- Recommended
Oban War and Peace Museum
Compact local museum covering Oban’s people, harbour, wartime stories and maritime heritage in the town centre.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Balloch to Oban
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£42
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£42
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
2 h 49 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
2 h 55 m
Trains on 08 Sept
6
Distance
72 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Balloch to Oban is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Balloch to Oban will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Fast trains
To travel from Balloch to Oban you need to make at least one change.
8:382h49Balloch11:27Oban£421One-way1 change- 10:383h05Balloch13:43Oban£421One-way1 change
- 12:382h50Balloch15:28Oban£421One-way1 change
- 16:383h04Balloch19:42Oban£421One-way1 change
- 18:382h49Balloch21:27Oban£421One-way1 change
- 8:382h49Balloch11:27Oban£421One-way1 change
- 18:382h49Balloch21:27Oban£421One-way1 change
- 12:382h50Balloch15:28Oban£421One-way1 change
- 16:383h04Balloch19:42Oban£421One-way1 change
- 10:383h05Balloch13:43Oban£421One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Balloch to Oban
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Balloch to Oban among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £37.
Distance: 72 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 14m Average total duration 2h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Balloch to Oban is a coach with an average price of £14.
This is compared to other travel options from Balloch to Oban:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Balloch to Oban costing on average £37.
The fastest way to travel from Balloch to Oban is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 28m.
Other travel options to Oban take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Balloch and Oban including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-16.46. The journey takes 2h 44m versus 1h 46m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Balloch to Oban train times
The table below shows live departures for Balloch to Oban trains for today, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:44 Balloch | 9h51 | 8:35 Oban | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 8 September | |||||
| 8:38 Balloch | 2h49 | 11:27 Oban | 1 change | |
| 10:38 Balloch | 3h05 | 13:43 Oban | 1 change | |
| 12:38 Balloch | 2h50 | 15:28 Oban | 1 change | |
| 16:38 Balloch | 3h04 | 19:42 Oban | 1 change | |
| 18:38 Balloch | 2h49 | 21:27 Oban | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Balloch to Oban by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book Balloch to Oban trains with Omio?
Scotrail as well as ScotRail offer trains services from Balloch to Oban.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Balloch to Oban.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Balloch to Oban.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Balloch to Oban.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Balloch to Oban.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Balloch to Oban
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Balloch to Oban run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 72 km distance in 3h 8m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Distance 72 km |
Average train duration 2h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 5:11 |
Last train 20:39 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Train companies: Scotrail, ScotRail from Balloch to Oban trainsScotrail, ScotRail trains will get you between Balloch and Oban from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£37
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
ScotRail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ScotRail Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest ScotRail Price
£42
ScotRail frequency
5 a day
Complete guide to Oban
Things to do in Oban
Discover the best of Oban — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oban trip today.
- Recommended
Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
Small community museum in nearby Dunollie exploring clan history, local archaeology and stories from the estate.
The Island Centre
Seasonal heritage centre in a former church, presenting island history, geology and everyday life across the Inner Hebrides.
- Must visit
Oban Esplanade
Oban’s lively waterfront promenade, ideal for harbour views, ferry watching and an easy stroll beside the bay.
- Recommended
Dunollie Castle Grounds
Wooded headland and coastal walk north of town, leading to castle ruins, gardens and broad views over the sound.
- Recommended
Pulpit Hill
Popular local viewpoint above Oban Bay, reached by steep paths and rewarding visitors with fine sunset panoramas.
- Gluten-free
West Coast Langoustines
Fresh langoustines landed on Scotland’s west coast, usually simply boiled or grilled to showcase the sweet shellfish that Oban’s harbour is known for.
Fish and Chips
Oban’s classic harbour meal: haddock in batter with chips. It reflects the town’s long fishing tradition and is a staple takeaway by the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Scottish Smoked Salmon
Smoked Atlantic salmon from Argyll and the west coast, prized for its rich flavour and traditional curing methods linked to Scotland’s seafood heritage.
Oban Seafood Hut
Popular casual seafood shack by the ferry terminal, best for quick platters, mussels and shellfish eaten outdoors by the harbour.
Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant
Busy waterfront seafood spot specialising in local catches, with informal dining and harbour views in the centre of Oban.
Ee-Usk
Long-established seafood restaurant and fishmonger near the harbour, known for very fresh local shellfish and straightforward coastal cooking.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transport are similar to other Scottish tourist towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for a casual meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for dinner.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, small change is fine.
Traveline Scotland
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.70
- Day pass
- : null
To the city centre
Oban station -> Oban town centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Local bus fares on council-subsidised services are capped by distance; some operators may charge less than the published maximum.
- Oban station is by Railway Pier and within a short walk of the town centre, so walking is often quickest on arrival.
FAQs: Balloch to Oban train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Balloch to Oban by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Oban, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Balloch to Oban can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £37.
The train journey from Balloch to Oban covers a distance of 72 km and takes approximately 3h 8m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Balloch to Oban is 72 km.
The first train from Balloch to Oban leaves at 5:11.
The last train from Balloch to Oban departs at 20:39.
Trains from Balloch to Oban run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Balloch to Oban.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Balloch to Oban.
To get from Balloch to Oban, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Balloch to Oban.
The train station in Balloch that goes to Oban is Balloch station (BHC), and it arrives at Oban station (OBN).
The cheapest way to get from Balloch to Oban is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Balloch to Oban in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Balloch to Oban is indeed scenic, offering picturesque views of the Scottish countryside, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, with its rolling hills and serene lochs providing a stunning backdrop.
A day trip from Balloch to Oban is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 8m and there are 3 trains per day. The distance is 72 km.
In Oban, you can explore the historic Oban Distillery, enjoy guided tours and whisky tastings, and visit Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds to learn about local history amidst scenic gardens. Relax at Ganavan Sands beach or embark on sea kayaking tours for a unique view of the coastline and wildlife. Indulge in handmade chocolates at the Oban Chocolate Company. For stunning views, visit McCaig's Tower and Pulpit Hill. Discover the town's history at the Oban War & Peace Museum, explore the ruins of Dunollie Castle, and admire the Gothic Revival architecture of St. Columba's Cathedral.
Two to three days in Oban typically allow enough time to explore its attractions, enjoy boat trips to nearby islands, and savour the local seafood.
Yes, you can take the train from Balloch to Oban.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Balloch and Oban
Most Balloch to Oban trains use the Balloch to Oban station pair. Use this guide to compare Balloch and Oban train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Balloch
Arrival train stations in Oban
Which Balloch station do trains to Oban leave from?
Trains from Balloch to Oban leave from Balloch. The station is from Balloch city centre at Balloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS.
BallochBalloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Balloch from Balloch city centre
Bus207, 305, 306, 309 · 1m · every ~7 min
Balloch train station facilities and services
Balloch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Balloch.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Balloch.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Balloch. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Balloch: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Balloch: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Balloch: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to single platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Oban station do trains from Balloch arrive at?
Trains from Balloch to Oban arrive at Oban. Oban is from Oban city centre.
ObanOban station, Railway Pier, Oban, Argyll & Bute, PA34 4LW
City-centre transport
Getting to Oban from Oban city centre
Bus919 · 2m · £5
Oban train station facilities and services
Oban has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Oban.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Oban.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Oban. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Oban: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Oban: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Oban: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Balloch
More options for your journey from Balloch to Oban
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Oban and Balloch
Most popular train connections to Oban
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
