ISARRA 2017: getting to SAMS

Getting to SAMS

 
SAMS is located 3 miles north of Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. Based on a peninsula and surrounded by the sea on three sides, SAMS is ideally situated for marine science research, education, and enterprise. We are easily reached from Oban by bus, taxi, bicycle or car.

Travel to Oban

Oban is a small town on the west coast of Scotland, with a population of around 8000 people. It is easily reached by car, bus, or train from Glasgow and Edinburgh in the south, and by car and bus from Inverness in the north.

International visitors usually arrive at Glasgow International Airport, Edinburgh Airport, or Prestwick Airport, travelling onwards to Oban by bus, train, or car. Regular bus services run between Glasgow International and Edinburgh Airports, and the Glasgow city centre. From Glasgow city centre, Oban can be reached by bus (from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station) or by train (from Glasgow Queen Street Station).

By train:

Oban is regularly serviced by ScotRail’s West Highland Line, which runs between Glasgow’s Queen Street Station and Oban. The West Highland Line is often cited as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, so relax and enjoy! Train information, schedules, and tickets.

By bus:

Citylink bus services provide regular links between Glasgow and Oban, Edinburgh and Oban (via Glasgow), and Inverness and Oban (via Ft. William). Bus information, schedules, and tickets.

By car:

Car drivers can reach Oban in 2h 30 min from Glasgow via the A82 and A85, in 3h 15 min from Edinburgh via the M9, A84, and A85, and in 2h 45 from Inverness via the A82. You can visit The AA or RAC websites to plan your route.

Getting to SAMS from Oban

While SAMS is a short car journey from Oban along the A82, ISARRA will be organising morning and evening group bus services between SAMS and Oban. If you need to travel outside the organised service, options for transport are outlined below.

There is a regular bus service - operated by West Coast Motors - from Oban to Dunbeg, the village adjacent to SAMS. Just catch the 405 from Oban and it will take you to us!

Many students and staff choose to cycle to the institute and a new cycle track from Oban's Ganavan beach is a pleasant and safe way to make the three mile journey.

If you want to come by taxi: Alba Taxis (01631 566 676); Argyll Taxis (01631 565 293); Etive Taxis (01631 566 880); Lorn Taxi (01631 564 744); West Coast Taxis (01631 563 777)