
Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is a place where you can find a little bit of everything you'd ever want from a Scottish island. It has an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, great cultural festivals and a wealth of tasty local produce.
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Travel to and around Arran
Getting to Arran
Ferry
Two car ferry services, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), serve the island.
- The Ardrossan to Brodick service is the more popular of the two routes, connecting the island with the region of Ayrshire on the mainland. Ardrossan is only a 45 minute journey from Glasgow, and is accessible by car or public transport.
- Lochranza in the north of the island is served by a ferry from Claonaig, a small port on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll.
The cost of the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry service is very reasonable, but booking in advance and staying up to date with sailings is advised.
Train
The train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes, where you can then catch the ferry over to the island.
Getting around Arran
Cycling
Arran offers 9 road routes for exploring the island by bike, as well as having cycle hire available across the island.
Bus and coach
There are three main bus routes covering north Arran, south Arran and "the String" which generally tie in with the ferry timetables. In the summer, additional seasonal bus operators run tours which are a great way to take in the sights.
Driving
The road networks skirt the island's coastline, with a road dissecting the centre of the island, known locally as "the String". Some of the roads are single track, with plenty of passing places. Care hire and taxis are also available on the island.
The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran
Arran accommodation ideas
Get inspired and explore accommodation options on the Isle of Arran.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Help and advice
You can also get advice from our accredited iKnow partners, with excellent local expertise, travel advice and insider tips about must-see attractions and great accommodation in the local area.
Find our iKnow Partners in this areaLochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran
© Aildh Beaton Ridgeline Prints
Food experiences in Arran
A holiday on Arran packs in a lot of flavour - taste your way around the island as you try creamy cheeses, refreshing beers, traditional oatcakes, tempting chocolates and delicious ice cream.
Map of Arran
Explore Isle of Arran
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Machrie Moor Standing Stones
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Things to see and do on Arran
A short break on Arran is perfect all year round, and is a great location to escape busy city life.

Gorge Scrambling in Southern Ayrshire with Adventure Carrick
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
Unique experiences
Discover another side of Arran with these unusual experiences and hidden gems.

The pools at Glen Rosa with a view of Goat Fell, Isle of Arran
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
Tours, trails and routes
Check out our ideas for short breaks in Arran with things to see and do.

Kildonan Beach on The Isle of Arran with Ailsa Craig in the distance
What's on, events and more
Keep up to date with the latest events, festivals and things to do on Arran.
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