❋Getting There
When to Visit
May–September: Best weather, all tours and attractions running, puffins on Staffa June–July peak. Book accommodation and ferry car spaces months in advance.
April and October: Good wildlife, far fewer visitors, extraordinary light. Weather unpredictable but worth it.
Winter: Quiet and atmospheric. Fewer services open, but eagles and otters are year-round.
Mull is an island. Everything begins with a ferry. This is not a complication — it is the point. The moment the boat leaves the pier, you become an islander, even if just for the day.
The Crossing Itself
The view back toward the mainland as you clear the harbour is worth standing outside for, whatever the weather.
Book the Oban–Craignure ferry 4–8 weeks ahead in summer. It sells out. If you miss it, Lochaline is the backup — locals use it constantly.
Be sure to arrive at Ferry Terminal at least 45-60 minutes prior to ferry departure.
When the Ferry is Cancelled
It happens. Wind, swell, mechanical issues — CalMac cancellations are a fact of island life and worth being prepared for rather than surprised by.
If you are already on Mull and a sailing is cancelled, your accommodation will know the situation and can usually advise on the next available crossing. If you are on the mainland waiting to cross, check the CalMac app or website for updates. Lochaline–Fishnish is often less affected by weather than Oban–Craignure and is worth considering as an alternative.
The island has its own rhythm. The ferry is part of it. Build a day of flex into either end of your trip if you can.
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships with our clients and growing with them over time.
The Ferry
All routes to Mull are operated by CalMac (Caledonian MacBrayne). There are three crossings:
Oban → Craignure — ~50 min — the main route: Most sailings, most convenient from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Book your car space at least 6 weeks ahead in summer — vehicle spaces sell out. Foot passengers can usually turn up, but booking is recommended. Arrive 30 minutes before sailing. As you approach Craignure, Duart Castle appears on the port (left) side — one of the finest first impressions in Scotland.
Lochaline → Fishnish — ~15 min — no booking needed: The locals' route. Drive on and pay on board. Ideal if coming from Fort William or Inverness. Requires crossing Loch Linnhe via the Corran Ferry first (5 min, frequent, pay on board).
Kilchoan → Tobermory — ~35 min: Useful if approaching from the Ardnamurchan peninsula. No advance booking needed.
Ferry timetables change seasonally. Always check calmac.co.uk before you travel. The Oban crossing runs up to 9 sailings a day in summer — first at 06:45, last at 21:50.
Getting to Oban from major cities
Getting to Oban
By car: Glasgow 2h 15m · Edinburgh 3h · Inverness 2h 40m. The road through Glen Coe is one of the most dramatic in Scotland — leave time to stop.
By train: Direct from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, 3+ hours. One of Scotland's most scenic rail journeys. The station is next to the ferry terminal.
By bus: Scottish Citylink coaches from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Travel time around 4 hours.
Ferry cost: Foot passenger from ~£5. Car + driver average ~£56 return. Book at calmac.co.uk.
Getting Around Mull
Car — strongly recommended: Mull is large and public transport is limited. If not bringing your own, hire on the island (book ahead): Mackay's Garage 01688 302103 · Mull Car Hire 07721 623854. Many visitors find it easier to hire on the mainland and bring it on the ferry
Single-track roads throughout: take your time, use passing places, and expect sheep. Don’t stop for an extended period in a passing place.
EV charging: Available at Tobermory, Craignure, Fionnphort, Bunessan, and the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa.
Bus: West Coast Motors connect Tobermory, Salen, Craignure and Fionnphort. Useful but infrequent. Check timetables at westcoastmotors.co.uk before planning around them.
Cycling: Possible and the roads are beautiful. Also hilly and exposed. Bikes can be brought on the ferry or hired on the island. E-bikes available to hire.
Taxi: Available in Tobermory and Craignure. Ask your accommodation for numbers.
Glenforsa Airfield — yes, you can fly in
Mull has its own grass airstrip on the north coast at Glenforsa, near Salen. An unlicensed 780m strip operated by the Glenforsa Hotel, open dawn to dusk from April to October. Landing fee is £12.50 per aircraft, overnight parking free. Avgas is not available on Mull — fuel up at Oban Airport before crossing. PPR essential: call +44 (0)1680 300 377. Frequency 120.805.
For anyone who flies, this is one of the better reasons to do the trip.