Orkney Travel Information
How to get to Orkney
Orkney has great transport links from across the UK, and can be reached by plane or ferry, with connections by bus, car or train.
Planes fly direct to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Sumburgh, with flights lasting up to one hour.
Choose from four ferry routes, with up to 12 sailings daily, depending on season. Travel times vary, with John o’Groats to Burwick (40 mins) and the Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry (six hours).
Find how to travel to Orkney by plane or ferry!
How to get around Orkney
Orkney’s road, flight and ferry network is good, with public transport connections stopping at major attractions, towns and villages. Famously, the world’s shortest scheduled flight is between Westray and Papa Westray, and takes less than two minutes!
Hire cars and bikes to explore the islands, with taxis available too. Four islands can be reached by road from Orkney Mainland thanks to the Churchill Barriers. The islands are relatively flat, offering good cycling, including along the Prehistoric Loop Ride.
Plan your travel around Orkney by car, bus, ferry or plane.
Get to know Orkney
You can find out more about what to see and do in Orkney, and how to get the best of your break to the islands.
Find out more at VisitOrkney.com