Portree is the busy capital of the Isle of Skye. It may not be a city like Edinburgh, but it is no sleepy village, particularly in summer where tourists arrive by the coach load to experience the beautiful scenery and ancient monuments. Taking a ferry to the mainland, going to a scenic spot or returning to the town after a day hike, make sure you’ll have a reliable taxi in Portree at hand at all times.
I’ve experimented with various local taxi services over the years — some reliable, some, umm, not so much. So, following my repeated experiences of issues with taxi services in Portree, here’s my unvarnished guide to them.
🚖 Top Portree Taxi Services
| Company | Booking Options | Price Range | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skye Cabs | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ✅ Reliable and trustworthy |
| Portree Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | 👍 Friendly service, prompt pickups |
| Isle of Skye Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ⚖️ Good option for peak times |
| Uber | 📱 App Only | £–££ | ⚠️ Convenient, but spotty availability |
| Skye Executive | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | £££ | ✔️ Luxury service for special occasions |
1. Skye Cabs – The Trusted Partner for Your Transfer Needs
Skye Cabs is my top choice in Portree. They’ve been delivering to the island for years, and always deliver on time. Be it a short trip to the shops or a longer ride out into the countryside, they ensure you arrive in comfort. Booking is easy — either over the phone or through their website — and they have a fleet that accommodates all types of travelers, from small sedans to larger minivans.
Best for:
- Day trips around Skye
- Transfer for airport (Inverness Arrival/Departure)
- Transit around Portree
2. Portree Taxis – Polite / Punctual
Portree Taxi is another good one. I have always ridden with them smooth, the cars are always clean the drivers very friendly and helping me. They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable — ideal for regular commuting and errands. They make booking, whether you call or book online, an easy task.
Best for:
- Local appointments
- Day-to-day travel around town
- Group trips within the area
3. Isle of Skye Taxis – A Good Alternative
Though Isle of Skye Taxis is not always the belle of the ball, they have proven themselves indispensable in a few moments when everyone else was fully booked. Although their website is somewhat outdated, they are reliable and cheap. If you need to scramble for a taxi, they’ll deliver.
Best for:
- Last-minute bookings
- Travel at peak tourist seasons
- Short trips around Skye
4. Uber — Convenience, When It Arrives
Yes, there are Ubers in Portree — but don’t depend on one when you truly require it. The app can be handy for casual rides, but it doesn’t always have cars on hand, particularly at prime times. And, like everywhere, surge pricing can prove somewhat shocking. That said, it’s nice to have on your phone for quick trips, if the coverage is the right fit for where you live.
Best for:
- Casual trips around Portree
- Cashless payment options
- In the case local taxis are busy or unavailable
5. Skye Executive – Special Occasion Luxury Rides
For those with their fix on travel or needing to create an impression, Skye Executive is a premium taxi service. An on-demand service of luxury vehicles with experienced drivers and a more customized service, it’s an ideal solution for important business meetings or special events, like weddings or airport pickups.
Best for:
- Business travel
- Airport transfers
- Special events or VIP travel
Which Taxi Service is Best in Portree?
- Local services: Skye Cabs / Portree Taxis
- Isle of Skye Taxis: Last minute bookings
- Convenient app: Uber (when it works)
- Luxury travel: Skye Executive
While the taxi scene in Portree may not be as wide-ranging as that of major cities, it’s good to know the ins and outs of local options. Save a couple of trusted numbers, and navigating around this beautiful island will be as easy as pie.