Cardiff/Bristol to Skye? Trains, planes or automobiles?!

[ToTheEndsofTheEarth]

Anyone ever used public transport to get from south Wales or Bristol to the Isle of Skye? I did something similar about 20 years ago via trains and it was hell, due to an early delay and subsequently missing major connections.

I'm looking at flying to Inverness and getting a train across to Skye (I have a friend on Skye who can collect me from Kyle of Lochalsh).

Are the trains from Inverness to Skye reliable and a nice enough journey? Is it a bit extravagant to fly across the UK? Anyone have a tried and tested train route all the way?

I've travelled to Skye many times, but apart from once I have always done it by car, but the kids hate long car journeys!

Yes I've been on skyscanner, Easyjet, Ryanair, Trainline trying to research it all but just wondering if anyone has actually done it and it has gone smoothly?!

The train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh is stunning. It passes through some pretty countryside, takes about 2.5 hours. I think there are 4 trains per day.

There are also buses. The bus goes a different route. It goes down the Great Glen, and is slightly quicker.

There is no quick train journey from Bristol to Skye. You will either have to change at Glasgow and get the train to Mallaig followed by a ferry, or take a train all the way to Inverness followed by the bus/train. You can look up the possibility on Nat Rail Enquiries but I expect either journey would take at least 12 hours and have multiple connections to worry about missing. Driving must be about 12 hours as well. Roads are a lot slower once you get north of Glasgow.

If I were you I would fly to Inverness then get a bus to the city centre followed by another bus or a train. Easyjet fly to Inverness from Cardiff. That's probably your best option.

@Erin1975 Thanks very much for your reply. I always forget about buses! If it wasn't for my one awkward child in particular, I would definitely just drive all the way as it is door to door and considerably cheaper, despite fuel prices! I actually love the drive north of Glasgow. I was wondering how beautiful the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh might be.

Thanks again.

Train journey to Mallaig is lovely with the added bonus of a ferry over to Skye. Armadale might not be convenient for your friend to pick you up depending on where they live though. Personally, I would fly to Inverness then get the train but flying to Glasgow then train to Mallaig then ferry is probably the most scenic option.

@Mammut Thank you, unfortunately Armadale is not really convenient. I might do that journey on my own sometime or just me and my husband, with no grumpy tweenagers!

There is no quick train journey from Bristol to Skye. You will either have to change at Glasgow and get the train to Mallaig followed by a ferry, or take a train all the way to Inverness followed by the bus/train.

Train to Fort William and bus from there is another option. Six of one and half a dozen of the other though.

I was wondering how beautiful the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh might be.

It's stunning.

We did this trip last May.

I got a coach and bus Bristol to skyw once. It was ok - stop over in london pr Birmingham for 3 hours not so much fun. Bus from fort william was absolutely fine though if you can get there. Im sure from Inverness there will be a direct bus- its only 80miles.