Flybe operates flights daily, Monday to Sunday, to Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. There are also daily flights from Glasgow to Barra and Benbecula, from Monday to Saturday, with additional Sunday flights to Benbecula. For details phone 0871 700 2000 or check timetables and book online at www.flybe.com.

Eastern Airways provide daily flights, Monday to Friday, from Aberdeen to Stornoway. To book online see www.easternairways.com, or telephone 08703 669 100 (UK only) or: +44 (0) 1652 680 600 (international).

From overseas, you should book a flight to Glasgow, Edinburgh or London. For bargain flights between London and Glasgow or Edinburgh, try one of the budget airlines: www.easyjet.com or www.ryanair.com or alternatively travel all the way with www.flybe.com.

To the islands by boat

Caledonian MacBrayne runs car and passenger ferries to all the islands all year round: Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis); Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist); and Oban to Lochboisdale (South Uist) and Castlebay (Barra). Ferries also run between: Castlebay (Barra) to Lochboisdale (South Uist); Berneray (North Uist) to Leverburgh (Harris); and Eriskay to Barra.

For all ferry journeys it is advisable to book vehicle space in advance, but this is not necessary for passengers. For ferry times and reservations contact: Caledonian MacBrayne on +44 (0)8705 650000 or try their Stornoway office on +44 (0)1851 702361. You can also check timetables and book online at www.calmac.co.uk.

To the boat by car

Either bring your car across or leave it at one of the ferry departure points and travel as a foot passenger. It may be more economical to hire a car for a few days while you are here than to bring your own car across on the ferry. Alternatively, you can use our excellent public transport network, or even walk or cycle through the isles. If you are travelling from overseas, then you could travel by bus or train to the ferry and hire a car when you arrive on the island.

MV Hebrides arriving at Tarbert, Isle of Harris

To the boat by bus

Regular bus services connect with ferry arrival and departures times. The main operator from Central Scotland is Scottish Citylink Coaches, for all connections call +44 (0)8705 505050 or check times online at www.citylink.co.uk.

To the boat by train

You can get to Inverness, Oban, Mallaig or Kyle by train: it is a great way to relax and take in the stunning Highland scenery as you pass through landscape unseen on the road. For train times and booking contact: www.scotrail.co.uk

Getting around the islands

Flybe flies from Benbecula to Barra daily, Monday to Friday (time subject to tides - the plane lands on the beach!) contact 0871 700 2000; www.flybe.com.

To see a lot of the islands in a short time or explore distant corners it can be handy to hire a car for all or part of your trip. Click here to choose from a range of local car hire companies listed on the VisitHebrides site.

Caledonian MacBrayne will provide all the details you need about their inter-island ferries from Berneray (North Uist) to Leverburgh (Harris) and Tarbert (Harris) to Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Castlebay (Barra) to Lochboisdale (South Uist.) They offer some great 'hopscotch' multi-ticket concessions. Telephone +44 (0)990 650000 or try the local office in Stornoway on +44 (0)1851702361. www.calmac.co.uk

For timetables and information on getting around the islands by bus phone Stornoway Bus Station on +44 (0)1851 704327.

Check out www.visithebrides.com/cycle for information on cycling around the islands, cycle hire and equipment.