armadale travel

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

We use cookies on this website to give you the very best user experience. Please click the link below for more information. Cookies policy.

• My Favourites

Centuries ago, Armadale was best known for its wild boar hunting – a pastime that attracted royals staying at Linlithgow Palace and gave the town its original name, Barbauchlaw. Today’s visitors still come to the area to enjoy the great outdoors, but these days you’ll encounter only four-legged friends on the tranquil walks around Armadale.

Armadale is a small town of around 11,000 inhabitants located in the south west of West Lothian. Originally a farming community, Sir William Honeyman bought the land in the late 18th century, renaming it Armadale after one of his Highland estates. Locals refer to it fondly as The Dale.

Natural mineral, fireclay, ironstone and limestone deposits found in the area fuelled Armadale’s expansion in the late 19th century as a mining town. Armadale was also known for its brick manufacturing. By the 1950s, Armadale enjoyed a more diverse industrial structure than many of its neighbouring towns. Today, the local economy relies heavily upon the town’s industrial estates.

Armadale is situated at the historic crossroads of what were once the main routes from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Bo’ness to Lanark. The M8 motorway is close by, and the recent opening of the Airdrie-Bathgate lines means that it now benefits from four trains an hour to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

What to see and do in Armadale

Stroll down Main Street to discover Armadale’s rather peculiar public house. The Goth, which opened for business in 1911 and was designed according to the Swedish Gothenburg System, to counter rising alcohol consumption. Even today The Goth’s coffee and delicious food still attract as many customers as its more typical pub beverages.

You’ll find several other pubs to choose from in the town, plus cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. Lining the streets are a number of pretty churches – such as the Armadale Parish Church of Scotland – several florists, a jeweller and the local library. You’ll find the specialist Mill Garden Centre on the outskirts of the town.

For sporting pursuits, visit the town’s swimming pool and leisure centre . Residents and visitors alike are welcome to take the plunge or join in the host of sporting activities on offer. Armadale also boasts two busy bowling clubs and the nine-hole Bridgecastle Golf Club. Or you might prefer to catch an Armadale Thistle home game – the town’s football team regularly plays other local squads.

To enjoy one of the popular countryside walks around Armadale, head to Hardhill Wood for spectacular views over the Bathgate Hills, or go to Black Moss to amble through woodlands and by ponds. Venture a mile further and you’ll find the 169-acre Polkemmet Country Park just waiting to be explored.

Home of local motorbike heroes, The Scotwaste Monarchs, Armadale Speedway provides an adrenalin rush on Friday nights throughout the summer as visitors cheer on their favourites as they compete against teams from across the country. With no gears, brakes or rear suspension – and indeed no fear – this is a thrilling event to watch.

As with many of the towns within West Lothian, Armadale celebrates its Gala Day in June. Locals and visitors cheer on the floats and bands as they march down the High Street.

For those looking to rest their head for an evening, Tarrareoch Old Farmouse offers a warm welcome to visitors. This 300 year old farmhouse offers outstanding views across the open countryside. Other accommodation can also be found nearby in neighbouring Bathgate , offering a range of bed and breakfasts and UK renowned hotel chains.

• Things to do

Mill Garden Centre

Whether you are a serious gardener, plant collector or interested in something different from the chains, you are sure to find something to suit.

Edinburgh Monarchs Armadale Speedway

Motorcycle Speedway Racing on a premier track for all the family! Race Friday Nights from March to October

Armadale Medal Route

Three different routes through town and parks accommodate different time restraints. Distance: max. 3mls / 5 kms

Xcite Armadale

Xcite Armadale has had a make-over, giving it a new reception and viewing area, more spacious fitness centre and recently refurbished pools.

Ja's Hair Salon

Fish & Chicken Bar

Oriental Star

Chinese takeaway in Armadale.

Halo Hair Design & Beauty

Alchemy Tanning Lounge

Sparkles is a salon specialising in Aesthetics, Skin Care and Make-up

Riverside Veterinary Practice

Riverside Veterinary Practice is a professional and compassionate Vets in Armadale, offering routine and emergency care.

Cavalier Inn

Liddel's licensed grocers, tom laing flooring.

Bespoke flooring company in Armadale

Jet Armadale Petrol Service Station

The Jet garage in Armadale offers fuel as well as a wide range of convenience goods including groceries, Calor Gas, newspapers, magazines, snacks and more

Armadale Speedway

Taste of china, armadale shed.

The Armadale Shed is a place where members can share the tools and resources they need to work on a project of their own choosing, at their own pace, and in safe, friendly and inclusive surroundings

John Dewar & Sons Butchers

Family Butchers based in Armadale for the past 30 years offering delivery.

Dashing Dolls

Dashing Dolls Hair & Beauty Lounge offer a range of Nail & Beauty treatments and Hair services in Armadale

Personal Best

Personal Best are an experienced team of specialists who deliver bespoke exercise, injury rehabilitation and nutrition programmes

AV Superbikes

Smiles Plus Dental Care

Established in 1985, the practice has been providing general dental services to NHS and private patients in central Scotland for over 35 years.

Coppies Bar

A friendly bar in Armadale showing sport on match days, with darts and pool tables available.

Bratek Polish Food Shop

Bratek specialises in Polish food and drinks, located on South Street

Amore Restaurant

Jamie's barbers, livelines tackle and fishing.

Beards n Brogues

Beards & Brogues offer a pure and uncomplicated approach to grooming with services covering the needs of today's gents

K9 Dog Salon

Armadale mini market, armadale partnership centre.

Armadale Medical Centre

Armadale Group Practice take great pride in offering the highest standard of patient-centred healthcare

Gordon's Chemist

Gordons offer a range of pharmacy services and health and beauty products

Pablo's Fry

Xcite at West Lothian Leisure run 10 venues throughout West Lothian. This includes Swimming Pools, Sports Centres and Health & Fitness Centres. You can use any of their venues on pay-per-visit or you can join as a member.

• Food & Drink
• Accommodation

Highlander Hotel

Tarrareoch guest house, don't miss out.

Get the best recommendations delivered straight to your inbox! Click the Subscribe button (opens in new tab) to receive our monthly newsletters.

We use Benchmark to send emails to subscribers. If you do not want your email address and first name being stored by Benchmark for this purpose, please do not click subscribe. 

• What's On

TOWNS AND VILLAGES

• Broxburn & Uphall
• East Calder
• West Calder
• Travel Trade
• LEADER Funding

Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843

You've favourited an item!

You've unfavourited an item.

Armadale travel guide

Armadale tourism | armadale guide, you're going to love armadale.

With a population of 8,836, Armadale is a must-see destination in Victoria, Australia.

How to Get to Armadale

When flying to Armadale, you’ll arrive at Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), which is located 15 km from the city centre.

Another option to get to Armadale is to pick up a car hire from Melbourne, which is about 7 km from Armadale. You’ll find branches of CarHood and Sixt, among others, in Melbourne.

Greyhound Australia operates bus routes to Armadale. From Canberra, the bus ride to Armadale takes 772 km and will cost you around $226. From Sydney, the ticket costs about $246 for a journey of 1159 km.

Airports near Armadale

Airlines serving armadale, where to stay in popular areas of armadale, most booked hotels in armadale, hiring a car in armadale.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 21% more expensive than at Melbourne.

Expect to pay $1.78 per litre in Armadale (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $21.34 and $28.46. The most frequently booked car type in Armadale is Full-size (Class Full-size Van or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Hyundai i30 or similar) is, on average, 78% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Armadale (Skye)

• 2 Get around

Sleat peninsula is the gently rolling southern part of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Inner Hebrides . Its main villages are Armadale (Gaelic: Armadal ) around the ferry pier and Ardvasar (Gaelic: Àird a’ Bhàsair ) half a mile south. Accommodation and amenities straggle along the main road north A851, notably at Saasaig and Isleornsay; points north of there are described under Broadford .

Get in [ edit ]

57.065 -5.895 1 Armadale pier is the landing point for Calmac ferries from Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. They take 45 min and sail daily, Apr-Oct every hour or two 8AM-6PM but only 2 or 3 per day Nov-March. Until end of March 2025 return fares are £23.30 per car, £7 per adult including driver, and £3.50 per child aged 5-15. This was the usual route to Skye before the bridge opened, and it's still a good route if you want to take the Road to the Isles via Glenfinnan . But don't come this way on a whim or because Satnav has misdirected you to Mallaig instead of the bridge - you could face a long wait for a ferry space if you haven't booked.

Stagecoach Bus 52 runs 3 or 4 times daily from Armadale pier (connecting with the ferries) to Broadford , Sligachan and Portree . In Broadford it connects M-F with Bus 50 to Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh bus and railway stations.

By car you follow A851 the same road as the bus, joining A87 the main cross-island road at Broadford.

Get around [ edit ]

It's a short walk between the pier, the two villages and Armadale Castle, but you need wheels to get elsewhere around Sleat.

Car rental is available from Drive Skye .

See [ edit ]

• Views from the village and pier towards the mainland are attractive.
• 57.0185 -6.0173 3 Point of Sleat is reached by driving south to the end of the public road at Aird of Sleat, then it's a clear (though occasionally rough or boggy) 3-mile trail to the Point, crossing the beach at Camas Daraich. The lighthouse is just a small metal gantry, you come for the views towards the Small Isles (which are inhabited, and reached by ferry from Mallaig).

Do [ edit ]

• Wildlife: always be looking out for it, including on the ferry.
• South Skye Sea Kayak organise tours and tuition. They're at Kilmore 4 miles north of Armadale.
• Gaelic culture: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig a mile north of the castle teaches degree-level courses solely in Gaelic. They have shorter courses for learners, but it's not the place for beginners. However look out for music and other events that even a Sassenach can nod along with.

Buy [ edit ]

• Armadale Stores and Post Office is open M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-3:30PM.
• Craft shops and galleries near the pier are Nigel Grounds , Under the Rowan , Maggie Zefara , Ragamuffin Store , Skyelark / Grumpy George , Julia Christie , Scouting for Buoys and Patricia Shone Ceramics . Aird Old Church Gallery is at Aird, at the end of the public road south.

Eat [ edit ]

• The Shed , Armadale Pier IV45 8RS , ☏ +44 1471 844222 . Daily 9AM-5PM . Small cafe with indoor and outdoor tables, right by the ferry landing. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Gasta bar & restaurant at the entrance to Armadale Castle is open daily 10AM-3PM, F Sa 5-9PM, Su noon-4PM. The bar has live music F Sa 17:00 till late.

Drink [ edit ]

• Gasta bar and The Inn are the choices in Armadale.
• Torabhaig make whisky four miles north of Armadale. Tours available May-Oct, adult £10. Shop hours are M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-3PM.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Armadale Castle (above) has self-catering lodges and suites from £150 / night.
• 57.05952 -5.9064 1 The Inn at Àird a' Bhàsair ( formerly Ardvasar Hotel ), Ardvasar, Sleat IV45 8RS , ☏ +44 1471 844223 . Upscale 3-star with restaurant, now owned by Eilean Iarmain Hotel. B&B double £155, dog £15 per stay . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• B&Bs cluster near the ferry pier. There's nothing south of the village down the dead-end lane to Aird of Sleat.
• 57.094197 -5.874071 3 Flora Macdonald Hostel , 3 Kilmore, Sleat IV44 8RG ( 3 miles north of Armadale ), ☏ +44 1471 844272 . Self-catering hostel with private rooms for two, three, four, six and ten people. They no longer have a dorm, and the smaller rooms sell out early. No local amenities so bring supplies. They can pick you up from the ferry with advance notice. Double room from £60 . ( updated Apr 2019 )

• Toravaig House Hotel is four miles north of Armadale. Saasaig village has a few self-catering cottages.
• 57.1454 -5.7995 4 Hotel Eilean Iarmain , Isleornsay, Sleat IV43 8QR ( 10 miles north of Armadale ), ☏ +44 1471 833332 . Upmarket hotel looking onto island of Ornsay, with fine dining in Birlinn restaurant and bar meals in Am Pràban. B&B double from £260 . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• Isleornsay also has a cluster of self-catering cottages, the Duisdale House Hotel , and (without which no Hebridean remoteness is nowadays complete) Yurts . See Broadford for Kinloch Lodge just across the bay.

Connect [ edit ]

As of June 2022, Armadale has 4G from O2 but nothing from the other carriers, and there's no signal along the road until you join A87 at Broadford. 5G has not reached Skye.

Go next [ edit ]

• The road north leads you to Broadford . From there you could return to the mainland on A87 via Kyleakin , the Skye Bridge and Kyle of Lochalsh , or continue north to the most scenic part of Skye beyond Portree.
• Or take the ferry to Mallaig on the mainland to reach the Small Isles , Glenfinnan and the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Has map markers
• Has Geo parameter
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Find hotels in armadale, perth from $82.

Most hotels are fully refundable. Because flexibility matters.

Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide as a One Key member.

Search over 2.9 million properties  and 550 airlines worldwide.

Check Armadale hotel availability

Pet friendly

Fully refundable

Reserve now, pay later

Bed & breakfast

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Dinner included

All inclusive

Golf course

WiFi included

Airport shuttle included

Washer and dryer

Electric car charging station

Air conditioned

Outdoor space

Accessible bathroom

Roll-in shower

Sign language-capable staff

In-room accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible parking

Service animals allowed

Stair-free path to entrance

LGBTQ welcoming

See properties that pledge to make all guests feel safe, welcome, and respected.

Business friendly

See properties with amenities to help you work comfortably, like WiFi and breakfast.

Family friendly

See properties that include family essentials like in-room conveniences and activities for the kids.

Discover 1,255 Armadale hotels and places to stay, with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Other neighborhoods around armadale.

Explore the coastal and inland waterways of this large picturesque city in Western Australia and see lots of marine and land wildlife.

Arty, eclectic Fremantle is known for its superb café culture, microbreweries and laid-back beach lifestyle.

Perth Central Business District

Sitting alongside a river with skyscrapers, museums and a lively arts scene, Western Australia’s capital offers an exciting city center.

Perth Airport

If you're spending some time in Perth Airport, DFO Perth and SuperCars Perth are top sights worth seeing.

Unique features of Rockingham include the beaches and bars. Make a stop by Palm Beach or Rockingham Beach while you're exploring the area.

Armadale Travel Info

Frequently asked questions.

Armadale is a neighborhood that travelers like for its gardens, shopping, and museums. Be sure to check out Armadale Shopping City and Bert Tyler Machinery Museum as part of your Armadale travel plans.

Based on our traveler data, Heritage Country Motel is one of the top choices for your stay in Armadale. This 3-star hotel offers free parking and private balconies.

Expedia has 6 Armadale hotels and other accommodations, and one might make a good home base for venturing out into the greater Perth area.

Yes, the majority of hotel bookings are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to review the best deals in Armadale.

For more information about changing or cancelling your trip to Armadale, head over to our customer service page .

Landmarks in Armadale that you won't want to miss include Armadale History House and Minnawarra Historic Precinct. Armadale Shopping City and Bert Tyler Machinery Museum are also a couple of places to visit in the neighborhood. Flora Bushland, Grovelands Reserve, and Armadale Visitor Centre are just a few of the places to visit in and around Armadale. Make a stop at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre and Araluen Golf Resort while you're sightseeing around the area.

If you want to venture out of town, Armadale Station is the closest train station. You can also catch a ride at Armadale Sherwood Station.

Recent reviews of Armadale hotels

Hyatt Regency Perth

• Crowne Plaza Perth, an IHG Hotel

Art Series - The Adnate

• Sanno Marracoonda Perth Airport Hotel

• Starwest Apartments Alderney on Hay

• Duxton Hotel Perth

Great Southern Hotel Perth

Great Eastern Motor Lodge

Perth Ascot Central Apartment Hotel

• Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Hotels in top Perth neighborhoods

• Mandurah Hotels
• Fremantle Hotels
• Perth Central Business District Hotels
• Perth Airport Hotels
• Rockingham Hotels
• Scarborough Hotels
• Perth City Centre Hotels
• East Perth Hotels
• Joondalup Hotels
• South Perth Hotels
• Cottesloe Hotels
• Burswood Hotels
• South Yunderup Hotels
• Hillarys Hotels
• Subiaco Hotels
• Northbridge Hotels
• Belmont Hotels
• Halls Head Hotels
• Midland Hotels
• Redcliffe Hotels

Hotels near popular Perth Attractions

• Hotels near Armadale Shopping City
• Hotels near Armadale Visitor Centre
• Hotels near Armadale History House
• Hotels near Minnawarra Historic Precinct
• Hotels near Crown Perth
• Hotels near Elizabeth Quay
• Hotels near RAC Arena
• Hotels near Optus Stadium
• Hotels near Kings Park and Botanic Garden
• Hotels near University of Western Australia

More Hotel Options in Armadale

• Family Hotels (1)
• Historic Hotels (1)

More Accommodation Types in Armadale

• Apartments (581)
• Vacation Homes (423)
• Aparthotels (42)
• Villas (38)
• Cottages (30)
• Guest Houses (29)
• Hostels (22)
• B&B (21)
• Motels (17)
• Holiday Park Resorts (7)
• Resorts (6)
• Farmstay (3)
• Cabin Rentals (3)
• RV Parks (2)
• Condo Rentals (2)
• Houseboats (2)

Hotels Close to Nearby Airports

• Perth Hotels

Armadale Hotels by Star Rating

• 3 stars (214)

More Popular Hotels in Perth

• Fraser Suites Perth
• Novotel Perth Murray Street
• The Westin Perth
• Metro Hotel Perth
• The Melbourne Hotel
• Oaks Perth Hotel
• Mercure Perth
• Criterion Hotel Perth

Expedia's Latest Trends

• Adopt a Tree
• Anti-harassment Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Trees for the future
• Library & Archives
• Walks & wildlife
• Eat & Drink
• Isle of Skye holiday accommodation
• Accessibility

Getting Here

• Groups & Travel Trade
• Opening Times & Prices
• Visitor information
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• CDLT – The first five decades
• Clan history
• Cultural heritage
• The Clan Donald Estate
• CDLT Youth Council
• Education & learning
• Local Family Loyalty Scheme
• Clan Worldwide
• Upcoming Events
• Latest News
• Eat & drink
• 50th anniversary
• Job vacancies
• Clan worldwide

A’ tadhal oirnn

We are located in Armadale, south Skye, on the A851. We are easily accessible from the Skye Bridge and from the Mallaig–Armadale ferry. For general information about travelling on Skye contact the Visit Scotland i-Centre in Portree.

Armadale Castle

From the mainland.

Take the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. We are 20 miles from the bridge, approx. 30 minutes’ drive, on the A87 and A851. Or Take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale (25-minute crossing). The Castle entrance is 2 minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal at Armadale.

From north Skye

We are 16 miles south of Broadford, approx. 25 minutes’ drive. Follow signs to Broadford / Skye Bridge then turn right at the A851, signposted Armadale/Ferry. We have a large free car park.

Train, Bus & Cycle

You can travel by train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, or from Glasgow via Fort William to Mallaig. Local bus services ( Stagecoach buses ) connect with some train and ferry services. Check bus timetables before travelling as rural services are limited. National bus services to Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig are operated by  Citylink . Use the Traveline website to plan your journey on public transport.

Taxis services are available in Kyle of Lochalsh and Armadale (pre-booking required; search online).

Cyclists are welcomed and we have bike racks available in the car park.

The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale is a 25-minute crossing, operated by  CalMac Ferries . The Castle entrance is approximately 10 minutes’ walk or 2 minutes’ drive from Armadale ferry terminal.

Links & Downloads

Ceanglaichean, calmac ferries, traveline scotland, stagecoach local buses, scotrail trains, citylink buses, local car hire - drive skye, visit scotland icentre portree, keep in touch, subscribe to our newsletter.

Perth's Armadale/Thornlie rail line closure is underway. Here's what you need to know about getting around

Major construction work across Perth's south-east rail and road networks has begun, with the daily commutes of about 10,000 passengers set to be affected for up to 18 months.

It's all part of a multi-billion upgrade and extension to the 130-year-old Armadale train line and includes seven new train stations, the removal of 13 level crossings and the elevation of 5.5 kilometres of rail line.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti thanked the WA community in advance for their patience during what she said would be the "biggest public transport transformation ever, across a number of fronts".

"We expect some hiccups over the initial few days, " Ms Saffioti said.

"New ways, new processes, in particular, a whole new bus service that's been created, will cause some challenges across the network.

"We have improved our infrastructure, got the bus routes ready, got the communication out, we've done everything we think is possible to make sure it can go as smoothly as possible."

How have commuters reacted?

Cannington local Michelle said it was long overdue for the level crossings to be removed.

"We needed the project, so I was always for it because the traffic in Cannington is very bad," she said.

However, Michelle was not alone in saying the first day of replacement buses wasn't as smooth as authorities had hoped, with a lack of clarity provided around where to catch them from. 

Hope said she faced delays trying to catch a replacement bus to the Wellington Street station in the CBD.

"It was a bit of a nightmare this morning actually — the replacement buses, some of them are not stopping at the regular stops," she said.

"There was like four buses that passed us, until this kind driver decided to stop for us."

Another Cannington local, Johnson, said he was surprised to find the Armadale Line had been shutdown when he arrived at the station in the morning.

"I had a clue, but I didn't know when it was going to start, and I didn't expect it was going to be for [so long]," he said.

Johnson agreed it was necessary to improve traffic in the area.

"In the end, it's going to be beneficial for everyone," he said.

Many commuters travelling into the Perth CBD said it took about 10 to 15 minutes longer than their commute normally would have taken by train.

How will I get around during the shutdown?

Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 November

The entire Armadale/Thornlie Line will be closed for three full days as work to allow passenger trains to turn at Victoria Park is carried out.

During this time, train replacement services will be in place between Victoria Park and Perth, as well as extra bus services.

Thursday 23 November to mid-2025

The Armadale/Thornlie Line will remain partially closed for up to 18 months from Thursday, with train services operating only between Victoria Park and Perth stations at an increased frequency of approximately every 7.5 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night.

With train services between Armadale/Thornlie and Victoria Park stations not running during this partial closure, existing bus services will be supported by seven new routes, and five "enhanced" routes.

Three new temporary bus interchanges have been built in Armadale, Cannington and Victoria Park with more than 100 additional buses brought onto the network for the shutdown period.

How much disruption will there be?

About 10,000 commuters use the Armadale/Thornlie Line each day and while the government is hopeful between 80 to 85 per cent switch to the bus services, it has also planned and executed upgrades to the road network.

"Roads will be busier, but we believe we've done a lot of work … to try and basically equip all the residents along the Armadale rail line to move in and out of the city, move in and out of their places of work, of shopping as smooth as possible," Ms Saffioti said.

The shutdown preparations include more than 1.2 kilometres of priority bus lanes along Albany Highway and Shepparton Road in Victoria Park as well as the installation of intelligent transport systems the government said will improve traffic flow and bus movements.

One way it does this is by having virtual receivers set up at traffic signals which can automatically keep traffic lights green for up to 30 extra seconds to allow for buses to move through.

Additional right-turning restrictions on key arterial routes along Albany Highway are also in place with digital signs displaying travel times for certain routes to be installed at six key locations along the road network.

A dedicated Main Roads Incident Response Service for Shepparton Road and Albany Highway has been established to better respond to any incidents, with nine new CCTV cameras installed across the network.

Main Roads has also released an app, Traffic ALT, to provide drivers with audio updates on key information such as traffic congestion levels and travel times. The app was designed to run through a driver's hands-free phone or car stereo bluetooth.

Commutes longer but free travel on offer

Amid the shutdown, the government expects those travelling from Armadale into the city will have their travel time take between 15 and 30 minutes longer than it would on the train.

As a bit of a sweetener amid the extended disruption, the government is offering six months of free travel on the public transport network for those who have a Smart Rider and have used it on the Armadale/Thornlie Line during at least 13 out of the last 26 weeks.

Year 7 students starting high school next year who travel on the affected line are also entitled to the free travel.

What if I am a wheelchair user?

In May this year, the government said it was upgrading bus stops on the new and "enhanced" routes to be accessible but not all wheelchairs or mobility devices will fit.

A government spokesperson said while most regular electric wheelchairs will fit on the buses, anyone with a disability requiring additional assistance should contact the Public Transport Authority or Metronet directly.

Those unable to access the bus replacement services can, if they have not already, apply for the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme.

So what does the work involve?

The shutdown will allow for a series of works across three major Metronet projects: the Byford Rail Extension, the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.

Those works include the construction of seven new train stations, including one in Byford – a suburb on the south-eastern edge of Perth a little more than 40 kilometres from the CBD -- which will be the new final stop on the now Armadale Line.

Twelve level crossings will be removed, 13 in total with Thomas Road over rail south of Armadale already completed.

The government said removing the level crossings would ease major bottlenecks, with the boom gates currently down (because of passing trains) for more than seven hours a day at Wharf Street, six hours a day at Oats Street and more than four hours a day at Welshpool Road and Mint, Hamilton and Williams Street.

Five-and-a-half kilometres of rail will be elevated creating six hectares of new public open space, with things like playgrounds, fitness zones, basketball courts, skate parks and other community spaces all planned for around, and under, the line.

And while works on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link are already underway, the government said the shut-down will allow for the project to be completed with the construction of two new stations at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road (in addition to the seven new stations on the Armadale Line) and the delivery of the first east-west rail link connecting the Armadale and Mandurah lines.

How much is all this costing?

The total cost of the works is expected to amount to almost $3 billion, with the federal government providing a significant funding contribution.

The Byford Rail Extension project is expected to cost $797 million with $1.05 billion for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and a further $1.1 billion for the works to be undertaken on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.

While the federal government last week announced it was slashing the nation's infrastructure spend by $30 billion, with five projects worth a total of $300 million affected in WA, it said it would continue to bankroll Perth's suburban Metronet passenger rail upgrade and extensions with its $1 billion commitment.

And despite delays to several Metronet projects – as well as significant cost blowouts since the Labor Government came into power in 2017 — Minister Saffioti said she was "very, very confident" the works would be completed on time.

This would see the line reopen in May 2025.

"We've done a lot of work to prepare for the shutdown, in particular, the preparatory work," she said.

And she said she was also confident it would not run over the $3 billion price tag, despite that figure having grown since the works were first announced.

"We're confident with those numbers," she said.

"We believe those numbers are very strong and we've taken into consideration some of the escalation."

Liberal leader Libby Mettam was not convinced, pointing to previous delays and cost blowouts on the government's other Metronet projects.

"Given the Cook Labor government's credibility in delivering Metronet projects on time and on budget, I look forward to seeing how they actually deliver on this promise," she said.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Paying a bus or train fare with cash could soon be on the nose under transperth overhaul.

Here's what you need to know about one of the largest rail shutdowns WA has ever seen

How did Perth become the longest city in the world, and can sprawl be stopped?

Perth's streets failing to meet people's basic needs, warns architect of world-renowned transport strategy

• Public Transport
• Rail Transport Industry
• State and Territory Government
• Victoria Park

• Portree Tourism
• Portree Hotels
• Portree Bed and Breakfast
• Portree Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Portree
• Portree Restaurants
• Things to Do in Portree
• Portree Travel Forum
• Portree Photos
• Portree Map
• All Portree Hotels
• Portree Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Portree
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

How to travel armadale to portree w/out car? - Portree Forum

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• Scotland    
• The Hebrides    
• Isle of Skye    
• Portree    

How to travel armadale to portree w/out car?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Isle of Skye forums
• Portree forum

Try the journey planner on Traveline for bus times but public transport on Skye is very limited.

http://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo

I think it's as little as 2 buses per day between Armadale and Portree, mainly designed around School hours!

I think you could book a taxi in advance, but how do you plan on getting around Skye from Portree?

To minimise cost, a taxi to Broadford, booked in advance. There's at least one taxi company near Armadale, and there are plenty other based on Kyle etc. Once at Broadford you will find there are a number of bus services up to Portree. But check what's available via http://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo

There's an entire day of just getting from point A to point B.

Yep, welcome to Skye! The worst bus service of any large and populated Scottish island. Arran, Islay, Mull, the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney Mainlands are all much better served.

The difference has to be the local authority: Highland Council is presumably happy to accept the tourist income but not to invest in the infrastructure to support it.

How exactly would Highland Council get tourist income? Tourists pay council tax now? Councils also don't run public transport systems. Take it up with the bus operators.

The bus operators need a subsidy from the local council.

Skye is having a tourist boom, as we all know. The Highland Council benefits hugely from that via business rates from all the flourishing shops, hotels, restaurants, B&Bs etc etc. But they have cut their essential financial support for bus services on Skye, which this year has had quite a dramatic effect.

Well run councils such as Cne-Siar and Argyll and Bute have a much better understanding of the importance of investing in the tourist industry.

Having been made redundant from the Highland Council, I know firsthand they aren't exactly in a great financial position. Business rates aren't paid per person. I was reading an article on BBC news recently about how many day trippers to Skye hardly pay a penny whilst on the island. Highland Council covers the biggest local authority area in the UK, budgets are cut, it has some geographical challenges other councils don't have and in the grand scheme of things when there is roads, social care, schools, waste management etc a bus service for tourists on one island isn't top priority and arguably not their responsibility anyway.

• Difficulty Reaching Sea Breezes Restaurant yesterday
• Marmalade or Bosville Apr 05, 2024
• Public Transport in Portree Mar 19, 2024
• Hire a Car with Driver - Portree, Isle of Skye Dec 23, 2023
• Isle of Skye to Edinburgh airport Sep 26, 2023
• Portree crowds in September Sep 25, 2023
• The Bracken Hide Hotel Sep 23, 2023
• How much does parking cost? Sep 07, 2023
• Rosedale or Pier Hotel. Aug 30, 2023
• Takeout chicken and green salad Jul 05, 2023
• restaurant with kids (16 and 11) Jun 24, 2023
• Midges May 31, 2023
• Marmalade Hotel Apr 28, 2023
• Portree fantastic restaurants Apr 23, 2023
• Portree car rental and taxi service 2 replies
• Otterburn B&B Portree , Skye 4 replies
• opening times supermarkets Portree 2 replies
• A Hike Out of Portree 9 replies
• Where to stay in Portree 2 replies
• Laundrette in Portree? 3 replies
• Otterburn B&B 2 replies
• Skye to Inverness 4 replies
• Bus Service on Skye 2 replies
• Self-catering Portree 7 replies

Portree Hotels and Places to Stay