Getting to Stromness and Touring the Island
The adventure starts as you embark on your voyage to Orkney. Whether by plane, boat, car, bus, or train, your journey promises to be hassle-free, offering delightful views to ensure a relaxing experience. This travel is an integral aspect of the Orkney adventure. Upon arrival, navigating our islands is equally effortless, thanks to a reliable transportation network that keeps everything running smoothly.
Travel by plane
Watching the islands emerge below during the plane's descent is a enchanting introduction to Orkney. A direct flight from Edinburgh takes just an hour, and multiple daily flights are available from Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and London. International travelers also enjoy excellent connectivity to numerous airports.
| Route | Journey Time |
|---|---|
| London to Kirkwall (with connections) | 3-4 hours |
| Glasgow/Edinburgh to Kirkwall | 1 hour |
| Aberdeen to Kirkwall | 50 minutes |
| Inverness to Kirkwall | 45 minutes |
| Sumburgh (Shetland) to Kirkwall | 35 minutes |
Travel by boat
While sailing toward Orkney, the islands seem to emerge majestically from the sea, presenting a landscape that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Throughout your voyage, Orkney's wildlife will accompany you, both in the sky and the sea, as you near your destination. Don't forget to bring your binoculars! With four ferry routes available, you can choose from between 4 and 12 sailings a day, depending on the season.
| Route | Journey Time | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Scrabster (near Thurso) - Stromness | 90 minutes | www.northlinkferries.co.uk |
| Aberdeen - Kirkwall | 6 hours | www.northlinkferries.co.uk |
| Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hope | 60 minutes | www.pentlandferries.co.uk |
| John O'Groats - Burwick (May- Sept, foot passengers only) | 40 minutes | www.jogferry.co.uk |
Upon your arrival in Orkney
Discovering Orkney and engaging in island hopping is a straightforward endeavor. With well-maintained roads, diverse travel options, and the convenient proximity of major visitor attractions, spontaneity becomes a luxury. Whether you choose to board a bus, embark on a ferry journey, or book a plane, each day offers the opportunity to explore a different island.
Exploring the islands by boat
Orkney Ferries provides access to all the inhabited islands. You can savor the experience of sailing between Hoy, Graemsay, Flotta, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Shapinsay, Stronsay, Sanday, Eday, Westray, Papa Westray, and North Ronaldsay. Foot passengers can easily board and purchase tickets on the spot, while bikes travel for free on ferries, allowing you to arrive and pay the same as a foot passenger. Booking is recommended for those traveling with a car.
Discovering the islands by plane
The fastest route to Eday, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray, and Papa Westray is by air. Flights depart from Kirkwall Airport, offering splendid views on clear days. Experience the world's shortest scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray, clocking in at less than two minutes!
Touring by land
Local car and bike rentals provide convenient options for transportation. Without having to step into the water, you can access four distinct islands by traversing the impressive causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Alternatively, consider joining a coach tour or taking a Stagecoach bus to reach your desired destination.
