FAQs
Question
How do I get to Skye?
Answer
From Inverness Inverness is the closest city to Skye and ideal if you want the shortest onward journey. By Car - Approx. 2.5 hours to the Skye Bridge or 4 hours total to northern Skye. Route: A82 along Loch Ness, then A887/A87 via Eilean Donan Castle. Roads are narrow and winding, so allow time for stops and photos. By Coach (Citylink) - Around 3 hours direct from Inverness Bus Station to Portree with stops at Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford, and Sligachan. Comfortable coaches with Wi-Fi and toilets, perfect if you’d rather not drive. Book online early, especially in summer. There are around three coaches per day (note they do not run in the evening/overnight) By Train - ScotRail service from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (2 hrs 40 mins). From Kyle, cross the bridge (15 mins) by taxi or hire car in Kyle. Sit on the left side for the best loch views. From Edinburgh By Car - Around 5.5 hours to the Skye Bridge, or 7 hours to the north of Skye via the M90–Perth–A9–A82 route. Refuel before leaving Inverness, services are limited beyond. By Coach - Citylink route takes about 8.5 hours with changes at Perth and Fort William. A long but affordable and straightforward option if you don’t wish to drive. By Train - Edinburgh to Inverness (3 hrs 30 mins), then train to Kyle of Lochalsh
Question
What if I don't want to rent a car?
Answer
It's possible to visit Skye without a car, but it does require a bit more planning and flexibility and it will be more expensive. Public transport on the island is very limited, and most of Skye’s most iconic elopement or photo locations (like the Quiraing, Fairy Glen, or Elgol) are spread far apart and not served by regular buses. Taxis are available but must be booked days in advance, and journeys can become expensive due to distance and waiting time. If you’re traveling without your own vehicle, we recommend: Stay in Portree - Skye’s main town, with accommodation, restaurants, small shops, and pick-up points for taxis and tours. Use private drivers or guided tours - several excellent local companies offer custom day trips to key scenic spots. Plan a larger transport budget - taxis and tours will be more costly than car hire, but you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the views. While it’s absolutely possible to experience Skye this way, having your own car (or hiring a driver for your stay) gives you far more flexibility to explore sunrise, sunset, and the remote places.
Question
Tips for Renting a Car
Answer
Choose an automatic - don’t drive stick here, it’s just another thing to think about Get the good insurance and the tire insurance. Skye has a bridge or a ferry - choose the bridge unless you have pre-booked the ferry, and note their are no ferries in the evening.
