Major city · United Kingdom
Isle of ButeEilean Bhòid
Give Bute one full day from Glasgow or two nights on the island: ferry 35 min, buses hourly, Mount Stuart the one thing to book ahead.
Bute is a low, green island in the Firth of Clyde, 35 minutes by ferry from Wemyss Bay and about 90 minutes from Glasgow by train and boat. Rothesay is the arrival town; Mount Stuart House, the coast road and the West Island Way are the reasons to stay longer than a day trip. Distances are short and the island is not hilly, so a bike or the hourly bus covers most of it.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many sights closed)
- Airports
- GLA · PIK
- 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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Isle of Bute999 ▾
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 Isle of Bute, 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
- SafetyBute is a low-crime, quiet island; the real risks are weather, tide and cliff edges on the coast path, and thin Sunday transport.
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 (Train to Wemyss Bay via Glasgow Central, then ferry; about 2 h 30 min door to door.).
- Getting aroundWest Coast Motors buses 90 and 490 run hourly year-round Mon–Sat along the south coast to Kilchattan Bay…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a Rothesay café£2.50–4 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£10–16 (≈ US$14–25)
- BeerPint of beer£4–5.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketBute Museum entry£4 (≈ US$6)
- Budget bedFamily room or static caravan (up to 4), a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
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 (Train to Wemyss Bay via Glasgow Central, then ferry; about 2 h 30 min door to door.) · PIK Prestwick (Rail to Glasgow Central, then Wemyss Bay; longer than from Glasgow.)
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
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
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–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Isle of Bute: 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)
18 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 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
West Coast Motors buses 90 and 490 run hourly year-round Mon–Sat along the south coast to Kilchattan Bay, and 90/477/479/490 run north via Port Bannatyne to Rhubodach. Buses 90, 490 and 493 turn inland to Ettrick Bay. Bike hire near the Rothesay ferry terminal; the island is flat enough for most riders. Taxis from Rothesay cover the whole island.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mount Stuart House
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 90, 490 or 493 from Rothesay, about 15 min, then a short walk
Apr–Jun, Sep, Oct: Sat–Wed 11:30–16:30; Jul–Aug daily. Adult £16.50.Apr–Jun, Sep, Oct: Sat–Wed 11:30 AM–4:30 PM; Jul–Aug daily. Adult £16.50.
Ettrick Bay
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus 90, 490 or 493 from Port Bannatyne, about 20 min
Sandy horseshoe beach; ButeFest is held here.
St Blane's Church and Kilchattan Bay
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus 90 or 490 to Kilchattan Bay, then walk Plan Road and the track
Norman ruin with a 6th–7th century monastery site; wear shoes for the track.
Rhubodach and the Kyles of Bute
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus 90, 477, 479 or 490 to Rhubodach pier
Five-minute ferry to Colintraive if you are touring Argyll; the strait is a National Scenic Area.
Inchmarnock
cautionDoor to door: Varies
Boat trip by permission only
Private, farmed island; no regular service.
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.
Rothesay
Ferry pier, buses, pubs and most B&Bs; walk to everything in town.
Port Bannatyne
Quieter coast village 2 miles north; one pub with food, marina berths.
Kilchattan Bay / south coast
Near Mount Stuart and St Blane's; thin bus service, best with a car or bike.
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
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × £110 | £220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £85 | £340 |
| Calmac return, Wemyss Bay–Rothesay, adult foot passenger2 × £9 | £17 |
| Calmac return, Wemyss Bay–Rothesay, car with driver1 × £31 | £31 |
| West Coast Motors day ticket on the island2 × £8 · check | £16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £64 |
| Trip total≈ £177 per person per day, bed included | £708≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to the island excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a Rothesay café | £2.50–4 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £10–16 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Fish and chips | £9–14 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pint of beer | £4–5.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Bute Museum entry | £4 (≈ US$6) |
| Mount Stuart House entry | £16.50 (≈ US$25) adult |
| Victorian Gents Lavatories entry | £0.40 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries: no booking on the Wemyss Bay–Rothesay route, but be at the pier at least 20 min before sailing.
- Mount Stuart House closes in winter and is sometimes booked for private events: check dates before you travel.
- Rothesay Castle has been closed for works: check Historic Environment Scotland before relying on it.
- Sunday buses and ferries are thinner than weekdays; plan the last connection back.
- Midges on still evenings near water in summer; bring repellent.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Isle of ButeEilean Bhòid
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tae this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies on the island; the nearest consulates and the US embassy are in Edinburgh, and most others in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Wemyss Bay → Rothesay, Calmac: about 35 min, adult return £8.70 (≈ US$12)
- Colintraive → Rhubodach, Calmac: about 5 min, adult return £3.40 (≈ US$5)
- Rothesay → Mount Stuart, bus 90/490/493: about 15 min, day ticket about £8 (≈ US$11) (check)
Say or show
- Ta — Thank you
- Cheerie — Cheers / goodbye
- Wee / muckle — Small / large
Cash is useful for small cafés and the Victorian lavatories; most Rothesay shops take cards.
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 Isle of Bute. 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–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many sights closed) · month by month →
- 2 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-to-bed contract for Rothesay: last Calmac sailings, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: Rothesay town, Port Bannatyne and Kyles, south coast and Mount Stuart, Ettrick Bay and the west.
- Place pages with verified opening seasons (Mount Stuart, Bute Museum, Ascog Fernery) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and ferry-disruption fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Bute
- officialCalMac Ferries
- officialMount Stuart House
- officialHistoric Environment Scotland — Rothesay Castle
- officialWest Coast Motors
- secondaryWikivoyage: Isle of Bute, revision 5340456 (CC BY-SA 4.0)