Major city · United Kingdom
ObanAn t-Òban
Stay 2 nights: one full day for McCaig's Tower, the castles and a seafood lunch, one for a Mull or Kerrera ferry. Day-trippers from Glasgow get 4 hours.
Oban is a ferry port first and a town second: CalMac sailings to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Barra and Lismore leave from beside the railway station, and the West Highland Line ends here. Most travellers pass through in an afternoon. Two nights turns it into a base for islands, sea kayaking and the seafood shacks on the pier, and the town itself is walkable in half a day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (many sights and eateries close), midge season Jul–Aug
- Airports
- GLA · EDI · OBN
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Oban999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Oban, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyOban is a small, low-crime town and safe to walk at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGLA Glasgow Airport (Closest mainland airport; train or Citylink bus to Oban needs a change in central Glasgow, about 3 h 30 min door to door.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable, but several guesthouses sit up a steep hill.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of ale£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across town£6–10 (≈ US$8–14)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £95 (≈ US$130) · High £160 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GLA Glasgow Airport (Closest mainland airport; train or Citylink bus to Oban needs a change in central Glasgow, about 3 h 30 min door to door.) · EDI Edinburgh Airport (More destinations; Citylink bus 978 runs daily to Oban in about 4 h.) · OBN Oban Airport (North Connel) (Hebridean Air flights from Coll, Colonsay, Islay and Tiree only; 10 kg (22 lb) baggage limit, no mainland routes.)GLA Glasgow Airport (Closest mainland airport; train or Citylink bus to Oban needs a change in central Glasgow, about 3 h 30 min door to door.) · EDI Edinburgh Airport (More destinations; Citylink bus 978 runs daily to Oban in about 4 h.) · OBN Oban Airport (North Connel) (Hebridean Air flights from Coll, Colonsay, Islay and Tiree only; 22 lb (10 kg) baggage limit, no mainland routes.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Apr (15). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Oban: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
17 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
18 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
18 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
20 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
20 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable, but several guesthouses sit up a steep hill. West Coast Motors bus 005/405 runs north hourly Mon–Sat to Dunbeg (for Dunstaffnage), Connel and Oban Airport. CalMac's Kerrera ferry leaves from Gallanach, 3 miles south, roughly every 30 min mid-morning and mid-afternoon, 5 min crossing.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Isle of Kerrera
goDoor to door: About 1 h from the centre
CalMac ferry from Gallanach, 5 min; walk to Gylen Castle or Hutcheson's Monument
No visitor cars; bikes free but space limited. Buy the ticket online or at Oban ferry terminal.
Isle of Mull (Craignure)
goDoor to door: Ferry terminal is in the centre
CalMac car ferry from Oban ferry terminal, about 50 min
Book ahead in summer; a day return leaves little time beyond Craignure and Duart Castle.
Dunstaffnage Castle
goDoor to door: About 45 min
West Coast Motors bus 005/405 to Dunbeg, then a 1-mile walk
13th-century castle and chapel; seasonal opening hours.
Castle Stalker
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min by car
Drive A828 north past Port Appin; free car park a mile north with a coast footpath
Tours need high tide for boat access; the low-tide causeway is rough. Check availability.
Isle of Lismore
goDoor to door: Ferry terminal is in the centre
CalMac ferry from Oban ferry terminal
Quiet island with a heritage centre; check the timetable for the return sailing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (George Street, Station area)
Walk to the ferry, train and every restaurant; book early in summer.
Corran Esplanade
Waterfront guesthouses north of the centre; 10–15 min walk to the pier, some uphill.
South of town (Gallanach, Cologin)
Quieter, near the Kerrera ferry; you need a car or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £55–85 (≈ US$75–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- £85–140 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- £140 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × £120 | £240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £95 | £380 |
| Glasgow Queen Street → Oban train, one way2 × £30 | £60 |
| Citylink bus Glasgow → Oban, one way2 × £25 | £50 |
| CalMac return to Craignure, foot passenger2 × £15 | £30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £78 |
| Trip total≈ £214 per person per day, bed included | £854≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Oban excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Seafood from the Oban Seafood Hut | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Seafood restaurant main | £15–28 (≈ US$20–40) |
| Pint of ale | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi across town | £6–10 (≈ US$8–14) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Caravans and motorhomes cannot join the unbooked standby queue at CalMac ports: book ahead or you may be turned away.
- In summer, motorhome and caravan check-in may require proof of a pitch booking at your destination.
- Many restaurants and attractions close or cut hours from November to March.
- Midges are worst on still, damp evenings from June to August; pack repellent.
- Connel Bridge on the A828 has had closure periods for upgrading: check before driving north.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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ObanAn t-Òban
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chun an seòladh seo, mas e do thoil eTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Oban; US citizens use the consulate in Edinburgh, most other countries the embassies in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Glasgow → Oban train: about 3 h 10 min, six trains Mon–Sat, three on Sunday
- Glasgow → Oban Citylink bus: about 3 h 10 min, six a day
- CalMac Oban → Craignure (Mull): about 50 min; book ahead in summer
- Kerrera ferry from Gallanach: 5 min, buy online or at Oban ferry terminal
Say or show
- Tapadh leibh — Thank you (TAH-pah leev)
- Madainn mhath — Good morning (MA-ting vah)
- Slàinte — Cheers (SLAHN-chuh)
- Mas e do thoil e — Please (mas eh doh HOLL eh)
- Càite a bheil am bàta-aiseig? — Where is the ferry? (KAH-chuh vayl am BAH-tuh ASH-ek)
- Dè a' phrìs? — How much is it? (jay uh PREESH)
Scottish Gaelic is spoken by a minority; English is universal.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Oban. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (many sights and eateries close), midge season Jul–Aug · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-terminal-to-bed contract: CalMac check-in cutoffs, last train from Glasgow, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters: George Street, the Esplanade and North Pier, McCaig's Tower and the Hydro path, Dunollie and Ganavan.
- Place pages with verified opening seasons (Dunollie, Dunstaffnage, War and Peace Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Island-day fixtures for Mull, Kerrera and Lismore so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Oban
- officialCalMac ferries
- officialScotRail
- officialCitylink
- officialWest Coast Motors
- officialHistoric Environment Scotland — Dunstaffnage Castle
- officialDunollie Castle and Museum
- officialVisitScotland — McCaig's Tower
- secondaryWikivoyage: Oban, revision 5324259 (CC BY-SA 4.0)