How to get to the Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, are a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for their stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife, these islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the ancient standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar to the bustling town of Kirkwall with its Viking heritage, Orkney is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. However, their location in the North Atlantic makes getting to them a little harder than other places in Scotland.

In this guide, I will explore how you can reach these islands, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.

After many years travelling to and from the islands I have tried and tested every possible route. I have driven from Somerset to Scrabster in one hit (not to be recommended), flown to Inverness and picked up a hire car as well as flying direct to Kirkwall.

Whichever route you decide to take always be aware that the weather can ground flights and leave ferries cancelled. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast as you may need to tweak your plans.

By Air

Flying is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get to the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall Airport, located on the main island, is the primary gateway for air travellers.

Airports Serving Orkney: Kirkwall Airport is the main airport serving the Orkney Islands. It is well-connected to several major airports in Scotland, making it accessible from various parts of the UK. Kirkwall Airport is easy to navigate and being close to Kirkwall makes it an easy option for a short stay on the islands.

Airlines: Loganair is the primary airline operating flights to Orkney. Known for its reliable service, Loganair offers several flights daily, ensuring flexibility in planning your trip. The planes are tiny so make sure you check the hand luggage limits before arriving at the airport.

Major Departure Points: Flights to Kirkwall depart from several major Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. This wide range of departure points makes it possible to visit Orkney if you are staying in the south of Scotland or the rest of the UK. Loganair offers multiple daily flights on these routes, providing lots of options.

CHECK FLIGHTS AND PRICES WITH LOGANAIR

Flight Duration and Frequency:

• Aberdeen to Kirkwall: Approximately 1 hour
• Edinburgh to Kirkwall: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Glasgow to Kirkwall: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Inverness to Kirkwall: Approximately 45 minutes

Booking Tips and Price Range: It’s advisable to book your flights in advance, especially during peak travel seasons such as summer and holidays. Prices for a one-way ticket typically range from £70 to £150, depending on the time of booking and availability. Look out for promotional offers and discounts that can make your journey more affordable. Usually, the earlier you book the cheaper the flight will be. Prices increase the closer to the date.

If you fly to Orkney there is a car hire office in the arrivals hall and it is possible to collect your car while waiting for your bags. I have used the car hire many times and have never had a problem.

By Sea

For those who enjoy a more leisurely journey, travelling by sea is an excellent option. Several ferry services operate between mainland Scotland and the Orkney Islands, offering scenic views and a relaxing travel experience. It is also possible to travel from Shetland to Orkney and include the northern islands in your trip.

The ferry crossings are also perfect for whale and bird watching seeing more of the islands that you pass.

NorthLink Ferries

NorthLink Ferries is one of the main operators providing services to Orkney and also runs the ferries to Shetland that connect with the Orkney routes.

BOOK NORTHLINK FERRY TO ORKNEY

• Routes:
  • Aberdeen to Kirkwall: This route offers an overnight ferry service, providing comfortable cabins.
  • Scrabster to Stromness: This route is popular for its shorter crossing time and frequent sailings.
• Ferry Schedules and Duration:
  • Aberdeen to Kirkwall: The ferry departs in the afternoon and takes approximately 7 hours, arriving in Orkney close to midnight. The return ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen departs in the early hours and arrives into Aberdeen at 7am. This route links to the Shetland sailings.
  • Scrabster to Stromness: This crossing takes about 1.5 hours, with multiple sailings daily.

Pentland Ferries

Pentland Ferries operates another key route to Orkney.

BOOK THE PENTLAND FERRY TO ORKNEY

• Routes:
  • Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope: This route is known for its shorter crossing time and cost-effective fares. The loading on this ferry is a little more stressful and tighter than the NorthLink service and facilities on the ferry are more basic.
• Ferry Schedules and Duration:
  • The Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope crossing takes about 1 hour, with several sailings each day.

Booking Tips, Costs, and Onboard Facilities: Booking your ferry tickets in advance is recommended, particularly if you are travelling with a vehicle. Prices vary depending on the season, but a standard car and passenger fare typically ranges from £40 to £90 one way. NorthLink and Pentland Ferries offer a range of onboard facilities, including comfortable seating, dining options, and in some cases, cabins for overnight crossings.

My favourite tip for the Scrabster ferry is to book the early morning crossing and overnight on the ferry. You can then have someone load your car while you snooze overnight with no stress about getting up in time and missing the early check in.

By Land and Sea

Combining road travel with a ferry crossing is another practical way to reach the Orkney Islands. This method allows you to explore more of Scotland en route to the ferry ports and have your own car to get around the islands.

Travelling to Gills Bay and Scrabster by Car

Driving to the ferry ports gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and enjoy scenic routes through Scotland. Both ports are on the NC500 making Orkney a great side visit from the route

• Key Driving Routes:
  • To Aberdeen: Follow the A90 from the south or the A96 from Inverness.
  • To Scrabster: Take the A9 north from Inverness, passing through picturesque Highland scenery.
  • To Gills Bay: Follow the A9 north to Wick, then take the A99 to Gills Bay.
• Parking Facilities at Ferry Terminals: Each ferry terminal has parking with long-term options, allowing you to leave your car if you prefer not to take it across to Orkney.

Travelling to Scrabster and Gills Bay by Public Transport

If you prefer not to drive, there are public transport options to reach the ferry ports.

• Train Services: Trains run regularly to Aberdeen, with connections available from major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. For Scrabster and Gills Bay, take the train to Thurso, the nearest rail station and then get the X99 or Aaaron’s bus.
• Bus Services: The X99 bus runs from Inverness direct to the Scrabster ferry terminal. If you are travelling to Gills Bay you will need to get off the X99 in Wick and take a local bus run by Aaron’s of Wick.
• Rail and Ferry Ticket discounts: NorthLink and ScotRail offer a discounted ferry ticket when you purchase the Highland Rover ticket which can simplify your journey and potentially save money. These tickets usually include the train ride to the nearest station and the ferry crossing to Orkney.

Travel to Orkney

The Orkney Islands are a captivating destination, and getting there is an adventure in itself. Whether you choose to fly, sail, or combine both, each mode of transport offers a unique perspective on the journey. Flying provides speed and convenience while travelling by sea allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscapes. Combining road and sea travel gives you the flexibility to explore more of Scotland along the way.