Getting To Tarbert

Although Tarbert may appear quite a distance from central Scotland and at times a bit of a journey, but not only is the destination of the journey a beautiful, friendly place, but also the journey all year round is one of natural beauty and tranquility.

Tarbert is easily travelled to by car, by bus and by ferry. You can even travel by air to within 40 mile of Tarbert.

If you are thinking of coming to Tarbert, for a day, a weekend or a holiday, click on the method of transport you will be using below for more details where you will find directions, travel information and contact numbers to book your tickets or find out the times for your selected mode of transport.

What are you waiting for, get your directions, get your time, book your tickets and get yourself to Tarbert and experience the magic.

By Train Or Rail

There are currently no rail networks operating that travel to, or through Tarbert.

If your principal mode of transport is the rail network, you can take the train from Glasgow to either Tarbet, Arrochar or much further on to Oban. These are the closest stops trains make to Tarbert and Kintyre and it is necessary then to change your mode of transport. Both Arrocher and Oban are about an hour and fifteen minutes travel by car.

From these destinations you should then change mode of transport to bus. There are buses running regularly so it is best to arrange your transport and make sure you know the times of trains and buses so that you can plan your journey well in advance.

Cyclists should consider their trip carefully as some of the sections of road in Argyll are used by heavy transport and the roads can be very narrow in places.

By Air

Main flights from around the country should be flown to Glasgow, where you can hire a vehicle for travel, or pre book a vehicle for travel or you can alternatively travel by bus as directed on the 'bus page'.

You can also fly to Machrihanish, Campbeltown which is approximately 38 miles from Tarbert.

For details about flights to and from Campbeltown contact;

The Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd, Machrihanish.
Telephone 01586 552797

By Bicycle

Cyclists travelling northwards from England may wish to get the train to Ardrossan and then the ferry across to Brodick on Arran, then follow the coastal road around the north to Lochranza and then take the ferry to Claonaig.

Travel times by bicyle are likely to be perhaps 30 minutes between ferry terminals on Arran on a fairly flat road, then a further hour by bicycle to Tarbert which is quite a hilly road.

Cycling from the central belt and from the north to Tarbert can be quite unnerving as the road is quite narrow from Arrochar onwards or very windy and hilly from Oban which can take a long time.

The alternative route would be to cycle and catch the ferry across to Dunoon and then taking a long, long cycle across to Portavadie followed by a 25 minute relaxing ferry across Loch Fyne.

Boat Or Ferry

If you are coming by yacht or cruiser, Tarbert offers one of the safest harbours in Britain. There are pontoon berthing facilities for over 200 craft. Showers, toilets and electricity are all available.

Wm. Leitch, Sailmaker is right beside the pontoon where there is a laundrette facility as well as the usual chandlery. To obtain more details about berthing charges etc. contact;

The Harbour Master at the Tarbert Harbour Authority.
Telephone 01880 820344

Ferry Services

Tarbert - Cowal ( Portavadie )
Tarbert ( Kennacraig ) - Islay & Jura
Clonaig - Arran (Lochranza)
Tayinloan - Gigha

For more information on all these services contact;

Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Terminal, Kennacraig, Whitehouse, by Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6YF. Telephone 01880 730253

Brochure hotline for all these services is 01475 650288.

For any further assistance you should contact;

The Tourist Information Centre, Tarbert. Telephone 01880 820429

Bus, Coach & Car

You can get to Tarbert by bus by taking the 916 Glasgow to Campbeltown Scottish Citylink service from Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow.

There are three service buses daily except Sundays when there is only two.

For bus times and fare enquiries please contact;

Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2. Telephone: 0990 505050.

West Coast Motor Service Co. Benmhor Saddell Street, Campbeltown. Telephone 01586 552319.

West Coast Motor Service Co. Glenburn Road, Ardrishaig. Telephone 01546 603735.

Coach parties please note: there is no long term parking for coaches in the village. If you are interested in running coaches to Tarbert please email us so some arrangements may be met.