Welcome to

Barra

Welcome to 'Barradise' – where pristine golden beaches, rugged wildlife and island hospitality combine for an unforgettable experience.

History & heritage

Nature & wildlife

Culture

A yellow canoe sailing towards Kisimul Castle in a bay, with Castlebay village along the coast. Barra.

The call of community

The island of Barra is known for its friendly community spirit as much as its beautiful landscapes. A place to slow down, reflect but also connect with the warmth of a destination that marches to its own beat.

Barra is a location of untouched natural wonder – perfect for days spent exploring the flora and fauna of the local wildlife before a night in the company of the distinctive Barra culture.

A motorhome parked by the beach and waterside, with bike, canoe and surfboard. Barra.

An eveing view of the village of Castlebay, Barra.

The beach on Barra, which is also Barra Airport.

A cyclist riding on a single track road through the rocky Barra landscape.

Historical Barra

Barra is an island covered in history, with no sight more dramatic than Kisimul Castle – the famous ‘castle in the sea’. The seat of Clan Macneil was built around 1039 and sits on a rocky island just off Castlebay, requiring a 5 minute boat ride in order to reach its historical walls. If that’s not enough, why not take a trip to Cille Bharra - an ancient graveyard with the historic ruins of a medieval church dedicated to St. Barr – with some ruins dating back to the 600s. Or take a hike to Dun Cuier , a well-preserved Iron Age galleried dun occupied from the 4th to the 7th century.

Kisimul Castle sitting proudly in the bay, Barra.

Dreamy beaches

Barra’s beaches are as diverse as they are breathtaking. Tangasdale beach is the perfect location for a host of activities including swimming, surfing and exploring rock pools. Cleat Beach is an example of the pristine sands that envelope the island. Traigh Eais is the longest of the island’s beaches, meandering up its north west coast. And finally the unique Traigh Mhor regularly delights visitors, its wide expanse of beach doubling up as the island’s airport! Barra is also connected via causeway to the beautiful Isle of Vatersay, home to even more glorious beaches.

A hiker strolling along a deserted golden sandy beach on Barra.

A unique night out

Barra has long been vaunted for its unique island culture and legendary nights out. Eat at family-run restaurants and experience a night of live music while you mingle with locals and let your hair down.

Visit the family-run Isle of Barra Distillers - The fresh carrageen seaweed foraged on the island gives the award-winning gin its unique flavour.

Sunset on Barra, with a person enjoying a drink outside

Barra beach view, with the CalMac ferry to Eriskay in the background

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activies

Tourist information

Be a great visitor

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy

VisitScotland | Responsible tourism promise

Safety tips

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.

RLNI | Safety tips

Getting to Barra

Barra is located in the archipelago of the Outer Hebrides. The main route from mainland Scotland is from our Oban port. The crossing takes 4 hours 45 minutes. Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended. Alternatively, when on the Outer Hebrides, you can also get a ferry to Barra from the nearby island of Eriskay, which takes only 40 minutes.

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A picture montage of a train, bus and ferry

Getting here by public transport

Looking for the best way to get to Barra by public transport? The Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options.

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Travel information

Campervans and motorhomes

If you’re travelling by Campervan or Motorhome – or with a Caravan, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) ask that visitors stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots only. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on the fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on the communities.

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.

Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.

Car

It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to drive to Oban from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland

We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
You can check the exact location (postcode) of the ferry terminal on our Castlebay or Ardmhor port pages

Alternative routes

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Barra via the Outer Hebrides which are supported by good connectivity throughout the islands.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

In addition to reaching Barra from Oban, you can also travel to the Outer Hebrides via: alternative route options to the Outer Hebrides

Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Bus

The bus route to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. The bus from Inverness to Oban takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with a change at Fort William.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Campervans and motorhomes

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.

Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.

Car

It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to drive to Oban from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland

We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
You can check the exact location (postcode) of the ferry terminal on our Castlebay or Ardmhor port pages

Train

If you're coming from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll need to travel through Glasgow to reach the port of Oban. There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, taking just over 3 hours.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Alternative routes

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Barra via the Outer Hebrides which are supported by good connectivity throughout the islands.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

In addition to reaching Barra from Oban, you can also travel to the Outer Hebrides via: alternative route options to the Outer Hebrides

Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Getting around the island

Bus

If you are travelling by bus in the Outer Hebrides, bus services operate regularly (Monday - Saturday).

Buses on Barra are operated on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Take time to review the timetables for outward and return journeys
Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner
If you’re travelling as a group, there may be limited seating capacity and groups of 6 or more are advised to contact the operator in advance. Services from Castlebay (Barra) link directly with Ardmhor (Barra) and surrounding areas.

Bike

Looking to cycle on the Isle of Barra? The island's single-track road gives you access to amazing scenery and links into the 185-mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route that crosses 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries.

Bikes are available to hire on Barra, details can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.

Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets

Bus

If you are travelling by bus in the Outer Hebrides, bus services operate regularly (Monday - Saturday).

Buses on Barra are operated on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Take time to review the timetables for outward and return journeys
Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner
If you’re travelling as a group, there may be limited seating capacity and groups of 6 or more are advised to contact the operator in advance. Services from Castlebay (Barra) link directly with Ardmhor (Barra) and surrounding areas.

Car

Many visitors to the Outer Hebrides like to take a vehicle because you can travel around as you wish. A car is a must if you want to explore the more isolated areas.

Travelling in an Electric Vehicle? Use ChargePlace Scotland to find and use over 2,000 EV charging points all over the country.

On foot

The Isle of Barra offers an array of walking routes for easy to moderate levels – it’s a great way to experience the island. You’ll find unforgettable views, changing landscapes and sandy beaches taking between 1 - 5 hours.

Check the Visit Outer Hebrides or the Walk Highlands site for information on a selection of walking trails in Barra

Car driving on single track island road next to a coastal view.

Helpful tips for driving in Barra

When travelling with a vehicle we want to help you feel informed and confident to take on Scotland’s roads. From passing places to parking etiquette, we’ve created a guide to driving on the beautiful and (occasionally) challenging roads of Scotland.

Driving on Scotland's islands

Barra

The call of community

Historical Barra

Dreamy beaches

A unique night out

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activies

Tourist information

Be a great visitor

Safety tips

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North Uist

Harris

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