• Loganair inter-isles flights in Orkney

Getting Around

You won’t be short of transport options when it comes to exploring Orkney.

Travelling around our islands and communities is easy, whether you’re planning to use car, ferry, bus, bike or plane.

Most people arrive in Orkney with their own vehicle and it can be hugely beneficial when it comes to ticking off all the sites on your island itinerary. Most of our roads are relatively quiet, although things are slightly busier in places like Kirkwall. You’ll find petrol stations in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby, and a number of our islands have petrol pumps too - but do check before you travel.

Electric vehicle drivers are well-catered for, with multiple public charging points across the islands. There’s even an EV car club in Orkney, Co-Wheels, that is available for use by visitors.

If you can’t bring your own car then don’t worry, Orkney has several car-hire firms and taxi companies that offer tours, so you won’t miss a thing. And if you prefer to get around under your own steam then bicycles can be hired in both Kirkwall and Stromness, and many of our islands - including North Ronaldsay and Stronsay - offer bike-hire too.

Our local bus services reach most corners of the Orkney mainland, with many routes passing close to some of our iconic sites, including the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel. Local buses in our islands are often available too.

And, if you’re planning some island hopping, Orkney Ferries will get you where you need to go, with 13 communities accessible from four ports on the Orkney mainland. Just remember if you're travelling with a vehicle the best advice is to book as early as possible to make sure you get a space.

You can also jump on one of our Loganair inter-isles flights for some sightseeing with a difference. These flights reach six islands from Kirkwall Airport, and the network includes the shortest scheduled flight in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray.