There are three ways to cross from the Scottish mainland to the Isle of Mull by the ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The most popular crossing is Oban to Craignure which has a timetable and takes 45 minutes. You can also cross from Lochaline to Fishnish (turn-up-and-go) which takes 20 minutes and Kilchoan to Tobermory (turn-up-and-go) which is a 35-minute crossing. It is highly recommended to book the Oban - Craignure ferry as early as possible if you are travelling by car to the Isle of Mull as many ferries get booked out. If you are travelling on foot or with a bicycle it may not be necessary to book, but still advisable. Turn-up-and-go ferries cannot be booked but be sure to get in the queue well in advance of the last sailing
The roads on the Ross of Mull are single-track. For those driving on single-track roads for the first time, there are rules to be aware of. When faced with an oncoming car, move to a left-hand passing place or position yourself adjacent to a right-hand passing place. Most importantly, always allow faster vehicles behind you to overtake, they may be trying to catch a ferry or need to get to an appointment. Don’t drive too fast as there are cyclists , walkers, livestock and wild animals on the road. Click on this link for more information> The drive from Craignure to Fionnphort will take around an hour – the scenery is stunning, so relax and take your time! If you are going to arrive at the Bunkhouse late, you might want to stop off for a meal or to get provisions as food shops shut at 6pm. Also be aware that the local restaurant in Fionnphort gets very busy in the summer season so later arrivals may not manage to get a table.
To travel to the Ross of Mull Bunkrooms by bus from Craignure, take the 96/496 bus; the journey from Craignure to Fionnphort takes just over an hour. If you are planning to take the Oban to Craignure ferry, check the times the ferry links with the bus to avoid a long wait in Craignure. Click here for the link to the 96/494 bus timetable - the last bus is at 5 pm. Ask the bus driver to stop at the gate outside Achaban House/Ross of Mull Bunkrooms and let him know he will need to tell you when it is your drop off. The Bunkrooms are located 0.8 miles (1.3 km) before Fionnphort. If you catch the 5 pm bus from Craignure, you might want to buy any food provisions you need in Oban as the food shop in Fionnphort shuts at 6 pm.
Getting to Oban
BUS
Coaches run frequently to Oban from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station. For further details see www.citylink.co.uk or call VisitScotland Tourist Information Centre in Craignure who can help you book tickets – tel 01680 812377. For travelling around Mull, download the local bus services timetable here www.westcoastmotors.co.uk
TRAIN
Travelling by train to Oban for the Isle of Mull is one of life’s great pleasures . Guaranteed beautiful scenery whatever the weather, passing alongside lochs and mountains. The journey by train begins at Glasgow Queen Street Station. See www.scotrail.co.uk
