Travel to Mainland Orkney
Travelling to the far North of Scotland by road or rail is an experience especially if you enjoy fabulous scenery.
Take time out to visit John O’Groats, possibly not much there for you but at least you can say you’ve been…?
The ferry journeys are also pleasant ~ watch out for Dolphins, Porpoises and Seals, you may even see a pod of Orcas…
Traveline Scotland where you can plan any public transport journey within Scotland.
Travel by Coach or Train to Thurso then use the local bus service to Gill’s Bay and Scrabster for Pentland and Northlink ferries.
Get more info from Visit Scotland website and from Orkney.com
Road & Vehicle Ferry
Orkney Bus offers a “peak” season coach & ferry service from Inverness to Kirkwall via John O’Groats.
Northlink Ferries from:
Scrabster to Stromness (1 hour 30 min) and
Aberdeen to Kirkwall (6 hours 30 min)
Pentland Ferries (1 hour) from Gill’s Bay to St. Margaret’s Hope.
Fly
Air fares to Orkney appear quite expensive considering the time in the air, however it is possible to secure lower cost flights in advance with Loganair to Kirkwall.
Northlink Ferries service operates from Scrabster to Stromness (1 hour 30 min) or Aberdeen to Kirkwall (6 hours 30 min) and Pentland Ferries (1 hour) from Gill’s Bay to St. Margaret’s Hope.
Fly to Kirkwall from most airports via Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness Kirkwall scheduled arrivals & departures.
Charter flights telephone 01856 872420
Buses and Taxis available at Kirkwall Airport
Hi there I’m wondering what the cost and time for crossing to Hoy from Scrabster? I’m looking to explore there this winter.
Hi Dean,
There is no direct service of any kind from Scrabster to Hoy. You will need to get one of the boats from Scottish mainland to Orkney mainland first and then go to Hoy via one of the smaller vessels.
All timetables and fees can be found on the following websites:
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/
http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/
Thanks
Deanna
Hi ,I’m looking to go to Orkney from Inverness by bus and go on a tour of the island by bus in September with my two sons, how long is the journey and the cost for three males.
Thank you
Hi! I`m going from Edinburgh to Orkney in may and tried to book the bus tickets but the timetable doesn`t show that month yet. When it is possible to book the tickets ?
Thanks
Hi Kai,
We only operate services on the Island I’m afraid so we are unable to assist you with this query.
Apologies,
Nici