We’ve included links to most transport companies but also recommend using the Orkney.com website for more detail.
Ferries
There are three main ferry routes to and from Orkney.
- NorthLink Ferries sail between Aberdeen and Kirkwall, with an onward connection to Lerwick in Shetland too. The company also operates a shorter crossing between Scrabster and Stromness. Accept foot passengers and push bikes too.
- Pentland Ferries run sailings between Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope, with its purpose-built catamaran the most environmentally-friendly passenger ferry of its type in Scotland. Accept foot passengers and push bikes too.
- John O’Groats Ferries also operate a passenger-only service between John O’Groats and Burwick in Orkney during the summer months.
The table below highlights the routes available and approximate crossing times.
Flights
There are opportunities to charter flights to Kirkwall Airport, which has a maximum capacity of ATR 72. Or for larger aircraft, charter flights are available to Aberdeen airport with onwards travel to Orkney with Northlink ferries, which is how the Orkney delegation travelled to Guernsey 2023.
Flights to and from Orkney are operated by Loganair. The airline manages scheduled flights to Kirkwall from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and now London Heathrow. These airports all have excellent links to the rest of the country and the wider world. The table below shows approximate flight times.
Route
|
Journey Time (approx)
|
| Aberdeen to Kirkwall |
50 minutes |
| Dundee to Kirkwall |
50 minutes |
| Edinburgh/Glasgow to Kirkwall |
60 minutes |
| Inverness to Kirkwall |
45 minutes |
| London Heathrow to Kirkwall (with connections) |
3-4 hours |
| Sumburgh (Shetland) to Kirkwall |
35 minutes |
Motor Home Hire
A great way to make the most of your visit to Orkney, especially for competitors in individual sports, could be to hire a motor home. They are available both on-island and on the Scottish mainland and we recommend booking as soon as possible.
Hire in Orkney:
Northern Lights Motor Homes
Staycation Scotland
Camperbug
Hire on the Scottish Mainland and drive to Orkney:
Highland Campers
Aberdeen Motor Home Rentals
Camper Ceilidh
If hiring the motorhome from the Scottish mainland, please also see the Ferry's information. When booking the ferry, be sure to select the correct size of vehicle for your crossing.
Campsites
There are several campsites that welcome motorhomes; a selection are listed here:
Orkney Caravan Park - You’ll be right at the heart of the action with the Picky Centre hosting the Opening Ceremony as well as several sports.
Kirkwall Bay - A peaceful spot a short drive from many of the events
Stromness Point of Ness Campsite - A lovely campsite and right next door to part of the Golf competition. Also well placed for Triathlon, Gymnastics and some Football matches.
