Orkney’s public buses - summer timetables changes from Monday 6 April

Orkney’s bus timetables will see some changes from Monday 6 April.  

The enhancements to the summer timetable will operate from April to October, providing increased frequency on the Service X1 and Service 8S networks.  

A new, updated Orkney Public Bus Guide for the summer is now available from the Stromness and Kirkwall Travel Centres, Kirkwall and Stromness Libraries, Orkney Ferries office, Kirkwall Airport, and the Council Offices.  

Please be aware that the timetable information on shelters and poles across the Orkney Mainland will be replaced in the coming weeks. Individual timetables and information, including the new Bus Guide, are available on the Council website Bus Services. 

Consistent with the last two summers, the X1 has been enhanced from an hourly to half hourly service at peak times, calling past Skara Brae Visitor Centre on an hourly basis.  

Please be aware that the hourly services calling past the historic sites can be at capacity at peak times. These have been highlighted on the timetables to differentiate from the hourly backbone service to Stromness. On Sundays, the majority of services will operate past the historic sites. 

Laura Cromarty is Service Manager for Transportation, Orkney Islands Council. She said: 

“The number of people using public buses in Orkney continues to grow year on year, and it is fantastic to see this uptake in public transport usage. 

“A huge thank you goes to Stagecoach for providing the additional summer services on a commercial basis, in response to community feedback. 

“We are also very proud to extend the new ‘Orkney Community Connect’ services. The 4D to Kirkwall Airport will continue to operate on a trial basis during 2026/27, which fills the existing timetable gap in the afternoon during term time. The South Ronaldsay Community Connect service (988) operates Fridays and Saturdays on an on-demand basis, providing connections to St Margaret’s Hope and to meet with existing scheduled bus services via the Service X1. 

“Orkney Community Connect services continue to grow across the county, with services established in Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay, Hoy & Walls, Rousay, Papa Westray (boat), and North Ronaldsay through the Council’s Community Transport Grant Scheme during 2026/27, match funded through the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund. This year has seen the highest number of eligible applications funded through the scheme, helping to connect people, provide access to key services and reduce social isolation in some of our most fragile communities.” 

Here are some of the changes and improvements to be aware of – check the new timetables for full details. 

For up to the minute information, download the Stagecoach Bus App to track your bus. 

Service X1 (Stromness – Kirkwall – St Margarets Hope): 

Service 3 (Deerness - Tankerness): 

Service 5 (Stromness - Houton): 

Service 8S (Skara Brae / Quoyloo): 

Orkney Community Connect 

Service 4D (Kirkwall Airport): 

Both ‘Orkney Community Connect’ trial services have been further extended to 31 March 2027. 

Departing Kirkwall Travel Centre at 1515 and 1545 and then departing from Kirkwall Airport at 1530 and 1600. Booking is advisable due to limited capacity however is not essential as this is a timetabled service. To make a booking please Call/Text/WhatsApp 07438 268 883. Alternatively, contact Dial a Bus on 01856 871515. 

South Ronaldsay Service (988): 

Additional Information: 

New bus and cycle shelters to be installed across Orkney