Transport – internal and external

Internal transport routes in Orkney.

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

External transport links.

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:

Discounted travel