
Oban, Argyll
© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton
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Oban
Nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday. Often called the 'Gateway to the Isles', many people travel to Oban as part of a west coast adventure.
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Things to do in Oban
Experience boat tours, cycling, beach combing, diving and lots more. Make sure to boost your energy levels with a mouth-watering seafood platter or a nice dram of whisky.

Activities in Oban
Jump into the heart of the action with Oban's range of exciting indoor and outdoor attractions.

Oban - Gateway to The Isles
Experience island life, travelling from Oban into west coast waters.

Walking in Oban
Get your bearings around Oban with these fantastic walking trails.

7Days
Car
An island hopping holiday on the west coast
Discover what it means to island hop across the western islands of Scotland.
Inspiration for Oban Breaks
Find the right accommodation to suit your needs in Oban.
Oban Youth Hostel
© Hostelling Scotland
Places to Stay
Oban offers a great range of accommodation, from cosy B&B's and guesthouses to welcoming hotels, hostels and central self-catering apartments.

The Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Tours, routes and trails
Check out our ideas for short breaks in Oban with things to see & do, places to stay and food & drink suggestions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Oban at these hidden gem experiences.

Book a sailing trip with Provident Sailing
All aboard this beautiful ship for a sailing holiday in Oban.

See marine wildlife up close with Basking Shark Scotland
See some of Scotland's best maritime life up close.

Enjoy a scenic flight with Hebridean Air Services
Take to the skies and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Hebrides.
Map of Oban
Explore Oban
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How to Travel to and around Oban
Getting to
Train
Oban can also be easily reached by train from Glasgow or by timetabled coaches from Glasgow or Inverness.
Driving
Driving from Glasgow or Edinburgh takes between two and a half hours to three hours. If coming from Glasgow, there are two route options - follow the A82 via the west side of Loch Lomond, or take the A83 over the Rest and be Thankful and via Inveraray.
Flying
Oban Airport lies 5 miles out of the town and serves the islands of Coll, Tiree, Islay and Colonsay. From Aberdeen it is around a 4 hour drive, or you can travel by train via Dundee and Glasgow.
Getting around
Bus and coach
Oban is pretty easy to travel around, and is a very walkable town too. West Coast Motors operate bus service routes around Oban and to the surrounding villages north and south of the town.
Train
Trains to Glasgow also stop at a number of villages along the railway line, including Connel, Taynuilt, Loch Awe and Dalmally.
Ferry
When it comes to transport on the water to the surrounding islands, ferries are operated by CalMac or you can even charter small passenger boats.
Find more information on ferry timetables on CalMac's website
Taxi
Local companies offer car rentals, and you can also take advantage of taxi services.
What's on in Oban

Oban Harbour as seen from McCaigs Tower
Events
From delicious food & drink shared with new friends, to toe-tapping, dancing and singing along to great local music - you'll find a great variety of events around Oban.
Places to eat in Oban
Find ideas on where to try Scottish food & drink in Oban.

Ee-Usk Seafood Restaurant
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Food & Drink
There's a great selection of places to eat in Oban.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
After exploring McCaig’s Tower and its panoramic views over Oban, Isle of Kerrera and Mull, why not indulge with a visit to Oban Chocolate Company? You can see delicious chocolates being made and also enjoy a hot drink!
Szymon
Assistant iCentre Manager, Oban
Other things you might like
Argyll & The Isles

Isle of Arran

Scottish Islands & Island Hopping

Scotland's Islands
The Highlands
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