Public Bus Services
Bus travel in Orkney provides easy access for the local population and visitors alike to many areas of the Orkney Mainland and Islands. This section provides information on routes and timetables that are available to download or view via Bus Operator's websites.
Service disruptions due to road works:
- Check www.orkney.gov.uk/news for latest weekly road works updates
For more information, contact Stagecoach directly on tel 01856 870555, download the Stagecoach app, and follow Stagecoach Highland on Twitter @StagecoachHLand
Bus Timetables
The bus timetables and map are available from the 'Related Downloads' section of this page or from the Stagecoach website.
Traveline Scotland provide accurate and up to date information to get you to your destination by the quickest public transport mode. Find out more at the Traveline Scotland website, available from the Related Sites section, or contact 08712002233.
Using The Bus – Hail and Ride
Apart from in the centre of Kirkwall and Stromness, where you should wait for the bus at the Kirkwall or Stromness Travel Centre, using the bus in Orkney couldn’t be easier. All you need to do to catch a bus is to wait at a safe point – and hail the driver as the bus approaches. When you wish to leave the bus, ring the bell once in good time as the bus approaches your stop. Bus fares vary depending upon the length of your journey. If you are making a return journey on the same day, ask the driver for a Day Return. Other multiple-use tickets are available, and details can be found on the Stagecoach website.
Isles Bus Services
Sanday Bus
The Sanday bus operates daily, meeting every ferry arrival at Loth Pier from 2 May until 27 September. Booking is advisable as the bus carries a maximum of 16 passengers. The on-demand service to Loth Pier for ferry departures always requires prior booking. Pick up and drop off can be arranged at any roadside location on the island. Outwith the dates above, the Sanday Bus operates an on-demand service only. For all bookings, please call 07513084777 before 18:00 the evening before travel.
Westray Bus
The bus service on Westray provides a connection with ferry arrivals and departures at Rapness Pier (for Orkney Mainland). During the winter months, all connections to/from Rapness must be pre-booked. The service can be booked by contacting 07789034289 or 01857677758. For further information on the Westray Bus Service see the link within Related Sites below.
These services are available to everyone, and Scotland-Wide Free Bus Cards are accepted for free travel. Otherwise, fares are charged at the same rate as all other bus services in Orkney, based on the distance between where users board and alight the bus (via the shortest road distance). Return fares are 1.5 times the single and children under 5 travel for free.
The Hoy and Walls Low Carbon Community Bus
A regular weekday public bus service meeting most ferries from Houton - travelling between Lyness Ferry terminal and Longhope Village, with a Sunday service extending to Moaness Ferry. For further information please contact office: 01856 701 356 or Mobile: 07833 777760 Email: iohdt@gmail.com or visit www.hoyorkney.com.
