How to Get from Inverness Airport to Orkney Islands

The only direct air link is operated by Loganair, Scotland's regional airline. This is the premium choice for speed and convenience, especially if your final destination is in or near Kirkwall.

Flight Details & Logistics

• Route: Inverness Airport (INV) → Kirkwall Airport (KOI), Orkney.
• Duration: Approximately 50 minutes in the air.
• Frequency: 3-4 flights per day, 7 days a week. Schedules reduce in winter.
• Aircraft: Typically Saab 340 or ATR 42 turboprops (40-50 seats).
• Key Consideration - "Door-to-Door" Time: While the flight is under an hour, you must factor in:
  • 45-60 mins before flight: Check-in/bag drop at INV (small airport, queues are usually short).
  • 15-min taxi/bus: From Kirkwall Airport to Kirkwall town centre. A taxi costs ~£12-£15; a pre-booked shuttle may be available.
  Total realistic travel time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Costs & Booking Strategy

Fare Type	Price Range (One-Way)	Includes	Best For
Economy (Basic)	£60 - £120	Seat + small cabin bag	Solo travellers with minimal luggage
Economy (Flex)	£90 - £180	Checked bag (15-23kg), seat selection, changes	Most tourists, families
Last-Minute	£150+	High flexibility	Emergency travel

Pro Tip: Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance for the best fares. Sign up for Loganair newsletters for sales. Check baggage dimensions/weight strictly – fees for excess are punitive. Consider connecting flights via Aberdeen or Edinburgh only if the direct flight is sold out, as it adds significant time.

This is the classic budget adventure, combining a scenic bus journey through the Highlands with a dramatic sea crossing to Orkney. It's ideal for backpackers, cyclists, and travellers without a car.

The Two Main Routes: Scrabster vs. John O'Groats

Route	Bus (Inverness to Port)	Ferry (Port to Orkney)	Total Time (approx.)	Key Advantage
Scrabster → Stromness (Year-Round)	Stagecoach X99. ~3h 45m. From Inverness city centre (Bus Station). From Airport: First take Bus 11 (15 mins) to the city centre.	NorthLink Ferries. ~1h 30m. Modern, comfortable ship (MV Hamnavoe). Has a café, lounge, shop.	5.5 - 7 hours	Most reliable, frequent (2-3 sailings/day), takes vehicles, better in poor weather.
John O'Groats → Burwick (Seasonal, Apr-Oct)	Stagecoach X99 to John O'Groats. ~4h 15m.	John O'Groats Ferries. ~45 min. Smaller, passenger-only vessel.	5 - 6.5 hours	Slightly shorter crossing, iconic photo at "Journey's End" signpost.

Step-by-Step Guide & Costs

1. Inverness Airport to City Centre: Catch Bus 11 (operated by Stagecoach). Runs every 30 mins, takes 15 mins, costs ~£4. Taxi alternative: ~£20.
2. Long-Distance Bus to Port: From Inverness Bus Station, board the Stagecoach X99 to either Scrabster or John O'Groats.
   • Booking: Use the Stagecoach app or buy on board. A Megarider ticket or Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass can offer savings for multiple journeys.
   • Cost: Inverness to Scrabster: ~£15-£25 one-way.
3. Ferry Crossing:
   • NorthLink (Scrabster): Foot passenger fare: ~£20-£25 one-way. Book online in advance, especially in summer.
   • John O'Groats Ferry: Foot passenger: ~£18-£22 one-way.

Total Estimated One-Way Cost (Bus + Ferry): £35 - £60. Book ferry first, then coordinate bus times. Always check timetable alignment; the X99 bus schedule is designed to connect with ferry sailings.

If you plan to explore Orkney's many Neolithic sites, scattered islands, and remote beaches, bringing a car is highly recommended. This gives you unmatched freedom.

The Process: Rent, Drive, Sail

1. Rent a Car at Inverness Airport: Major companies (Arnold Clark, Enterprise, Europcar) have desks onsite. CRITICAL: You MUST inform them you are taking the car to Orkney (and possibly Shetland). They will provide a "Ferry Authorisation Letter" and may charge an additional fee (e.g., £25-£75). Confirm there is no mileage restriction for the trip.
2. Drive to Scrabster: The drive from Inverness Airport to Scrabster is ~115 miles (185 km) and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes via the A9. It's a stunning coastal route.
3. Book the Car Ferry: You MUST book your vehicle space on the NorthLink Ferries Scrabster-Stromness route months in advance for summer travel. Demand far exceeds supply.
   • Cost: Varies wildly by season. Summer fare for a standard car + 2 passengers can range from £150 to £250+ for a return ticket.
   • Consider overnight cabins for early morning or late-night sailings if you want privacy.

Cost Breakdown & Alternatives

Total Day-One Cost (Car Rental + Fuel + Ferry): Can easily exceed £300. To save money:

• Rent the car in Inverness city centre (may be cheaper than airport).
• Travel in shoulder season (May, September).
• Consider renting a car locally on Orkney from companies like Orkney Car Hire or JW 105, and use the bus/ferry as a foot passenger to get there.

This is the most expensive option by a large margin, reserved for specific situations where cost is secondary to convenience, time, or specific needs.

When to Consider This Option

• Late-night flight arrival at INV with no connecting transport.
• Small group (3-4 people) where splitting the cost becomes viable.
• Travellers with significant mobility issues or large amounts of special equipment.
• Urgent business travel requiring direct, hassle-free transit.

How It Works & Costs

You can book a private hire vehicle or taxi to drive you from Inverness Airport all the way to Scrabster ferry terminal, or even negotiate a combined "car and driver on ferry" service (extremely expensive).

• Inverness Airport to Scrabster (one-way): Approximately £180 - £250, depending on company and vehicle size. Journey time ~2h 45min.
• Full Private Transfer to Orkney Hotel: This would involve taxi + ferry foot passenger tickets for driver and you + taxi on the Orkney side. Total cost could easily reach £400-£600+ one-way.

Recommendation: For most, it's more sensible to take a taxi just to Inverness city centre (£20) and proceed by public transport. For true door-to-door needs, get quotes from companies like Inverness Taxis well in advance.

Navigation & Timing Tips

• Inverness Airport is Small: Arrive 60-90 mins before a domestic flight is ample. The bus stop is directly outside the terminal.
• The "Kessock Bridge" Bottleneck: If driving north from Inverness during rush hour (7:30-9am), the bridge can cause delays. Factor this in.
• Ferry Check-in: NorthLink requires vehicle check-in at least 45 minutes before sailing; foot passengers, 30 minutes.
• Weather is King: Ferry crossings, especially the Pentland Firth to Scrabster, can be rough. Flights are also prone to cancellation due to high winds ("the Orkney breeze"). Always have travel insurance and buffer days in your itinerary.

Money-Saving & Booking Hacks

• Split Tickets: Sometimes booking the bus (Stagecoach) and ferry (NorthLink) separately is cheaper than any through-ticket.
• Explore Passes: If touring wider Scotland, the Scottish Citylink Explorer Pass can cover your X99 bus journey and more.
• Stay Overnight in Thurso/Scrabster: Breaking the journey allows you to catch an early ferry and reduces stress. Try the Forss House Hotel or a Thurso B&B.
• Kirkwall Airport Transfer: Pre-book a taxi or ask your Orkney accommodation about pickup options. Public buses from the airport are infrequent.

Luggage & Practicalities

• Ferry vs Flight Luggage: The ferry's generous policy is a major advantage. You can bring a bike, golf clubs, or multiple suitcases at no extra cost.
• Food & Drink: The X99 bus has no facilities. Buy snacks in Inverness. The NorthLink ferry has a good cafeteria and lounge.
• Mobile Signal & WiFi: Signal can be patchy on the A9 north of Inverness and non-existent on parts of the ferry crossing. Download tickets, maps, and entertainment offline.