Travel Tips on Visiting Scotland's Outlying Islands
Despite its remote location, the Orkney Islands are worth visiting for their rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique archaeological sites. These islands offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Armed with these tips for navigating the ferries and tides, getting to the Orkney Islands is easy and within reach for any Scotland traveler!
Getting to the Orkney Islands
For those wanting to explore the pure beauty and magnificent history of Scotland, a trip to the Orkney Islands must be on your itinerary. The landscape is filled with majestic and historical features, rugged cliffsides, and seaside wonders. However, it can be a daunting task trying to navigate a way to get to these outlying islands if it is your first time in Scotland.
We have listed several tips for getting to the Orkney Islands from several of Scotland’s main regions. Through a lot of research we planned our trip to Scotland and will help you reach your goal of visiting this magical location!
From Inverness and the Highlands
To travel from the mainland of Scotland to the Orkney Islands, the simplest way is to take a car ferry via the Scrabster ferry terminal. Northlink Ferries provides this service twice daily in the off-season and three times a day over summer, and travelers can choose a one-way or round-trip ticket.
First, decide on your departure date and time. Check the Northlink Ferries website to confirm sailing schedules and book your tickets in advance. As one of the most common ways to get to and from the Orkney Islands for visitors and locals, the ferries do book up quickly.
Scrabster is located near Thurso in the north of Scotland, accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving, follow the A9 road north from Inverness or south from Thurso. The journey from Inverness to the Scrabster terminal typically takes around 2 to 2½ hours by car, covering a distance of approximately 110-120 miles (177-193 kilometers).
It’s advisable to check current traffic conditions, especially during peak travel times or adverse weather conditions, to ensure a smooth journey. Make sure to allow enough time for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances to avoid missing your sailing, some ferries begin boarding about an hour prior to departure – and the ferry does not wait for anyone!
Once you arrive at the Scrabster terminal, head to the Northlink Ferries building and proceed to the check-in desk. The agents there will guide you in the right direction. Vehicles will be directed to the appropriate lanes for loading onto the ferry, while foot passengers will proceed to passenger areas.
The ferry will depart from Scrabster and sail across the Pentland Firth to Stromness on the Orkney mainland, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Guests can enjoy the scenic journey across the water from the deck, or inside the ferry.
Travel tip: The Northlink ferry sells small snack items, and beverages including local craft brews and spirits. Enjoy your trip!
The journey from Scrabster to Stromness offers stunning coastal scenery and views of the surrounding islands. Passengers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Orkney coastline and may spot seabirds, marine life, and distant landmarks as they cross the firth.
As you approach the Orkney mainland you’ll see several islands in the archipelago, including Hoy, South Ronaldsay, and others. These islands feature rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. The Northlink passing is the only ferry taking travelers directly past the iconic sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy. This natural rock formation is a popular landmark in the Orkney Islands.
Travel tip: Bring your camera and binoculars, don’t leave them in the car! You won’t be able to access your car while the ferry is underway.
From Aberdeen
Travelers from Aberdeen will arrive in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. The best ways to travel between Kirkwall and Aberdeen is either by plane or by ferry, the quickest way from Aberdeen is by flying.
There are regular flights operated by Loganair from Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) to Kirkwall Airport (KOI). Flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Kirkwall Airport is located 3 miles from the town center. Flight schedules may vary depending on the day of the week and time of year, so it’s advisable to check with the airline for current timetables and ticket availability.
Ferries operate daily between Aberdeen and Kirkwall, allowing travelers the convenience of bringing their cars aboard. The Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is located at Jamieson’s Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5NP. Allow plenty of time for ticket collection and check-in procedures.
Follow the instructions provided by the Northlink Ferries staff to board the ferry bound for Kirkwall (Hatston). The ferry will depart from Aberdeen and sail across the North Sea to Kirkwall in Orkney. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the specific sailing route and weather conditions.
It is helpful to note that since this is a longer journey, this ferry is much larger in comparison to the one taken earlier between Scrabster and Stromness and therefore much more stable. With a small casino, multiple floors, a restaurant and a full bar, this trip is like traveling on a small cruise ship!
There are cabins available to rent if you would like to rest or enjoy some privacy. And if you are traveling from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, the ferry departs just before midnight and arrives at 6:00AM. Much cheaper than a local hotel, the cabins prove to be a great sleeping spot in order to enjoy the rest of your journeys in Scotland!
Getting to the Orkney Islands from Edinburgh
Getting to the Orkney Islands from Edinburgh typically involves a combination of transportation modes, including flights and ferries. The quickest way to reach the Orkney Islands from Edinburgh is by flying to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on Orkney Mainland. Several airlines operate flights between Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Kirkwall Airport, and flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Alternatively if you prefer a more scenic and leisurely journey and you don’t have a car, you can also consider traveling by train and ferry. Take a train from Edinburgh to Thurso, which is the closest train station to Scrabster Ferry Terminal on the Scottish mainland. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, and you’ll need to transfer trains at least once, typically in Inverness. Then from the Scrabster Ferry Terminal board a Northlink ferry Stromness.
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Getting to the Orkney Islands is relatively easy with a little planning. Whether you are traveling by car and ferry, train, or plane, there is convenient access to the islands, allowing travelers to explore its archaeological sites and scenic landscapes. Don’t miss it!
Happy Travels!
