
Ferries
An internal ferry service operates between the Orkney Mainland and the isles:
- North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday, Eday, Stronsay, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Shapinsay, Hoy, Flotta, Graemsay
For more information see http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/.
Air
The North Isles are also accessible by plane, from Kirkwall Airport:
- North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday, Eday, Stronsay
For more information see https://www.loganair.co.uk/
Bus
There is an excellent bus service around the mainland of Orkney, including a regular service between Kirkwall and Stromness. See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
Transport – external

Orkney is very well serviced by transport links, both by air and sea. Four mainland Scottish airport – Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness – enjoy excellent links with all major European airport hubs.
Air Travel
Loganair operate a flight service from Orkney to various Scottish airports and onward to other UK and International airports:
- Kirkwall to Edinburgh
- Kirkwall to Glasgow
- Kirkwall to Aberdeen
- Kirkwall to Inverness
- Kirkwall to Shetland
For more information see https://www.loganair.co.uk/
Sea Travel
There are three harbours in Orkney from which the ferry services to the Scottish mainland operate:
- Stromness (Stromness Pier)
- Kirkwall (Hatston Pier)
- St Margaret’s Hope
Northlink Ferries operate the ferry service between Scrabster (Thurso) to Stromness Pier (Stromness) and between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Shetland. Pentland Ferries operate the ferry service between Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope. There is also a ferry service between John O’ Groats and Burwick for foot passengers, which operates in summer only.
For more information see:
- http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/
- http://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/
- http://www.jogferry.co.uk/Home.aspx.
Discounted travel
- Orkney residents receive a 30 per cent discount on standard NorthLink Ferries fares when using an Islander ID to book. See https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/islander/
- NorthLink’s Friends and Family scheme also allows Orkney residents to nominate people outside the county to receive a 30 per cent fare discount. Full details at: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/offers/family-and-friends/
- In addition, the Scottish Government’s Air Discount Scheme provides Orcadians with a 50 per cent discount on the core air fare on eligible services: https://www.airdiscountscheme.com/