During the Island Games, taking place from 12th to 18th July 2025, there will be some changes to bus services. Additional services will be running to support participants and spectators travelling to events, while some existing routes will be altered, and in some cases suspended for short periods, to accommodate necessary road closures. Full details will be available on the Island Games website.
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 to meet all ferry arrivals and departures at Loth Pier between the first Sunday in May until the last Monday in September. During the winter ferry timetable the bus provides an on-demand service. You will be delivered to any roadside location
on the island. When booking to go to the ferry, you will be given a collection time for the location of your choice.
- Scottish National Concession cards valid on all services.
- All services fully wheelchair accessible.
- Please advise us of your accessibility needs when you book.
All bookings must be made by 6pm on the evening before travel and must be made between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
- Please note the driver will be driving for up to an hour either side of the ferrytime.
To book visit the Sanday Bus Facebook group or call 07513 084777
Westray Bus Service
The Westray Bus Service operates to meet all ferries at the Rapness terminal. A fully scheduled service operates from the first Sunday in May until the last Monday in September. For the remainder of the year the service must be pre-booked (4 hours notice required).
- Passengers may be picked up/dropped off anywhere on Westray.
- Scottish National Concession cards valid on all services.
- The Westray Bus Service operates all year round - see website for details
To book visit westraybusservice.co.uk or get in touch with 07789 034289 via phone, text or WhatsApp
The Hoy and Walls Community Bus
A regular weekday public bus service meeting most ferries from Houton, travelling between Lyness Ferry Terminal and Longhope Village (Hotels, Shop, Pier and other facilities). Also a Sunday service extending to Moaness Ferry (North Hoy).
- Scottish National Concession cards valid on all services.
- Wheelchair accessible 24 Hours Notice.
For further details contact:
- Tel: 01856 701356
- Mobile: 07833 777760
- Email: office.iohdt@gmail.com
A timetable is available on the Community Website: www.hoyorkney.com
