How to travel from St Andrews to Islay, United Kingdom
The distance between St Andrews and Islay is around 564km (351 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 20m.
9 routes found
We've found 9 different ways to get from St Andrews to Islay by train, ferry, bus and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Islay → St Andrews if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Birmingham (BHX) to Islay (ILY).
- Duration3h 20m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical cost£195($230)
+ 4 others4 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Glasgow and then to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal then take a ferry to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal.
- Duration13h 10m
- Departstwice daily
- Typical cost£57($68)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train and Ferry
Take the train to Preston then Haymarket and then to Oban then take a ferry to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal.
- Duration12h 30m
- Departsonce a week
- Typical cost£175($210)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between St Andrews and Islay
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from St Andrews to Islay by train, ferry, bus and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around £46 ($55) and will take around 13h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £195 ($230).
The distance between St Andrews and Islay is around 564km (351 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 219km (136 miles)
It takes around 12h 30m to get from St Andrews and Islay by train and ferry.
The quickest way to get from St Andrews to Islay is to fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx £195 ($230).
The cheapest way to travel between St Andrews and Islay is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around £46 ($55) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between St Andrews and Islay. We recommend that you fly from Birmingham (BHX) to Islay (ILY). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between St Andrews and Islay. We recommend that you fly from Birmingham (BHX) to Islay (ILY). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from St Andrews and Islay. Flights depart from Birmingham (BHX) and arrive at Islay (ILY) - via Glasgow (GLA). The flight takes around 2hrs.
There is no direct flight from St Andrews to Islay. There is however a flight that goes via Glasgow (GLA). This services will take at least 3h 20m (not including layover time).
The flight from St Andrews to Islay typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Birmingham (BHX) and and arrive into Islay (ILY).
The closest major airport to Islay is Glenegedale Airport (ILY) (ILY) which is approximately 10km (6 miles) from Islay. Glasgow Airport (GLA) (GLA) and Belfast International Airport (BFS) (BFS) 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 St Andrews to Islay. We recommend that you take the train to Preston then Haymarket and then to Oban then take a ferry to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal. instead which will take 12h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from St Andrews to Islay is to take the train and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 12h 30m and will usually cost around £175 ($210).
Compare travel optionsbetween St Andrews and Islay
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 4 similar | 3h 20m | £195($230) | 5 times a day | 564km (351 miles) |
| Train to Bristol Temple Meads, Fly | 4h 45m | £275($330) | 5 times a day | 799km (497 miles) |
| Train to Leicester, plane | 5h 5m | £280($330) | 5 times a day | 827km (514 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 5h 55m | £325($385) | 5 times a day | 619km (384 miles) |
| Plane, Bus and Ferry | 7h 20m | £88($105) | once daily | 654km (406 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 13h 10m | £57($68) | twice daily | 727km (452 miles) |
| Bus to Glasgow, ferry | 13h 30m | £46($55) | once daily | 729km (453 miles) |
Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 12h 30m | £175($210) | once a week | 796km (495 miles) |
| Train to Edinburgh, ferry | 13h 40m | £220($260) | once a week | 879km (546 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between St Andrews and Islay
Train operators
First ScotRail Service
East Midlands Railways
Bus companies
Scottish Citylink
Airlines
Loganair
Ferry operators
Caledonian MacBrayne
Airports near Islay
The following major airports near Islay offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
Glenegedale Airport (ILY)
- Distance
- 10km (6 miles) from Islay
Glasgow Airport (GLA)
- Distance
- 109km (68 miles) from Islay
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
- Distance
- 122km (76 miles) from Islay