The Skye Bridge is one of Scotland's most iconic crossings, connecting the Scottish mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. Opened in 1995, it replaced the famous CalMac ferry service and transformed access to one of Scotland's most breathtaking islands forever.
This is one of the most searched questions about the Skye Bridge, and the answer is no. The Skye Bridge is completely free to cross.
When the bridge first opened in 1995 it came with a controversial toll charge. At its peak drivers were charged up to £5.20 each way! Making it one of the most expensive road crossings in Europe at the time.
The tolls was finally abolished in December 2004, buying the bridge back from its US based owners for £27 million. By that point the tolls had collected a staggering £33.3 million.
Today the bridge is free to cross in both directions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Before the bridge opened, the only way to reach the Isle of Skye by road was via the CalMac ferry between Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland and Kyleakin on Skye. The short 500 metre crossing took just 5 minutes but during peak summer months queues could stretch for hours as visitor numbers grew.
Construction of the bridge began in 1992 and the concrete and steel structure spans Loch Alsh, connecting the mainland to the small island of Eilean BÃ n before crossing to Skye. The bridge was officially opened on 16th October 1995.
The Skye Bridge carries the A87 road and is the main route onto the island for the majority of visitors. The bridge is open 24 hours a day and there are no restrictions on crossing.
Coming from Inverness, follow the A82 and then the A87 through the Highlands. The drive itself is one of the most scenic in Scotland, passing through Glen Shiel and alongside Loch Duich with views of Eilean Donan Castle before reaching Kyle of Lochalsh.
From Glasgow, the most popular route is via Loch Lomond, Crianlarich and Fort William before heading north on the A82 and A87.
Eilean Donan Castle Just 15 minutes from the bridge, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks. A must visit on any trip to Skye.
Kyle of Lochalsh The mainland village at the foot of the bridge has a small selection of shops, cafes and restaurants — a great stop before or after crossing.
Kyleakin The first village you reach on Skye after crossing the bridge, Kyleakin is a charming small village with a pub, cafe and the ruins of Castle Moil overlooking the water.
Eilean Bà n The small island the bridge passes over is home to the former lighthouse cottage where author Gavin Maxwell — famous for writing Ring of Bright Water — spent his final days. It is now an otter sanctuary.
Is the Skye Bridge free? Yes — the Skye Bridge has been free to cross since December 2004 when the Scottish Executive abolished the toll. There is no charge to cross in either direction.
When was the Skye Bridge built? Construction of the Skye Bridge began in 1992 and it was officially opened on 16th October 1995.
What did it cost to cross the Skye Bridge? When the bridge first opened the toll was up to £5.20 each way, making it one of the most expensive road crossings in Europe. The toll was abolished in December 2004.
Where does the Skye Bridge connect? The Skye Bridge connects Kyle of Lochalsh on the Scottish mainland to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye, crossing Loch Alsh.
Can you walk across the Skye Bridge? There is a footpath alongside the bridge allowing pedestrians to walk across. The views from the bridge over Loch Alsh are stunning.
How long is the Skye Bridge? The Skye Bridge spans approximately 500 metres across Loch Alsh.
Is there a ferry to Skye? The original CalMac ferry between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin no longer operates. However there is still a CalMac ferry service between Mallaig and Armadale on Skye.
