Getting to Orkney

Orkney Island Holidays - getting here route mapYes, it's a long way, but don't be put off - Orkney owes a lot of its individualism to its relative inaccessibility. You can travel to Orkney by Air direct to Kirkwall, or by linking with ferries by Rail, Coach or Car. Please try our Travel Links for helpful addresses.

By AIR
Flights to Kirkwall in Orkney are available from all over the UK. Flights are usually via Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness.

Our local Travel Agents, Scapa Travel in Kirkwall, are the best at getting accurate information and the cheapest fares for our guests.

t: 01856 889040

e Email Mandy or John on scapa@barrheadtravel.com

w:http://www.scapatravel.co.uk/

By RAIL/FERRY
The railway from Inverness north is very picturesque, and worth taking if you have time to enjoy this part of the journey. It sometimes involves an overnight in Inverness or Thurso. Buses link the trains and ferries at Scrabster and John O'Groats, and at the Orkney end with Kirkwall.

Scotrail Helpline
t: 0800 912 2 901 w: http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/content/timetables/index.php

Pentland Venture/ Orkney Bus
Ferry from John O'Groats in Caithness to Burwick in Orkney. Passengers only. This ferry links with The Orkney Bus direct from Inverness to Kirkwall.
t: 01955 611353 e: Email John O'Groats Ferries w: http://www.jogferry.co.uk/

Northlink Ferries
From Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney. Cars & foot passengers.
t:0845 6000 449 e: Email Northlink Ferries w: http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/

Pentland Ferries
From Gills Bay in Caithness to St. Margarets Hope in Orkney.
t: 01856 831226 e: Email Pentland Ferries w: http://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/

By COACH/FERRY
Scottish Citylink Coaches run via Inverness to Scrabster and John O'Groats linking with ferries.
t: 08705 50 50 50 e: Email Citylink coaches w: http://www.citylink.co.uk/
See above for ferry links.

By CAR/FERRY
A lovely drive on quiet roads through glorious scenery, especially if you have time to enjoy it. There are two car ferries from Scotland to Orkney, Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay near John O'Groats, and Northlink Ferries from Scrabster.

Pentland Ferries
t: 01856 831226 e: Email Pentland Ferries w: http://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/
Northlink Ferries
t: 0845 6000449 e: Email Northlink Ferries w: http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/
Orkney Ferries (for getting around within Orkney by ferry)
t: 01856 872044 e: Email Orkney Ferries w: http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/