Isle of Arran/Getting There

Because Arran is an island, you must take a ferry from the mainland. The best place from which to do this is Ardrossan, as this has good transport connections to the rest of Scotland.

By Boat

The only reasonable way to get to Arran is using one of the two ferries operated by Caledonian McBrayne. The Ferries run between:

Ardrossan(mainland) - Brodick(Arran)

Name: MV Caledonian Isles
Facilities on Board: toilets, children's play area, tourist information desk, disabled access, Bar, Restaurant
Vehicle capacity: 120 cars (other vehicles can be accommodated)
Passenger capacity: 1000
Duration of Trip: 55 minutes
Runs all year: Yes
Trainlink mainland: Yes

Claonaig(mainland) - Lochranza(Arran)

Name: unknown
Facilities on Board: toilets, small passenger lounge
Vehicle capacity: several cars (other vehicles can be accommodated)
Passenger capacity: 100?
Duration of Trip: 30 minutes
Runs all year: Closed in Winter
Trainlink mainland: No

By Plane

The nearest airport to Arran is Glasgow Prestwick International. Prestwick is on the mainland, situated 32 miles to the south of Glasgow. Flights arrive daily from London Stansted, Paris and Dublin along with less regular flights from other destinations. The airport is well sited, with numerous hotels in the vicinity. A train station is situated to the west of the airport complex with trains direct to Glasgow Central and offers an indirect route to Ardrossan Harbour through a change at Kilwinning. Taxis to Ardrossan harbour are also available at a standard charge of £15.

By Train

Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour, where you can pick up the ferry to Brodick. Make sure you get a train to Ardrossan Harbour - Ardrossan Town and Ardrossan South Beach stations are some distance from the ferry port. Tickets for trains can be bought once on board as well as at stations. Discounts are available when you show a valid plane boarding pass.

By Road

There is no road link to Arran from the mainland, so you must take the ferry.