Oban is located on Scotland's western coast and is situated 95 miles (152 km) north of Glasgow, 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Edinburgh and 50 miles (80 km) south of Fort William. The nearest airports are in Glasgow and Edinburgh. European low cost airlines service both cities. Scottish Citylink connects Oban with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Fort William. National Rail journeys to Oban from numerous Scots cities but the train trips are painfully slow. The trip by road is somewhat quicker but requires an adjustment to pace in any case. The roads north of Glasgow are predominately single carriageway or two-lane roads.

While car travel is the easiest way to reach Oban it isn't the only means for exploring the surroundings. Oban is small and compact and easily navigated on foot. Ferries to the islands of Scotland (except Kerrera) depart from the 3-story ferry terminal in Oban harbor. The terminal is a 5-minute walk from the train station. Caledonian MacBrayne cites the right train for each departure. Kerrera Ferry departs from the slip two miles south of Oban. There are numerous walking trails and several cycling routes in and around Oban and many are family friendly. The hike from Ganavan to Dunstaffnage Castle is one such example.

The best time of the year to visit western Scotland is from April to June. But don't expect endless days of warm sunshine. The weather in Scotland is fickle; it's as likely to be sunny as it is to be rainy and it's possible to experience winter on a summer afternoon. The peak tourist season, July, August and Easter, is often crowded.