Port of Kirkwall
Land Transport and Travel To and From Port Kirkwall
(Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK)
On the main island there is a limited bus service available. The most convenient way of getting around the island is by car.
Main localities on the island are all situated within easy driving distance. Kirkwall is 11 km / 7 miles from Finstown, 24 km / 15 miles from St. Margaret's Hope and 26 km / 16 miles from Stromness.
Travel by Bus and Shuttles
There isn't an extensive network of bus routes on the island. Apart from the daily route between Burwick and Kirkwall, which is timed to coincide with ferry departures and arrivals, there are buses following routes from Kirkwall to Stromness, Dounby Evie/Tingwall, East Holm, St Margaret's Hope and Deerness. There's also a bus that follows the route from Hoy and links with the ferry.
Car Hire and Road Travel
Orkney has a 607miles networks of roads. Getting around the island can best be done by car. Distances between principal towns aren't far. Kirkwall is 26 km / 16 miles from Stromness, 24 km / 15 miles from St. Margaret's Hope and 11 km / 7 miles from Finstown.
A few car hire firms are represented in Kirkwall and there is the option to rent a car once you arrive. The best way to arrange car hire and make sure a suitable vehicle is available by the time you arrive is by booking in advance online. There's one reliable online service providing the best deals from a number of rental firms including Budget, Thrifty, Alamo and Hertz.
Trains and Rail Travel
There isn't a railway network on the Orkney Islands. ScotRail provides combined rail and ferry routes to Aberdeen from where the connecting ferry sails to Kirkwall. For more information, ScotRail's email address is: scotrail.enquiries@firstgroup.com
Car Parking
Near the ferry terminal are limited car parking spaces available for both short-duration and long-duration car parking.
Travel by Taxis
Usually taxis are waiting directly outside the terminal for arriving ferry passengers. Taxis provide the most convenient and fastest way of transport to your accommodation establishment or local destinations. Craigie's Taxis is an established and reputed taxi firm in Kirkwall providing 24 hour services. Their telephone number is: + 44 1856 878787.
