How to Get to the Orkney Islands: Flights & Ferries Explained

How to Get to the Orkney Islands: A Complete Travel Guide

Tucked away off the northern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands feel like a world apart — yet getting there is easier than you might expect. Whether you're dreaming of windswept cliffs, Viking ruins, or cozy villages steeped in myth and salt air, your island escape begins with a simple choice: sail the scenic Pentland Firth, or soar through the sky from Scotland’s major cities. Let’s break down the options and help you plan the perfect journey to Orkney.

By Ferry: A Scenic Sail Across the Pentland Firth

For many travelers, the journey to Orkney begins with a ferry ride — and not just for practicality. Sailing across the Pentland Firth is part of the adventure, offering unforgettable views and the flexibility of bringing your own car, campervan, or bicycle.

NorthLink Ferries operates two major routes to Orkney:

• Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness: This is the classic, scenic route. The 90-minute crossing takes you past the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack — one of Orkney’s most iconic sights. Ferries are well-equipped, with lounges, cafes, and outdoor decks perfect for taking in the views. Stromness, on the west coast of Mainland Orkney, is a charming harbor town to begin your island experience.
• Aberdeen to Kirkwall: This longer route, around 6 to 7 hours, sails either by day or overnight and connects you directly to Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall. It's ideal if you're coming from the east coast of Scotland or linking onward to the Shetland Islands. Onboard amenities include cabins for overnight comfort, as well as food and drink services.

Pentland Ferries offers a faster alternative:

• Gills Bay (near John O’Groats) to St. Margaret’s Hope: This efficient, one-hour-ten-minute catamaran crossing is especially convenient for those driving up the east coast. You’ll arrive in South Ronaldsay, which is connected to Mainland Orkney by a series of scenic road causeways. Pentland Ferries also offers modern facilities, including pet-friendly zones and passenger lounges.

No matter which route you take, booking ahead is crucial during summer months, especially if you’re bringing a vehicle. Both ferry companies accept foot passengers and are accessible from nearby train and bus routes — with stations and stops timed to match departures.

Tip: If you're a lover of sea views and don’t mind a little extra travel time, take the Scrabster route for the best visual experience.

By Air: The Fastest Way to Orkney

If you're short on time or simply want to skip the sea crossing, flying to Orkney is fast, convenient, and surprisingly scenic.

Loganair, Scotland’s regional airline, offers daily flights to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) from several Scottish cities:

• Aberdeen – ~50 minutes
• Edinburgh – ~60 minutes
• Glasgow – ~60 minutes
• Inverness – ~45 minutes
• Dundee – ~50 minutes

In the summer, there's also a seasonal route from London Heathrow via Dundee, making it possible to get from England’s capital to Orkney in just 3 to 4 hours, including a short layover.

Loganair uses 34-seat aircraft, which means baggage space is limited — plan accordingly, especially if you're carrying outdoor gear or traveling with photography equipment. The flights offer stunning aerial views over the rugged Scottish Highlands and the islands themselves, often providing a magical first glimpse of Orkney’s windswept coastlines.

Kirkwall Airport is just 5 kilometers from the town center, and local buses and taxis make for an easy onward connection. Flights can fill quickly in peak travel seasons, so early booking is a smart move.

Connecting Mainland UK to Orkney

Your route to Orkney depends largely on where you’re starting from and how you prefer to travel:

• From northern Scotland, such as Inverness or Thurso, ferries from Gills Bay or Scrabster are the most straightforward options.
• From central or southern Scotland, flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow are fastest, but ferry routes from Aberdeen are also viable.
• From elsewhere in the UK, a combination of rail travel to Aberdeen or Inverness followed by a ferry — or a flight from London via Dundee — will get you there smoothly.

For an unforgettable, multi-modal journey, consider taking the train up through the Highlands and then hopping on a ferry. It’s a beautifully immersive way to experience the changing landscapes of Scotland, from lochs and glens to sea cliffs and island shores.

Bonus: Between Islands & Beyond

Once you’ve made it to Orkney’s Mainland, exploring the rest of the archipelago is a breeze. Inter-island ferries, run by Orkney Ferries, connect you to remote gems like Westray, Sanday, Hoy, and North Ronaldsay. These smaller boats let you explore hidden beaches, puffin colonies, and ancient Norse sites with ease.

And if you’re extending your adventure to Shetland, NorthLink Ferries operates an overnight service between Kirkwall and Lerwick, letting you island-hop like a true explorer.

Orkney may feel remote, but with smooth ferry crossings and quick flights, it’s surprisingly accessible — and totally worth the journey. Whether you take to the skies or ride the waves, the islands’ raw beauty and rich history will greet you the moment you arrive. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and set your sights north — Orkney is calling.