By ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne operates the main routes. From Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway (Lewis) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, and is the busiest route — book ahead in summer. From Uig on Skye, ferries serve Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist). From Oban, services run to Barra and Lochboisdale (South Uist). Island-hopping tickets are available for multi-island journeys.
By air: Loganair flies from Glasgow to Stornoway (1 hour), Benbecula (1 hour), and Barra (1 hour). The Barra flight schedule is tide-dependent — check the timetable carefully, as departure times vary daily. Stornoway has the most reliable connections.