Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Orkney travel guide

Orkney Tourism | Orkney Guide

You're Going to Love Orkney

Orkney is a must-see destination in Scotland, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Orkney has to offer.

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When to visit Orkney

Orkney in December
Estimated hotel price
£53
1 night at 3-star hotel
Orkney in December
Estimated hotel price
£53
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Orkney

Plane

There are 3 airports serving Orkney. Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is the closest to the city centre (6 miles). Orkney Papa Westray (PPW) is located 29 miles from city centre of Orkney, while Orkney North Ronaldsay (NRL) is 32 miles from the centre. Kirkwall Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from British Airways, KLM, Loganair and other airlines departing from the United Kingdom. The shortest domestic flight to Orkney departs from London and takes around 4h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Orkney is to pick up a car hire from Inverness, which is about 114 miles from Orkney. You’ll find branches of Budget and Hertz, among others, in Inverness.

Plane

There are 3 airports serving Orkney. Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is the closest to the city centre (6 miles). Orkney Papa Westray (PPW) is located 29 miles from city centre of Orkney, while Orkney North Ronaldsay (NRL) is 32 miles from the centre. Kirkwall Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from British Airways, KLM, Loganair and other airlines departing from the United Kingdom. The shortest domestic flight to Orkney departs from London and takes around 4h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Orkney is to pick up a car hire from Inverness, which is about 114 miles from Orkney. You’ll find branches of Budget and Hertz, among others, in Inverness.

Airports near Orkney

KOIKirkwall Arpt
PPWOrkney Papa Westray
WRYWestray

Airlines serving Orkney

KLM
Good (1,411 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,521 reviews)
Loganair
Excellent (23 reviews)

Where to stay in Orkney

Average rates range from around £110 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £115 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Orkney

Most booked hotels in Orkney

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The Sands Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
£132+
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Murray Arms Hotel and Seafood Restaurant, Orkney
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£79+
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Orcades Hostel
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£70+
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Orkneylodge
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£129+
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The Inn Guest House
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£120+
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Smithfield Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£171+
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Hiring a car in Orkney

Expect to pay £1.34 per litre in Orkney (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £16.00 and £21.33.

Expect to pay £1.34 per litre in Orkney (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £16.00 and £21.33.