Getting Here

Remote from the harassing turmoil of modern urban life, but easily accessible seven days a week – Orkney is nearer than you think.

By air wonderful aerial views of the islands await you, with Flybe flights (operated by Loganair) from the major British airports and good inbound links from European and North American destinations.

Arrive by car or on foot, by coach or train and ferry, journeying through the spectacular Highlands of Scotland, or sailing from Aberdeen and the experience will enchant.

Orkney by land and sea

Whether you travel by car, coach or train, the main approach follows the A9 from Perth to Caithness. The A9, which has been much improved and shortened in recent years, connects from central Scotland and England’s main motorway and rail networks. Dual Carriageway connects Aberdeen to central Scotland.

By car from Perth to Inverness is 114 miles through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscape. From Inverness to Scrabster is a spectacular 111 miles.

By train you can travel to Thurso, where a bus connects to the ferry at Scrabster, or Aberdeen where the station is near to the harbour area. There is also a coach connection from Inverness/Wick to Gills Bay. By coach you can either go to Scrabster or John O’Groats (but remember that the John O’Groats route is a summer, passenger-only service).

Scotrail Railways Ltd www.firstscotrail.com 0845 755 0033

By bus there a re connections with CityLink from the main Scottish bus stations to Aberdeen and Thurso/Scrabster that connect with the NorthLink Ferries service. From May to September The Orkney Bus provides direct express travel from Inverness through to Kirkwall, which connects with the John O’Groat’s Ferries route. The local bus operator Rapson’s operates a local service between Thurso and Gill’s Bay to connect with Pentland Ferries.

Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd www.citylink.co.uk 08705 50 50 50

The Orkney Bus in partnership with John O’Groats Ferries www.jogferry.co.uk (01955) 611 353

The Orkney Express, (01856) 870555

The last leg of your northward journey will be by the sea, with a choice of sailings from Aberdeen (6hrs) and Scrabster (90mins), Gills Bay (1hr) or John O’Groats in Caithness (40mins).

NorthLink Ferries provide a service through Aberdeen (3/4 sailings per week depending on season) and Scrabster (3/4 sailings per day depending on season).

Pentland Ferries adds further choice and flexibility with 3/4 sailings per day depending on season from  Gills Bay and St. Margaret’s Hope. John O’Groats Ferries provides a May – September passenger only service to Burwick on South Ronaldsay.

John O’Groats Ferries Ltd www.jogferry.co.uk (01955) 611 353

NorthLink Ferries www.northlinkferries.co.uk 0845 6000 449
Please note photographic ID is required for travelling with Northlink Ferries.

Pentland Ferries www.pentlandferries.co.uk (01856) 831 226

Orkney by air

You can fly to Orkney with Flybe operated by Loganair, from Glasgow (1hr 20min), Aberdeen (50mins), Edinburgh (1hr 20mins) and Inverness (45mins). All of these Scottish airports have excellent UK and overseas flight connections to choose from.

Flybe operated by Loganair, www.flybe.com, tel 0871 7002000

Kirkwall Airport/Loganair www.hial.co.uk/kirkwall-airport (01856) 886210

Travel Agents

Orkney is well serviced by tour operators for individual travel specialist packages, or for smaller or large groups. Companies usually have a specialist area or do general interest packages. Below are listed some companies which can arrange your holiday.

Ridgway Travel & Holiday Centre www.ridgwaytravel.co.uk (01856) 873359
Local travel agent meeting all your travel arrangements anywhere in the world.

Orcadian Wildlife www.orcadianwildlife.co.uk (01856) 831 240
Tailor-made wildlife and history tours throughout Orkney from an organic farm in South Ronaldsay.

Orkney Archaeology Tours www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk (01856) 721 450
Holidays, short breaks and day tours led by professional archaeologists and guides.

Orkney Arts Adventures www.rosecrossing.com (USA 001) 516 978 2260
Cultural immersion travel. Workshops with the arts and history.

Orkney Island Holidays www.orkneyislandholidays.com (01856) 711 373
Guided holidays exploring Orkney’s birds, flowers, history, archaeology and culture.

Scottish Cycling Holidays www.scotcycle.co.uk (01250) 876100
Cycling holidays in Orkney and throughout Scotland.

John Leask & Son e. info@leaskstravel.co.uk (01595) 693 162
Fly drive package holidays to Orkney from most major UK airports.

Wildabout Orkney Tours www.wildaboutorkney.com (01856) 851 011
Unique personal guided tours, holidays and cruise ship shore excursions for groups and individual travelers.

McKinlay Kidd www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/scottish-island-holidays/45/ (+44) 8707 60 60 27
We design short breaks, celebration trips and tailormade self drive holidays to Orkney.

Orkney Marinas www.orkneymarinas.co.uk (01856) 871313
Secure, affordable, serviced pontoon berthing with a wide range of onshore facilities for visiting boast in 3 marinas at Kirkwall, Stromness and Westray.

Tour Orkney & Shetland www.tourorkneyshetland.co.uk (01856) 87 6566
Specialising in quality group tours, guiding services, inclusive holidays and shore excursions.

Scotsell Holidays & myguide Britain, www.visitislands.co.uk (0141) 5308598
Scotsell for Specialising in individual self drive holidays throughout Scotland, including Orkney.