By Car
The most practical way to get about is by car especially if time is limited or you want to reach the more remote areas. If you haven’t brought your own vehicle and need to hire a car there are two main outlets on Islay.
Cresswells Car Hire Car Hire – Cresswell Cars Ltd – Islay Email info@cresswellcars.com. Call +44 (0)1496 302 300 or 07494 297 422 to enquire about prices, booking and arranging collection
Islay Car Hire at 01496 810544 call for prices and arranging collection. Islay Car Hire | Self Drive Car Hire on Islay Online Reservation
Getting Around by Bus
With a bit of planning you can get around the islands by bus though like most rural areas, the service tends to connect only the villages and operates around school times and holidays. (There are no buses on Sundays)
Islay
The Islay bus is operated by B. Mundell Ltd. The timetable for the local bus service on Islay can be viewed here Islay Bus Timetable
Timetables can also be found in the area transport leaflet issued by Argyll & Bute Council.
Jura
The Jura Bus is operated by Garelochhead Coaches and travels between Feolin Ferry to Craighouse and north up the island to Inverlussa
Tel: 01436 810200 and view the timetable here. Jura Bus Timetable
Taxis
There are a number of taxi and minibuses for hire on Islay and Jura. This is a practical option for small groups intending visiting the distilleries and historic sites.
Contacts include:
Islay
Islay Taxis – Stuart Doyle 01496 850170, Mobile: 07771 921157
Carol’s cabs – Carol MacDonald 01496 302155 Mobile: 07775782155
Bruichladdich Taxis – Andrew MacEachern 01496 850271 Mobile: 07899942673
Attic Cabs Colin Stroud 07944 873323
Hughie Currie – 07737491429
Lamb Taxi – 07846 055 399
McIntyre Private Hire Taxi – 07359 489038
Paul’s Islay Taxi and Tours – 07543 105520
Cathy Heads Taxi Tours and Transfers – 07376952320
Jay’s Private Hire – 07384 148408
Jura
Jura Island Tours 01496 820314 Mobile: 07884 024777
Getting Around by Bike
Islay is an excellent place to get about by bicycle, whether you bring your own or hire one when you get here. It’s definitely one way to slow down and enjoy the calming effect island life can have on you.
Most of the roads are quiet and flat – we do get the odd windy day but in summertime it’s a delight to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Every Sunday at 10am an informal group of cyclists meet at the crossroads at Spring Bank, near Bowmmore and set off on a scenic social cycle on some of Islay’s scenic roads. All welcome. The group return to the Mini Market at Bruichladdich for a well earned Tea/Coffee & cake.
Jura is a little bit more hilly and challenging, especially the further north you go but you certainly won’t meet much traffic up there!
Bike hire
On Islay is available at:
Islay e wheels: Electric bike rental bookings@islayewheels.co.uk / 07497090716
On Jura available by calling;
Michael Varley 07092 180747