There are two scheduled ways to reach Barra: by Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban (about five hours, daily in season) and by Logan Air flight from Glasgow Airport (about an hour, landing on the beach at Tràigh Mhòr — see Tràigh Mhòr). The ferry takes cars; the flight does not. There is also a small inter-island ferry from Eriskay in the north, which lets you tie Barra into a longer Outer Hebrides road trip.
Bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer; the weather changes by the hour. Book the ferry in advance during July and August — cars and motorhomes fill up fast.