Getting to Orkney

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:38:24 +0000

Although Orkney has only had a regular ferry service since 1992, the Islands are easily accessible by Air and sea.

The Pentalina

Ferry services from Aberdeen, Gill’s Bay, John O’ Groats and Scrabster sail regularly to the island taking passengers by car, motorhome, motorcycle, bicycle and of course on foot.

One of the shortest crossings from Gill’s Bay to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay only takes an hour with Pentland Ferries.

Rail links into Scotland provide an easy alternative for those who wish to leave their vehicles behind.

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

Leaving Kirkwall Airport

CityLink operate buses from the main Scottish bus stations to Aberdeen and Thurso/Scrabster that connect with the NorthLink Ferries service.

The Orkney Bus provides direct express travel from Inverness through to Kirkwall, (May to September) connecting with the John O’Groat’s Ferries.

The local buses operate a service between Thurso and Gill’s Bay connecting with Pentland Ferries.

Buses/Coaches

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

By Sea

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 have 3 to 4 sailings per day depending on season from Gills Bay and St. Margaret’s Hope.
Pentland Ferries www.pentlandferries.co.uk (01856) 831 226

By Air

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

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

Travel Agents

Tour operator run many specialist packages. Some of these operators have special interest packages.

Ridgway Travel & Holiday Centre www.ridgwaytravel.co.uk (01856) 873359
The Orkney travel specialist.

Orcadian Wildlife www.orcadianwildlife.co.uk (01856) 831 240
Orkney birdwatching, wildlife and culture holidays. Self catering also available.

Orkney Archaeology Tours www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk (01856) 721 450
Holidays, short breaks and 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 and tours with island experts.

Scottish Cycling Holidays www.scotcycle.co.uk (01250) 876100
Specialists in self-led, group & tailor made tours to all parts of Scotland.

John Leask & Son www.leaskstravel.co.uk (01595) 693 162
Discover orkney and Shetland with a specialist family run company.

Wildabout Orkney Tours www.wildaboutorkney.com (01856) 851 011
Unique personal guided tours with professional accredited orkney tour guide, Naturalist and Historian.

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.

More detailed travel information can be found on the official Orkney tourist website www.visitorkney.com

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Getting to Orkney