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Port guide: compare transport from Stornoway

Stornoway, United Kingdom 36 transport option(s) compared
90 min Recommended return before ship
Port exit : Easy

Stornoway

Port call at Stornoway (United Kingdom). Leaving the port is straightforward and the town centre is walkable from the pier. The cheapest option, Cruise shuttle to city centre, is free, and the fastest takes around 10 min. A ship shuttle is also available, at around 20,00 €.

Capital of the Outer Hebrides, Isle of Lewis. Terminal in the new cruise port of Stornoway. Wild landscapes, megalithic sites of Callanish 25 km away.

Stornoway New Cruise Terminal
Cheapest option Free Cruise shuttle to city centre
Fastest option 10 min Local W7 bus to Stornoway Co-op
Simplest option Cruise shuttle to city centre Very simple
Ship shuttle 20,00 € Please contact the company for further information.

Practical tips

  • Port shuttles available to the centre of Stornoway
  • Local bus to Callanish Stones
  • Car rental recommended
  • Taxis available

Warnings

  • Very changeable weather and strong wind
  • Remote sites requiring transportation
  • Very quiet Sunday (Presbyterian influence)
  • Attention if car rental: Left-hand drive

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Best option summary

By choosing your cruise line's official shuttle, you opt for complete peace of mind: even if it isn't the cheapest option, this transfer is treated as an excursion, which means the ship will wait for the shuttle before setting sail.

Ship shuttle 20,00 €

Please contact the company for further information.

Recommended local alternative Cruise shuttle to city centre

Free - 15 min - Cruise days, regular shuttles depending on port or company

Easiest option from the new terminal

Filter transport options

Choose whether you want to stay near the port, reach a connection, or go on a longer excursion.

Transport options

36 option(s) shown for Stornoway

Cruise shuttle to city centre

Stornoway town centre

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency Cruise days, regular shuttles depending on port or company
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Easiest option from the new terminal

Attention point

Depends on the organisation of the day and the ship

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check the pick-up point and the last departure at the dock

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Cruise Scotland Stornoway: https://www.cruisescotland.com/destinations/port-members/stornoway

Local W7 bus to Stornoway Co-op

Stornoway Co-op / town local area

Bus Near the port
Estimated cost 3,00 €
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency several local services according to W7
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Convenient for short trips in Stornoway

Attention point

Not very useful if you stay in the centre on foot

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check local W7 schedules

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis bus timetables: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/bus-services/lewis-bus-timetables | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Taxi to city centre

Stornoway town centre

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 18,00 €
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency available or by reservation (recommended)
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Quick transfer if the shuttle is saturated or absent

Attention point

Few taxis available on large ships

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Booking if a very large ship arrives

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Stornoway Port Authority: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/stornoway-port-authority-p553351

Taxi to Lews Castle

Lews Castle

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 20,00 €
Estimated duration 12 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Comfortable access to the castle, museum and gardens

Attention point

Distance feasible by shuttle bus + walk

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check the museum's opening hours before departure

Source : Lews Castle: https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway

Cruise Shuttle to Lews Castle

Lews Castle

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency Cruise days, depending on shuttle stop or excursion
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Convenient access to the castle and museum without a long walk

Attention point

Exact stop to be confirmed according to shuttle bus

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; if the shuttle only goes to the centre, finish on foot towards Lews Castle

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Lews Castle: https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/

Shuttle to Stornoway Bus Station

Stornoway Bus Station

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency cruise days, depending on local organisation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Allows you to reach local buses without a long walk

Attention point

Depends on the actual shuttle drop-off point

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; then check the timetables of the W1/W2/W5/W7 buses

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis bus timetables: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/bus-services/lewis-bus-timetables

Buses to Stornoway Airport

Stornoway Airport

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency Local hours to check
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Public option to Stornoway Airport

Attention point

Schedules to check according to flights

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; For a flight, bring a margin or taxi

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis bus timetables: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/bus-services/lewis-bus-timetables | HIAL Stornoway Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport

Private VTC to city centre

Stornoway town centre

Private car (VTC) Near the port
Estimated cost 20,00 €
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Flexible if shuttle is absent or saturated

Attention point

Limited local offer, reservation recommended

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; confirm the appointment at the Deep Water Terminal

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Stornoway Port Authority: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/stornoway-port-authority-p553351

Taxi to Stornoway Airport

Stornoway Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 28,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the airport

Attention point

More expensive than local bus

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if the flight is imminent

Source : HIAL Stornoway Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Private Private Driver to Stornoway Airport

Stornoway Airport

Private car (VTC) Station / airport
Estimated cost 30,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the airport

Attention point

Local availability to anticipate

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if your flight schedule is tight

Source : HIAL Stornoway Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport | Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/

Taxi to St Columba's Church Ui

St Columba's Church / Ui Church

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Historic site close to Stornoway and easy by taxi

Attention point

Return to be arranged if no waiting

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; good complement if you stay close to Stornoway

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/ | VisitScotland Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/islands/outer-hebrides

Callanish and Blackhouse Excursion Bus

Calanais Standing Stones

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 85,00 €
Estimated duration 240 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Reliable option to see Calanais, blackhouses and scenery with ship return

Attention point

Compulsory programme and limited places

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Calanais; Other stops not mapped to keep a map simple

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/

Walk to Lews Castle Grounds

Lews Castle Grounds

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Walks through a beautiful green area before the centre of Stornoway

Attention point

Not ideal in bad weather or limited mobility

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche paysagère vers la ville

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Route to check depending on access from the terminal

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Lews Castle: https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/

Taxi to Calanais Standing Stones

Calanais Standing Stones

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 80,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible access to the major site without relying on the W2 bus

Attention point

Return to be booked imperatively

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Request Wait or Resume Time

Source : Calanais visit: https://calanais.org/visit/ | Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway

Private VTC to Calanais Standing Stones

Calanais Standing Stones

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 85,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible excursion to the major site of Lewis

Attention point

Higher cost than the bus and essential return

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book a return ticket before your stopover

Source : Calanais visit: https://calanais.org/visit/ | GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/

Taxi to Dun Carloway Broch

Dun Carloway Broch

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 85,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible access to a spectacular Lewis broch

Attention point

Small final step possible depending on parking

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check Access & Weather

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Dun Carloway: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/dun-carloway-broch-p523781 | Historic Environment Scotland: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/

Taxi to Arnol Blackhouse

Arnol Blackhouse

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Blackhouse Historic Site further northwest

Attention point

Opening times to be checked

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Return to be organised before departure

Source : Historic Environment Scotland Arnol Blackhouse: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/the-blackhouse-arnol/ | Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/

Taxi to Tolsta Beach

Tolsta Beach / Traigh Mhòr

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Wild beach and coastal landscapes in the northeast

Attention point

Weather and wind

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book resumption before departure

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Tolsta: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/ | VisitScotland Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/islands/outer-hebrides

Taxi to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 95,00 €
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible access to a highly photogenic heritage site

Attention point

High cost and return to be organised

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check opening and book resumption

Source : Gearrannan Blackhouse Village: https://www.gearrannan.com/ | Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/

Private VTC to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 100,00 €
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Personalized access to Gearrannan and Lewis West Coast

Attention point

Reservation required on cruise days

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check opening before departure

Source : Gearrannan Blackhouse Village: https://www.gearrannan.com/ | GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/

Walking to Stornoway Ferry Terminal

Stornoway ferry terminal

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Access to the CalMac terminal and downtown

Attention point

Significant distance from Arnish

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche vers le port historique

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Useful only if connecting to the ferry or visiting the Old Port

Source : CalMac Stornoway port: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/ports/stornoway-port/ | Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway

Walk to city centre

Stornoway town centre / Cromwell Street

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Allows you to reach the city without waiting for the shuttle bus

Attention point

Long, partly industrial and not very suitable with luggage

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche depuis le Deep Water Terminal

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; prefer the shuttle if it works

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway | Cruise Scotland Stornoway: https://www.cruisescotland.com/destinations/port-members/stornoway

Walk to Lews Castle

Lews Castle

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Access to a major Stornoway site and museum

Attention point

Significant distance from the new terminal

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche via grounds

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check the opening hours of the castle and museum before departure

Source : Lews Castle: https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | Visit Outer Hebrides Stornoway cruise: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/cruise/stornoway

Walk to Stornoway Bus Station

Stornoway Bus Station

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Allows access to local buses W1, W2, W5, W7 and other lines

Attention point

Inconvenient length if shuttle available

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche jusqu’au hub bus

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check Western Isles bus timetable before you go

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis bus timetables: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/bus-services/lewis-bus-timetables | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Bus W2 to Calanais Standing Stones

Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 6,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency limited, especially Monday-Saturday according to W2 schedules
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public option to the major prehistoric site of Lewis

Attention point

Limited hours and return to be imperatively secured

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check W2 before departure and only leave if the return is confirmed

Source : Calanais visit: https://calanais.org/visit/ | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar W2 timetable: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/W2%20Westside%20Circular%20Anti-Clockwise.pdf

Bus W2 to Arnol Blackhouse

Arnol Blackhouse

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 7,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency limited, W2 schedules to check
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Blackhouse Historic Site accessible by public transport according to schedules

Attention point

Return to check carefully

Accessibility : moyenne, service rural

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check Historic Environment Scotland opening before departure

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar W2 timetable: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/W2%20Westside%20Circular%20Anti-Clockwise.pdf | Historic Environment Scotland Arnol Blackhouse: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/the-blackhouse-arnol/

Bus W2 to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 8,00 €
Estimated duration 55 min
Frequency limited, W2 schedules to check
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public access to an iconic blackhouse village

Attention point

Return schedules often difficult for cruise passengers

Accessibility : moyenne, service peu fréquent

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Prefer an organised excursion if the stopover time is short

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar W2 timetable: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/W2%20Westside%20Circular%20Anti-Clockwise.pdf | Gearrannan Blackhouse Village: https://www.gearrannan.com/

Bus excursion Butt of Lewis and Gearrannan

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 95,00 €
Estimated duration 300 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Allows you to discover North Lewis, cliffs and traditional heritage

Attention point

Long ride, exposed weather

Accessibility : moyenne, excursion longue

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Butt of Lewis; Other unmapped stops

Source : GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/ | Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/

Taxi to Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 140,00 €
Estimated duration 55 min
Frequency Private bookings recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Access to the northernmost point of Lewis and the cliffs

Attention point

Exposed to the wind, long for a short stopover

Accessibility : moyenne, longue route vers le nord

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book round trip and check the weather

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Butt of Lewis: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/butt-of-lewis-p523991 | Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/

Taxi to Tarbert Harris

Tarbert ferry terminal / Harris

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 180,00 €
Estimated duration 75 min
Frequency Private bookings recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Direct connection to Harris or Tarbert/Uig ferry

Attention point

High cost and long road

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Useful especially for transfers or long layovers

Source : CalMac Tarbert port: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/ports/tarbert-harris-port/ | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Bus W1 to Port of Ness

Port of Ness / Butt of Lewis area

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 9,00 €
Estimated duration 80 min
Frequency limited, W1 schedules to check
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Public access north of Lewis and Butt of Lewis area

Attention point

Very long and unsuitable without confirmed feedback

Accessibility : moyenne, long trajet rural

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; for Butt of Lewis, local walk/taxi possible depending on stop

Source : Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis bus timetables: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/bus-services/lewis-bus-timetables | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Bus to Tarbert Harris

Tarbert ferry terminal / Harris

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 12,00 €
Estimated duration 105 min
Frequency limited, W10/10A schedules to check
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Public connection to Harris and Uig/Tarbert ferry

Attention point

Too long for a short stopover

Accessibility : moyenne, long trajet inter-île

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; especially useful for transfer or long layover

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses | CalMac Tarbert port: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/ports/tarbert-harris-port/

CalMac Ferry to Ullapool

Ullapool ferry terminal

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost 25,00 €
Estimated duration 160 min
Frequency 1 to 2 sailings per day depending on the season
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Main maritime link to the Scottish mainland

Attention point

Not suitable for a classic cruise stopover

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Pre/Post Cruise or Transfer Option Only, Reservation Recommended

Source : CalMac Stornoway-Ullapool: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/route-information/stornoway-ullapool/ | CalMac Stornoway port: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/ports/stornoway-port/

Harris Beaches & Luskentyre Tour Bus

Luskentyre Beach

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 120,00 €
Estimated duration 360 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hebrides

Attention point

Long journey, weather and return imperative

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion vers Harris

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book only with long layover and guaranteed return

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Luskentyre: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/luskentyre-beach-p523851 | GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/

Taxi to Luskentyre Beach

Luskentyre Beach

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 220,00 €
Estimated duration 90 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Access to an exceptional beach in the Hebrides

Attention point

Very time-consuming and expensive; Essential return

Accessibility : moyenne, très longue excursion vers Harris

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book only with long layover and guaranteed return

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Luskentyre: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/luskentyre-beach-p523851 | Visit Outer Hebrides buses: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/buses

Private VTC to Harris and Luskentyre

Luskentyre Beach

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 240,00 €
Estimated duration 90 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Customized excursion to Harris and its beaches

Attention point

Very expensive, weather and return to secure

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book only if there is a long stopover and a guaranteed return journey

Source : Visit Outer Hebrides Luskentyre: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/luskentyre-beach-p523851 | GetYourGuide Lewis tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/lewis-l126168/private-tours-tc221/

Indicative data based on local sources and field estimates.