FerryConnect

Scotland

Kennacraig → Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)

The ferry to Islay, the whisky island, home to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg and many more distilleries. Sailings alternate between Port Ellen in the south and Port Askaig, which is also the jumping-off point for Jura.

⏱ 2h – 2h 20m🚢 1 operator📅 Three or four sailings a day each way, to Port Askaig or Port Ellen (winter 2026/27)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book on Direct Ferries→

Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) takes 2h – 2h 20m across the Sound of Jura, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: three or four sailings a day each way, to Port Askaig or Port Ellen (winter 2026/27).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-29.

Sources: calmac.co.uk · assets.calmac.co.uk · assets.calmac.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) to Kennacraig

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) also sails Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) to Kennacraig, taking 2h – 2h 20m.

Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27: three or four sailings a day from Kennacraig, alternating between Port Askaig and Port Ellen; most days at 07:00, 13:00 and 18:00 (18:10 on some days), with a 15:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Crossings take about 1 hour 55 minutes.

CalMac Islay winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027 (updated 20 October 2026); some Saturday sailings go on to Colonsay. No sailings on 25 December and 1 January.

Published departure times

  • 07:00
  • 13:00
  • 18:00

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: CalMac Kennacraig–Islay winter 2026/27 timetable. Verified 2026-10-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kennacraig and Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)

📐 25 Nautical Miles
Kennacraig⇄Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)
⏱ 2h – 2h 20m · 📐 25 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)?

Book your crossing with Direct Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book on Direct Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)2h – 2h 20mCalMac Ro-Pax ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

25 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Kennacraig is on the Kintyre peninsula, about 3 hours by road or Citylink coach from Glasgow
  • Port Askaig has a small ferry across the Sound of Islay to Jura

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from KennacraigTarbert (Loch Fyne) → PortavadieAbout 25m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingTayinloan (Kintyre) → Isle of GighaAbout 20m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingClaonaig (Kintyre) → Lochranza (Isle of Arran)About 30m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingColintraive (Cowal) → Rhubodach (Isle of Bute)About 5m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingOban → Isle of Colonsay2h 15m – 2h 25m · CalMac FerriesNearby alternative crossingWemyss Bay → Rothesay (Isle of Bute)About 35m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Kennacraig to Islay?
About 1 hour 55 minutes from Kennacraig to Port Askaig or Port Ellen, with three or four sailings a day in CalMac’s winter 2026/27 timetable.
How often does the Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27: three or four sailings a day from Kennacraig, alternating between Port Askaig and Port Ellen; most days at 07:00, 13:00 and 18:00 (18:10 on some days), with a 15:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Crossings take about 1 hour 55 minutes. CalMac Islay winter timetable 19 October 2026 – 25 March 2027 (updated 20 October 2026); some Saturday sailings go on to Colonsay. No sailings on 25 December and 1 January. This is the pattern published in the CalMac Kennacraig–Islay winter 2026/27 timetable (checked 2026-10-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)?
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Kennacraig to Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Kennacraig from Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 25 nautical miles (roughly 46 km).