Western Isles Bus Timetables
No Western Isles Bus Services operate on 25th and 26th December or 1st and 2nd January.
Lewis and Harris
Services throughout Lewis and Harris run either direct to Stornoway, or offer connection to/from Stornoway. Most services run Monday to Saturday. Bus fares are relatively inexpensive with through fares available on many connecting buses. Day Returns offer a discount and are available for all journeys which return to the same start point.
See W2 and W10 for the more popular tourist destinations. Please refer to the relevant tables for full details and do read the timetables carefully, as certain journeys do not operate every day, and parts of some routes run only on request. If in doubt, please check in advance with Stornoway Bus Station (01851 704327). In addition, you are strongly advised to check time and pick-up point for return journey.
North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay
Services on the Uists, Benbecula and Eriskay are geared around the main spine road and operate in two zones from Lochmaddy to Balivanich and Balivanich to Eriskay operating Mondays to Saturdays. Bus fares are relatively inexpensive. Day returns offer a discount and are available for all journeys. Bus seating capacity is limited and groups of 6 people or more are advised to contact the bus operator well in advance of travel.
On North Uist, certain journeys link to/from Berneray Slipway for ferry connections to Harris, whilst on South Uist certain journeys link to/from Eriskay Slipway for the Sound of Barra ferry. Generally all other services connect into the spine route and buses from the West Side of North Uist (Tigharry and Bayhead), Locheport and Baleshare connect where possible at Clachan. Bookable demand responsive services exist on many quiet side roads.
Those arriving on the island by air or ferry during the day will generally find that there is a bus service to take them to most destinations, though the complexities of serving an airport and four ferry ports along with meeting school and shopping needs are such that direct connections are not always possible. Passengers should contact the operator regarding travel enquiries.
Do read the timetables carefully as certain journeys do not operate every day. Parts of some routes run only on request from passengers on board or require booking (refer to timetables for more information). If you are unsure you should check with the operator (telephone numbers are supplied on most timetables). In addition, you are strongly advised to check the time and pick-up point for your return journey with the driver.
Barra
There are three Bus Routes on Barra. Service W32 covers two routes from Castlebay via east and west sides of the island with both routes extending to the north taking in Northbay, Traigh Mhor Airport, Ardmhor Slipway (for Eriskay and South Uist) and Eoligarry, and either via Brevig and the east coast, or via Borve and the west coast, arriving in Castlebay. Service W33 covers the Castlebay to Vatersay service. Day returns offer a discount and are available for all journeys. Bus seating capacity is limited and groups of 6 people or more are advised to contact the bus operator well in advance of travel.
Bus fares are very reasonable. Some services operate to meet flights to/from Glasgow however the timetables are complicated by the fact that flight times are dependent on the tide at Traigh Mhor Airport.
Inter-Island Bus/Ferry Connections
Suggested Inter-Island Bus/Ferry Services:
Stornoway to/from Balivanich:
- Bus : W10 Stornoway (Lewis) to/from Leverburgh (Harris)
- Sound of Harris Ferry
- Bus : W16 Berneray (North Uist) to/from Balivanich (Benbecula)
Balivanich to/from Castlebay
- Bus : W17 Balivanich (Benbecula) to/from Eriskay (South Uist)
- Sound of Barra Ferry
- Bus : W32 Ardmhor to/from Castlebay in Barra
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information contained in these timetable pages is accurate, the Comhairle will accept no responsibility for any losses incurred by any party due to inaccurate information.
We would urge passengers to check with service operators to make sure the supplied information is current and correct. Any timetable updates will be applied as soon as possible.