Orkney Islands Getting there & around

Getting around

Orkney Islands Council (01856-873 535) publishes the Orkney Public Transport Timetable, a detailed schedule of all bus, ferry and air services around and to/from Orkney. The timetable is available free from tourist offices.

The largest island, Mainland, is joined by road-bearing causeways to Burray and South Ronaldsay. The other islands can be reached by air and ferry services.

Boat

Orkney Ferries (01856-872 044; www.orkneyferries.co.uk; Shore St, Kirkwall) operates car ferries from Mainland to Hoy, Flotta and the northern Orkney islands.

^ Back to top

Public transport

Orkney Coaches (01856-870 555) runs bus services on Mainland and South Ronaldsay. Most buses don’t operate on Sunday. Day Rover (£6) and 3-Day Rover (£15) tickets will save you money, allowing unlimited travel on Orkney Coaches’ bus routes. Causeway Coaches (01856-831 444) runs to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay.

^ Back to top

Car & motorcycle

Car

There are several car-hire companies on Mainland, including Orkney Car Hire (01856-872 866; www.orkneycarhire.co.uk; Junction Rd, Kirkwall) and Norman Brass Car Hire (01856-850 850; Blue Star Filling Station, North End Rd, Stromness). Small-car rates begin at around £34/164 per day/week, although there are specials for as low as £25 per day.

To hire a camper van, contact Orkney Motorhome Hire (01856-874 391; www.orkney-motorhome-hire.co.uk). The vans sleep two adults comfortably, but two adults and three kids at a pinch. Weekly rates are £390 from November to March, £490 in July and August, and £440 all other months.

^ Back to top

Bicycle

You can hire bikes from various locations on Mainland, including Cycle Orkney (01856-875 777; Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall; adult/child bikes per day from £10/6; 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat) and Orkney Cycle Hire (01856-850 255; 54 Dundas St, Stromness; per day £6-10).

^ Back to top