Plan the crossing from Kennacraig to Port Ellen, with departure-port details, CalMac Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Kennacraig to Port Ellen. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
The Kennacraig–Port Ellen ferry is part of CalMac’s mainland connection to Islay. Islay sailings can use either Port Ellen or Port Askaig, so the arrival port matters when arranging a collection or onward drive.
Select a sailing that actually arrives at Port Ellen; the two Islay ports are not interchangeable.
Check CalMac’s service-status notice alongside the published timetable.
Reserve vehicle space before making a long drive to Kennacraig.
Plan the two port connections as part of the same itinerary. For Kennacraig to Port Ellen, compare where the ferry leaves and where it arrives, then check your transfer or driving time on each side. If the return journey uses a different mainland or island port, allow for that change when arranging accommodation and onward travel.
Travelling the other way? Read the Port Ellen to Kennacraig ferry guide.
CalMac
Use the operator’s current route information to confirm the timetable, vessel and travel options for your preferred date.
Select a sailing that actually arrives at Port Ellen; the two Islay ports are not interchangeable.
Kennacraig is the mainland departure point for CalMac’s Islay ferries. Sailings use Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay, and the destination shown on the booked departure determines where you arrive.
For the Kennacraig to Port Ellen journey, match the port on the ticket to your transfer or driving plans. Leave time at Kennacraig for check-in and boarding before departure; a train or bus arrival time is only the start of the connection.
Select a sailing that actually arrives at Port Ellen; the two Islay ports are not interchangeable.
Port Ellen is one of the Islay ports used by CalMac’s Kennacraig service. Its location is different from Port Askaig, so confirm the arrival port before arranging transport on Islay.
For the Kennacraig to Port Ellen journey, match the port on the ticket to your transfer or driving plans. Allow time to leave the ferry at Port Ellen before a timed collection or onward connection; the scheduled arrival is not the same as being outside the terminal.
Check CalMac’s service-status notice alongside the published timetable.
For Kennacraig to Port Ellen, compare the journey to the departure terminal, boarding time, the crossing and the connection after arrival. Read the arrival date as well as the clock time before fitting the sailing around a hotel stay or onward transport.
Enter every passenger and select the travel type offered for your Kennacraig to Port Ellen sailing. If taking a vehicle, use its correct dimensions and include anything carried on a rack or trailer. Review the itinerary and included options before accepting the fare.
Compare the seating or cabin categories offered on the vessel for your departure. The available choices can differ between sailings, so read what is included in the price. Confirm assistance, accessibility or pet arrangements with the operator before completing the booking.
Check the operator’s current timetable and service notices for Kennacraig to Port Ellen. A route guide does not guarantee every departure or ticket type is available through the comparison service. If the option you need is missing, consult the operator’s dated calendar directly.
Route information reviewed on 12 September 2026. Check the operator’s current timetable and service notices before travel.
CalMac publish route information for this crossing. Follow the operator links on this page for the latest timetable and service notices.
Use the departure and arrival times for the sailing you select, including the arrival date and local time zone. Published route descriptions are a planning guide rather than a guarantee for every departure.
Open the ferry search page and enter the two ports, travel dates and passenger details. Add your vehicle where required. If your preferred service is not listed, consult the operator’s published timetable.
Port Ellen to Kennacraig ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Use the terminal or pier named on your CalMac Ferries confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Kennacraig by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Port Ellen. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.
Domestic travel still has operator rules: names, any required identification, vehicle size and assistance arrangements must match the booking. If this sailing connects with a second ferry, check whether the tickets protect the connection. Allow a margin before an infrequent island bus or the last return boat.
Select the correct passenger category before comparing Kennacraig to Port Ellen fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.
For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.
Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.
Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet
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