Getting to Iona and the St Columba Hotel

Getting to Iona may seem tricky (almost like a pilgrimage in itself!). Even though it has many steps it is in fact relatively straightforward. From Glasgow, it takes a total of around 6.5 hours on public transportation to reach Iona. You can depart from Glasgow early morning or midday and get to Iona either mid-afternoon or early evening. There are no sessions scheduled prior to the evening meal on the first day, so you may arrive on Iona any time up to the last ferry, which leaves from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull at 6:15 pm and arrives on Iona at 6:30pm. Your general path of travel will be Glasgow -> Oban -> Craignure (Isle of Mull) -> Fionnphort (Isle of Mull) -> Iona.

From Glasgow

Take a train or bus to Oban. If you fly into Glasgow, the travel information desk in the airport can help you explore your options for onward travel to Oban. Otherwise, for train information, visit the UK Rail’s website.

From Oban

Take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban to Craignure on the Island of Mull. You can buy tickets for this ferry in the ferry terminal in Oban. (A tip! It is best to also buy your onward tickets for the ferry from Fionnphort to Iona at the same time.) Most pilgrims take the ferry that departs from Oban around noon (although there is a later afternoon ferry as well). Both of these ferries connect with the bus service across Mull (see below) to get you to Iona either mid-afternoon or early evening. Please check ferry and bus schedules to make sure there have been no changes or interruptions of service. For ferry information, visit Caledonian Macbrayne’s website.

From Craignure

Take the bus across Mull from Craignure to Fionnphort. Bus services are available daily. The stop for the bus in Craignure is just outside the ferry terminal to the left. You need to buy your ticket for this bus ride on the bus itself (cash only!). Click here for a bus schedule on West Coast Motors website.

From Fionnphort

Take the small ferry from Fionnphort on Mull to Iona.

The St. Columba Hotel is about a five-minute walk from the jetty on Iona. The St. Columba will collect your luggage for you at the jetty if you communicate with them ahead of time.