Iona Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The journey to Iona is part of its magic, requiring a combination of transport methods. Travelers typically reach the Isle of Mull first, either by car ferry from Oban on the mainland (45-minute crossing) or via connecting buses from Glasgow (approximately 4-5 hours total). From Mull, a short drive or bus ride to Fionnphort connects with the small passenger ferry to Iona, which takes just 10 minutes to cross the Sound of Iona. Car parking is available at Fionnphort as vehicles are generally not permitted on Iona itself. The West Coast Motors bus service coordinates with ferry times, making public transport a viable option for reaching this island sanctuary.

Nestled off the western coast of Scotland, Iona is a tiny island with an outsized spiritual legacy. This tranquil haven measures just 3.4 miles long yet has shaped Celtic Christianity for over 1,400 years. The island's pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and historic abbey create an atmosphere of profound serenity. Arriving by ferry, visitors step into a timeless world where ancient traditions and natural beauty merge to create an unforgettable Scottish island experience.

Iona's maritime climate brings mild temperatures year-round, though weather can change rapidly. The prime visiting season runs from May through September, offering longer daylight hours and more reliable ferry services. July and August bring the warmest weather and highest visitor numbers, while May and September offer similar beauty with fewer crowds. The annual Iona Music Festival in early summer celebrates local talent against the backdrop of historic settings. Winter visits (November-March) provide a deeply peaceful experience, though with reduced ferry schedules and some seasonal closures. For photographers, the extraordinary quality of light on Iona is most remarkable during spring and autumn.

Iona serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Hebridean archipelago. The dramatic Isle of Staffa, home to the renowned Fingal's Cave with its hexagonal basalt columns, is accessible via tour boats departing near the Iona ferry terminal (45-minute journey). The Isle of Mull, Scotland's fourth-largest island, offers castles, wildlife tours, and charming villages just a 10-minute ferry ride away. Adventurous travelers can arrange trips to the more remote Treshnish Isles, where puffins and seals abound during summer months (approximately 1-2 hours by boat). The island of Ulva provides peaceful walking trails and is reached by connecting through Mull, making Iona an ideal hub for exploring Scotland's stunning western isles.

Iona Abbey stands as the island's centerpiece, a meticulously restored 13th-century monastery where visitors can explore the cloisters, museum, and ancient high crosses that have survived since the 8th century. The white sand beaches of the North End offer Caribbean-like views with crystal clear waters perfect for brave swimmers or peaceful contemplation. Hiking to Dùn I, the island's highest point at just 101 meters, rewards with panoramic views across to Mull and sometimes as far as Ireland on clear days. For local flavors, the Argyll Hotel restaurant serves fresh seafood and island-sourced ingredients, while the Heritage Centre provides insight into Iona's remarkable history and craft traditions. St. Columba's Bay on the southern coast, where the saint reportedly first landed in 563 AD, remains a powerful pilgrimage spot.

Despite its tiny size, Iona is the burial place of 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Duncan, with the graveyard known as 'Reilig Odhráin' containing remains of Norwegian and Irish royalty as well. The island's distinctive green-veined marble, known as Iona marble, was once so prized it was used in Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Iona has no ATMs or banks, with most businesses operating on a cash-only basis until very recently. The island's population dwindles to just around 120 permanent residents in winter, living in a community where everyone knows not just each other but also which dog belongs to which household.