📷 Photo by Andrew Dawes on UnsplashMull and Iona by ferry from Oban
A short ferry to Mull, Duart Castle, colourful Tobermory, white sands at Calgary and the holy island of Iona.
- Distance
- 119 km (74 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 39 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- June 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 119 km (74 mi) with 7 stops, from Oban to Iona Abbey. About 1 h 39 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom
Route description
From Oban the car ferry to Craignure on Mull takes about 45 minutes; book in summer, as vehicle space sells out. Duart Castle, the seat of the MacLeans, stands on a headland a few minutes from the pier.
The A849 runs north along the Sound of Mull to Tobermory, with its row of brightly painted houses around the harbour. From here a single-track road loops west through Dervaig to Calgary Bay, a white-sand beach with green machair behind it.
Continue round the west coast, where eagles are often seen, and back across the island to the long road down the Ross of Mull to Fionnphort. Leave the car there: only residents may take vehicles to Iona, and the foot ferry crosses in about ten minutes.
Iona Abbey stands close to the landing, on the site where St Columba founded his monastery in 563, and the island’s white beaches are an easy walk away. Most roads on Mull are single-track with passing places, so allow plenty of time and fill up with fuel when you can.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Oban
United Kingdom - 220 km
Craignure
United Kingdom - 35 km
Duart Castle
HistoryCraignure, United KingdomThe seat of the Clan MacLean on a headland facing the Sound of Mull, visible from the ferry as you arrive.
- 439 km
Tobermory
United Kingdom - 517 km
Calgary Bay
NatureCalgary, United KingdomA white-sand beach with turquoise water and flower-rich machair behind it. There is a small informal parking area by the shore.
- 636 km
Fionnphort
United Kingdom - 72 km
Iona Abbey
HistoryIona, United KingdomThe restored medieval abbey on the island where St Columba founded his monastery in 563. Leave the car at Fionnphort and take the short foot-passenger ferry.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Oban → Duart Castle · 24 km · 0 h 20 minOn the way: Craignure.Overnight nearby, for example: Shieling Holidays (3 km); Oban Holiday Park (11 km).
- Day 2: Duart Castle → Calgary Bay · 57 km · 0 h 47 minOn the way: Tobermory.Overnight nearby, for example: Tobermory Campsite (12 km); Ardnamurchan Campsite (15 km).
- Day 3: Calgary Bay → Iona Abbey · 38 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Fionnphort.Overnight nearby, for example: Catchean Pods & Caravans (2 km); Fidden Farm (3 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
- Oban → Craignure. Ferry crossing needed
- Fionnphort → Iona Abbey. Ferry crossing needed
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban?
3-day road trip of about 119 km (74 mi) with 7 stops, from Oban to Iona Abbey. About 1 h 39 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 39 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban start and end?
It starts in Oban and ends in Iona Abbey.
Which countries does Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban?
OpenStreetMap lists 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Shieling Holidays, Tobermory Campsite and Ardnamurchan Campsite.
When is the best time for Mull and Iona by ferry from Oban?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
