To get to the Isle of Eigg, you catch a ferry!
CALMAC FERRY FROM MALLAIG TO EIGG
Summer Timetable for Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry from Mallaig to Eigg runs from 29 March 2024 – 20 October 2024 Click here to see the FULL Small Isles timetable or here for the timetable broken down by each island and slightly easier to read.
Check that your ferry is running here or phone CalMac on 01687 310240 option 2.
The CalMac Winter timetable runs from 21 October 2024 – 27 March 2025.
ARISAIG MARINE MV SHEERWATER FROM ARISAIG TO EIGG
The Sheerwater is operated by Arisaig Marine between April and September. You can see the timetable here. You must book a ticket for the Sheerwater, either on their website, or call 01687 450224 or email info@arisaig.co.uk
CHARTER or SAIL TO EIGG
You could also charter a boat to bring you to Eigg. Sailing yacht Selkie can pick you up from the mainland, or another island or boat accessible location. Find out more and book your passage on the Selkie Explorers website.
If you’re sailing to Eigg, there’s information here.
GETTING TO MALLAIG OR ARISAIG
If you’re travelling to Mallaig or Arisaig by Scotrail train or CityLink coach, the main connections are through Glasgow and Fort William.
Considered by many to be the most scenic rail journey in the world, the West Highland Line leaves Glasgow behind and delves deep into the wild west coast.
If you’re travelling by car, it’s about three and a half hours from Glasgow and four from Edinburgh, but for both you should add at least 45 minutes for slow traffic and/or weather delays. Shiel Buses run a local bus service between Fort William and Mallaig (free travel for over 60s with concession card.)
A useful web site to visit is www.travelinescotland.com which has a journey planner and all the timetables (contact 0871 200 22 33).
The Road to the Isles has accommodation listings if you need somewhere to stay the night before you come to Eigg.
PARKING IN MALLAIG
There are two long stay car parks in Mallaig – East and West Bays. Give yourself PLENTY of time to find a parking space, particularly in the summer as it can get very busy. The West Bay car park is at the Mallaig and Morar Community Centre car park on the left just as you come into the village. It’s a five minute walk to the ferry terminal. The West Bay Car Park charges for parking (Ringo location 23485 Mallaig West Bay Car Park)
Parking in the East Bay car park is free, but it’s further around the bay, through the village and is about ten to fifteen minute walk to the pier, so if there is more of one of you travelling, drop someone off at the CalMac office with your luggage before parking.
GETTING AROUND ON EIGG
We don’t have any public transport on the island, but Eigg’s only wee and you’re only ever a couple of miles from anywhere you might want to go. If you don’t want to walk, you can hire a bike from Eigg Adventures, call Charlie on 01687 482404 for a taxi.
With the exception of Blue Badge holders, Highland Council does not permit visitor cars to use their roads on Eigg. For more information or to apply for a Blue Badge permit, go to Highland Council Small Isles Vehicle Permit Scheme
*Before you think about applying for a temporary permit, please ask yourself whether it is absolutely necessary. Please help Eigg manage sustainable traffic levels and leave your car on the mainland if possible. Residents are generous in offering lifts to those in need of transport and Eigg has bike hire, taxi hire and mini-bus service. So please be considerate of our limited infrastructure and apply for a permit only if you really need one.