  If arriving in Port Ellen, you will then need to drive across Islay to Port Askaig, roughly 30 minutes.  We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance.  For timetables and bookings visit www.calmac.co.uk

Jura (Wee) Ferry (from Islay to Jura)

From Islay you will then cross the half mile wide stretch of water known as the Sound of Islay, famous for its strong currents. The “wee ferry” between the two islands runs from Port Askaig to Feolin, in the south-west corner of Jura. Booking is not required, and tickets can be purchased onboard or in advance from the website. 

A return ticket for a car and driver costs £23.20 if buying a return.  However a book of 10 tickets, if doing lots of journeys (like the locals do),  will save you some money as a return for a car and driver will cost you £14.82.

More information, timetables and tickets are available online here at Argyll-Bute.gov.uk.
Timetable:
Valid from 28th March 2025 to 19th October 2025

Driving to Kennacraig

The journey from Glasgow should take about two and a half to three hours, and is a very scenic drive. Take the A82 towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ towards the lovely town of Inveraray. Continue on the A83 following the shore line of Loch Fyne towards Lochilphead and finally Kennacraig. The ferry terminal is located 4 miles beyond Tarbert, a picturesque little town and fishing port.

Bus to Kennacraig
Citylink operate a regular bus service from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station to Campbeltown which meets the ferry at Kennacraig. For timetables and tickets visit www.citylink.co.uk

Sailing to Jura
Sail to Jura and moor at one of our community-owned moorings in the heart of Craighouse (£12/night mooring fee)

Facilities for Boat Users
Craighouse, in the shelter of Small Isles Bay on the island’s east coast, is the main hub of island life and provides a wide range of facilities for boat users. Its 16 new swing moorings offer safe harbour for boats of up to 15 tonnes and a stunning view of the Paps.

The moorings are in easy reach of the landing pontoon, installed for Easter and removed after the Jura Music Festival in September providing boat users with easy access to Craighouse.

Please note that the pontoons are for landing only. They are not suitable for yachts tying alongside but can easily accommodate tenders and RIBs. The nightly charge is £12 per mooring – paid at either Jura Stores, the Antlers or Jura Hotel. The JDT currently operates on an honestly system and urge any users to make the requested payment as the project incurs high annual overheads and we wish to maintain the current number of moorings (16) for users benefit. Availability is on a first come first served basis. Thanks in advance for your appreciation and co operation.

Both the moorings and pontoons have benefited from recent seabed clearance work.

Flights to Islay
Loganair operate a 45 minute scheduled service from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Islay (ILY). This is the quickest way to get to Islay and can provide spectacular views of the islands and Mull of Kintyre. For timetables and bookings visit www.loganair.co.uk.

Islay Bus Services

The local 450/451 bus service provides public transport between Port Ellen, Islay Airport and Port Askaig.  Whilst the service is supposed to align with the ferry timetable, it doesn’t always, so please check the timetable in advance if you plan to use this service.

Jura Bus Services
Garelochhead Coaches operate the local 456 bus service from Feolin ferry terminal to Craighouse, Knockrome, Lagg and Inverlussa. For the latest timetable click here or visit the website at www.garelochheadcoaches.co.uk