Exactly How to Get to Isle of Harris
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Wondering how to get to Isle of Harris?
Then you are in the right place since that is exactly what this post is about. It has all the information you need to decide on how to get to Harris.
There are several different ways to travel from the UK mainland to the Isle of Harris. If you are unsure about which route is the best this post will help. Having made multiple trips to Harris I have taken all of the ferries mentioned below.
Driving all the way to the Outer Hebrides is not possible since there is no bridge from the mainland. Instead you can reach the islands by ferry or plane.
The first decision to make is whether to take a plane or a ferry.
Whilst flying may be more expensive it significantly reduces travel time. The good thing about the ferry is that it is much cheaper and you can bring a car.
How to Get to Isle of Harris Route Map
Who Operates the Flights to the Scottish Islands and How Can You Book Tickets?
Logan Air is the airline that flies to and from the Scottish islands. They don’t offer any flights to Harris, only to Stornoway on Lewis. Flights departs from Inverness, Edinburgh, or Glasgow.
For flights from other UK or international destinations you can buy a through-ticket.
Who Operates the Ferries to the Scottish Islands and How Can You Book Tickets?
The ferry services to the Scottish islands are managed by Calmac. To buy your ferry tickets make a reservation through their official website and set up a profile.
Anyone with a caravan or motorhome must pre-book tickets. You cannot use the stand-by lane.
Do I Need a Car on the Isle of Harris?
Yes, you need a car on the Isle of Harris. Public transportation options are limited and having your own car allows you to explore more of the island.
Getting to the ferry terminals on the mainland is also much easier with a car. If you want to travel by public transport get the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. Between Inverness and Ullapool there are direct buses.
It is much more difficult to get to the ferry terminal on the isle of Skye by bus.
Renting a car from the airport or a train station on the mainland typically offers a wider selection of car models. It also tends to be cheaper than renting on Harris or Lewis.
There is one car rental company in Tarbert called Carhire Hebrides and a couple in Stornoway. The car rental companies in Stornoway deliver cars to the airport or ferry ports.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
Tips and Recommendations When Planning How to Travel to Isle of Harris by Ferry
Even though there is a direct ferry to Isle of Harris, my preference is taking one of the ferries to Stornoway on Lewis on arrival and departing through Berneray and North Uist.
When arriving in Stornoway you can shop at one of the large, well stocked supermarkets before travelling on to your accommodation.
The only exception to this is if you are staying in B&Bs or hotels. If that is the case then take the ferry from Skye direct to Harris. Only book the Stornoway ferry if it is sold out.
On your return take the route via Berneray beach and Hut of Shadows on North Uist. The reason the detour is worth it is because you get to see another island on the way.
An added benefit is that you don’t need to try to book tickets for the ferry from Harris to Skye since it often sells out fast.
What Domestic Airport is Most Convenient for the Ferry?
Inverness is the most convenient domestic airport for the ferries to Harris and Lewis.
One thing to think about when planning how to get to Harris and Lewis is car rental company opening hours.
Most car rental companies at Inverness airport are open from 9 am to 8 pm. That means that if you arrive on the evening flight you will land after they have closed.
The only car rental company that is open this late is Europcar but they are often more expensive than the other companies.
Since the first ferries to Tarbert and Ullapool leave in the morning you won’t be able to pick up a car at 9 am and make it to the ferry terminal in time.
This means that you either have to get one of the evening ferry departures, arrive in the afternoon the day before or pay expensive out-of-hours fees to pick up your car (this might not even be an option for some car rental companies).
When returning your rental car this is no problem. All the companies at Inverness Airport offer free out of hour drop offs.
How to Get to Isle of Harris From Skye
Uig to Tarbert Ferry
Journey time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Daily departures: 1-2 per day in the summer
There is one direct ferry to Harris. It departs from Uig, located at the northern end of the Isle of Skye, and reaches Tarbert, the largest town on Harris.
Getting to Isle of Skye is easy because it is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Who should take this route?
- It is perfect for those who want to spend a few days on the Isle of Skye at the beginning or end of their holiday
- This is the shortest ferry to Lewis, making it suitable for anyone prone to seasickness
Please Note: this ferry books up quickly during the summer so purchase tickets as soon as they are released.
The summer season ferry schedule and tickets are normally released around the third Friday in January. The exact date can be found on the Calmac website under the summer schedule.
Accommodation
- To stay close to the ferry terminal on Harris, Dunarain B&B comes highly recommended. Click here to check prices and availability
- During the summer months most hotels and B&Bs on Skye require a minimum two-night stay. For a single night stay at the Marriott at Inverness Airport. On Skye stay at Skeabost House Hotel
Read my guide to getting the ferry from Skye to Harris
Ferry via North Uist and Berneray
Journey time: Uig to Lochmaddy: 1 hour and 45 minutes – Berneray to Leverburgh: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Daily departures: 1 suitable departure per day in the summer
Another way to travel between Skye and Harris is by taking two separate ferries via the islands of Berneray and North Uist. The reason this is a good alternative is it allows you to explore another island in between ferry crossings.
Leverburgh is the ferry terminal on the western side of Harris. Get one of the morning departures on the ferry to Berneray.
Before the afternoon ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig departs you have a couple of hours to visit Berneray or North Uist.
Berneray and North Uist are linked by a causeway and it is a 20-minute drive between to the two ferry terminals.
You can also do it the other way round. Get a morning departures on the Uig to North Uist ferry and a late departure from Berneray to Leverburgh.
The route works in either direction every day except Saturday, when the ferry times only work going from Harris to Skye.
Who should take this route?
- A good alternative if the Tarbert to Uig ferry is fully booked
- Ideal for anyone looking to experience more of the Outer Hebrides. The islands further south are very different to Harris
Read my guide to the ferry to North Uist
Why stop at North Uist or Berneray?
The best beaches on Harris might be the prettiest in the Outer Hebrides but the beaches in North Uist are not far behind. In a couple of hours you can visit the top two, Clachan Sands and Malacleit beach.
The Isle of Berneray is a small island. It also has great beaches. Between the ferries you can visit West beach as well as see seals and walk to the standing stone in the middle of the island.
Accommodation
- Close to Tarbert, Dunarain B&B comes highly recommended. Click here to check prices and availability
- During the summer months most hotels and B&Bs on Skye require a minimum two-night stay. The Marriott at Inverness Airport is a good option for one night. For two or more nights stay at Skeabost House Hotel on Skye
How to Do You Get to Isle of Harris via Lewis
There are two ways to travel to Lewis, one is by plane and the other by ferry. Both options arrive in Stornoway, which is the largest town on Lewis.
How to Get to Isle of Harris From Lewis
Lewis and Harris are one landmass and it is a 1-hour drive from the airport or ferry terminal in Stornoway to Tarbert in Harris.
As described below it is possible to travel between the two islands by public transport but it is much easier by car.
At the airport there is a bus stop and the W5 bus goes to Stornoway a couple of times a day, Monday to Saturday. Journey time is circa 15 minutes.
The W10 goes from Stornoway to Tarbert roughly 5 times a day, Monday to Saturday. Bus services throughout the Outer Hebrides are very limited on Sundays.
Check the latest bus schedule before travelling.
Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
Journey time: 2 hour and 45 minutes
Daily departures: 2 per day in the summer
Ullapool is on the northern coast of mainland Scotland, approximately 1.5 hours by car north of Inverness Airport.
There is no Ullapool to Harris ferry but a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on Lewis departs a couple of times a day.
This ferry is much larger than the one between Uig and Tarbert making it easier to book. However, it’s important to note that advance booking is essential when bringing a car, caravan or motorhome.
Saturdays are particularly busy since many cottages begin their weekly rental periods on Saturdays.
The ferry sailing this route is one of the newest in the fleet. It has an observation deck on the upper deck with large windows.
On calm days you might see dolphins and whales. As the ferry nears Stornoway you look out for puffins flying past between late April and early August. These charming birds nest on the Shiants Isles.
The only drawback of the Ullapool route is that it is a long crossing. A significant portion takes place in open seas and the conditions can be rough on windy days.
Who should take this route?
- Travelers planning to stay on Lewis or Harris. Arriving in Stornoway means that you can shop at the well-stocked supermarkets before continuing to your accommodation
- Those looking for a more budget-friendly option compared to flying
Accommodation
- In Stornoway, stay at Stornoway B&B rather than one of the Stornoway hotels. It is a few hundred metres from the ferry terminal. Click here to check prices and availability
- The night before taking the morning ferry from Ullapool, stay at Aultuguish Inn. It is a half-hour drive from the ferry terminal. If taking the afternoon ferry then stay at the Marriott at Inverness Airport
Read my guide to the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry for more information
Flights to Stornoway From Inverness, Glasgow or Edinburgh
Journey time: circa 1 hour
Daily departures: 1-3 depending on where you fly from
There is no airport on Harris but there is one outside Stornoway on Lewis. It has daily domestic flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness.
Whilst there are no direct international flights to Stornoway through-tickets can be purchased from most UK and international airports.
Flights from Inverness are approximately 40 minutes. From Glasgow and Edinburgh they are a little over 1 hour.
One thing to consider before booking a flight is that the luggage allowance is 15kg.
Who should take this route?
- How do you get to Harris in the shortest time possible? Flying is the answer – but it is more expensive than the ferry
- Flying is a more reliable option compared with taking the ferry to the Outer Hebrides. Having said that, the Tarbert to Uig ferry is the most reliable of the Outer Hebrides ferries, followed by the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway
- For anyone prone to motion sickness flying can be better as the sea can be rough during ferry crossings
Whilst planning your trip to Harris don’t forget to think about how to get around after you arrive. There are several car rental companies in Stornoway that you can consider:
- Stornoway Car Hire
- Car Hire Hebrides
- Stornoway Vehicle Hire
These companies deliver cars to the airport or ferry terminal at no extra cost. However, their prices are normally higher than car rentals located at Inverness or other mainland airports.
The selection of car models and sizes in Stornoway is also likely to be more limited.
Accommodation
- Read my guide to the best Stornoway hotels or for my top pick stay in a self-catering apartment at Lews Castle. Click here to check prices and availability
- Before your flight home, stay at the Mariott at Inverness Airport, the Holiday Inn at Glasgow Airport, or Hampton by Hilton at Edinburgh Airport
To plan your trip my post on the top things to do on the Isle of Harris
FAQ’s on How to Get to Harris
How to get to Isle of Harris?
There are two ways of getting to Isle of Harris, ferry or plane. There is a direct ferry from Skye to Harris. Another ferry route is from Ullapool to Stornoway on Lewis. Harris doesn’t have an airport but it is possible to travel by plane via Stornoway on Lewis.
From Stornoway it is a one hour drive to Harris.
How reliable are the ferries?
Cancellations related to weather can occur throughout the year but happen more often between late October and early April.
Leave a couple of days buffer between your return ferry crossing and your return flight in case of any potential disruptions.
In recent years some of the ferries to the Outer Hebrides have had cancellations which are not due to weather. The ferry from Isle of Skye to Isle of Harris is the most reliable ferry to the Outer Hebrides, followed by the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway.
Can I bring my dog to Harris?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Harris. It is free to bring dogs on the ferry but they must have their own ticket. These can be added online whilst buying tickets.
Do you need a car on Isle of Harris?
Yes, its much better to have a car on Isle of Harris. Scotland has limited public transportation in the more remote parts of the country and Harris is no exception. You will be able to see much more with a car.
Tarbert and Stornoway have car rental companies but it is cheaper and there is more choice when hiring a car at one of the airports on the mainland.
Can I take my car to Isle of Harris?
Yes, you can bring your car on the ferry to Isle of Harris. In fact having a car is the best way to get around. Rental cars are available at all the airports on the mainland as well as in Stornoway and Tarbert. Local car rental companies deliver to the ferry ports and airports.
Can you take a motorhome to Harris?
Yes, you can take a motorhome to Harris. Those with a motorhome or campervan must book ferry tickets ahead of time. They cannot use the standby lanes.
How do I get to Isle of Harris from the mainland?
There is one ferry route to the Isle of Harris from the mainland. It leaves from Uig on Skye and arrives in Tarbert on Harris. It is also possible to travel to Harris via Lewis. Stornoway has an airport with domestic flights and a ferry terminal where ferries arrive from Ullapool.
How to get to the Isle of Harris by public transport?
The easiest route to Harris by public transport is via Stornoway. Buses run from Inverness to Ullapool, where you can catch the ferry to Lewis. From Stornoway there is a bus to Tarbert on Harris. It is better to rent a car than getting to Harris by public transport.
Where do I get the ferry to Harris?
There is one ferry to Harris from the mainland. It leaves from Uig on Skye and takes 1 hour and 40 minutes before arriving in Tarbert. In addition there is a ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh which is on the western side of Harris.
How long is the ferry ride from Skye to Harris?
The ferry ride from Skye to Harris is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Ferries operate between Tarbert on Harris and Uig on Isle of Skye.
Is there an Ullapool to Harris ferry?
There is no ferry from Ullapool to Harris. The ferry from Ullapool goes to Stornoway on Lewis.
Can you fly to Isle of Harris?
No you cannot fly to Harris since there is no Isle of Harris airport.
The closest airport to the Isle of Harris is in Stornoway on Lewis. From Lewis it takes one hour to drive to Harris.
Can you drive from North Uist to Harris?
No, you cannot drive from North Uist to Harris. You have to get the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh which takes about 1 hour. There is no ferry from North Uist to Harris.
How to get to the Isle of Harris from London?
The quickest way from London to Isle of Harris is by plane via Isle of Lewis. Flights from London include one stop in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness before reaching Stornoway.
From Stornoway to Harris it is a 1 hour drive.
Whilst flying allows you to reach Harris in one day, it is expensive.
An alternative and more budget-friendly choice is flying to Inverness and then taking the ferry from Skye to Harris.
An alternative ferry is from Ullapool to Stornoway. It is a longer route to Harris but means that you can stop at the supermarkets in Stornoway. Living in London myself I travel via Inverness and Stornoway whenever I visit Harris.
Another thing to consider is car rental. Travelling by ferry normally means an overnight stay between arriving at Inverness airport and getting the ferry the next morning.
The problem is that the only car rental company that is open when the evening flights from London arrive is Europcar. Others charge expensive out-of-hours fees (some don’t provide this service).
Car rental companies open at 9 a.m. which makes it is impossible to pick up your car and catch the morning ferry to Harris or Stornoway.
The only options are to arrive earlier or get the later ferry.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
How to get to Harris from Glasgow?
There are no Glasgow to Harris flights. However you can fly via Stornoway on Isle of Lewis. The direct flight to Stornoway is the fastest way from Glasgow to Isle of Harris but it is expensive. From Stornoway it is a 1-hour drive to Harris.
The drive from Glasgow to Isle of Skye or Ullapool is about 5-6 hours through the highlands. An added bonus is the fact that along the way you can stop at interesting places like Glencoe, Fort William and Skye.
How to get to Harris from Edinburgh?
The fastest route from Edinburgh to Harris is by plane. There is a direct flight from Edinburgh to Stornoway on Lewis and then drive to Tarbert on Harris.
A cheaper but more time conusming alternative route from Edinburgh to Isle of Harris is by ferry.
The drive from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye or Ullapool are a 5-6 hour . The journey is around the edge of Cairngorms National Park where you can explore castles before passing Loch Ness to look for the monster.
When taking the ferry to or from Skye you have the opportunity to experience the beauty of this island as well.
How to get to Harris from Inverness?
There are several direct flights from Inverness to Stornoway every day. It is the quickest way to Harris but much more expensive than getting the ferry.
From Inverness to Skye it is a 3 hour drive. This means that you can pick up a car in the morning and make it all the way to the ferry terminal for the afternoon departures.
Final Thoughts: How Do You Get to the Isle of Harris
It might seem like Harris is a long way away and that it is difficult to get to. Yes, it takes more time to get to Harris than many of the other islands in Scotland – but that is what makes it special.
The important thing to remember is that there is no “bad route” to Harris. All the travel options described here are tried and tested and work well.
The time it takes getting to Harris is definitely worth it – it will be a holiday you will remember forever!
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
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