How to travel from Islay to Aberdeen, United Kingdom
The distance between Islay and Aberdeen is around 389km (241 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 3h 60m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Islay to Aberdeen by ferry, bus, train and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Aberdeen → Islay if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Islay (ILY) to Aberdeen (ABZ).
- Duration4h 30m
- Flight time3h 50m
- Typical cost£350($415)
Loganair
+ 3 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Ferry and Bus
Take a ferry to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal then take the bus to Buchanan Bus Station and then to Aberdeen Coach Station.
- Duration8h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical cost£49($58)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Ferry, Bus and Train
Take a ferry to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal then take the bus to Buchanan Bus Station then take the train to Aberdeen.
- Duration8h 20m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical cost£68($81)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Islay and Aberdeen
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Islay to Aberdeen by ferry, bus, train and plane. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then take the bus which costs around £44 ($52) and will take around 10h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 3h 60m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £230 ($275).
The distance between Islay and Aberdeen is around 389km (241 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 294km (183 miles)
It takes around 8h 20m to get from Islay and Aberdeen by ferry, bus and train.
The quickest way to get from Islay to Aberdeen is to fly and then take the train which takes around 3h 60m and will set you back approx £230 ($275).
The cheapest way to travel between Islay and Aberdeen is to take a ferry and then take the bus which will typically cost around £44 ($52) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Islay and Aberdeen. We recommend that you fly from Islay (ILY) to Glasgow (GLA) then take the train to Aberdeen. instead which will take 3h 60m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Islay and Aberdeen. We recommend that you fly from Islay (ILY) to Glasgow (GLA) then take the train to Aberdeen. instead which will take 3h 60m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Islay and Aberdeen. Flights depart from Islay (ILY) and arrive at Aberdeen (ABZ) - via Glasgow (GLA). The flight takes around 3h 50m.
There is no direct flight from Islay to Aberdeen. There is however a flight that goes via Glasgow (GLA) and London Heathrow (LHR). This services will take at least 4h 30m (not including layover time).
The flight from Islay to Aberdeen typically takes around 3h 50m. Flights depart from Islay (ILY) and and arrive into Aberdeen (ABZ).
The closest major airport to Aberdeen is Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) (ABZ) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Aberdeen. Dundee Airport (DND) (DND) and Inverness Airport (INV) (INV) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Islay to Aberdeen. We recommend that you take a ferry to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal then take the bus to Buchanan Bus Station then take the train to Aberdeen. instead which will take 8h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Islay to Aberdeen is to take a ferry, then take the bus and then take the train which takes, on average, 8h 20m and will usually cost around £68 ($81).
Compare travel optionsbetween Islay and Aberdeen
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 4h 30m | £350($415) | every 4 hours | 1,341km (833 miles) |
| Plane and Train | 3h 60m | £230($275) | every 4 hours | 389km (241 miles) |
Ferry and Bus + 1 similar | 8h 50m | £49($58) | 4 times a day | 456km (283 miles) |
| Ferry to Oban Ferry Terminal, bus | 10h 15m | £44($52) | twice a week | 398km (247 miles) |
Ferry, Bus and Train + 1 similar | 8h 20m | £68($81) | 4 times a day | 468km (291 miles) |
| Ferry to Oban Ferry Terminal, bus and train | 8h 30m | £49($58) | twice a week | 397km (247 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Islay and Aberdeen
Bus companies
Scottish Citylink
Fishers Tours of Dundee
Stagecoach East Scotland
Ferry operators
Caledonian MacBrayne
Airlines
Loganair
Aer Lingus
Train operators
First ScotRail Service
Airports near Aberdeen
The following major airports near Aberdeen offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Aberdeen
Dundee Airport (DND)
- Distance
- 95km (59 miles) from Aberdeen
Inverness Airport (INV)
- Distance
- 126km (78 miles) from Aberdeen