Travelling in Orkney

Information on getting around Orkney by bus, ferry and air, community transport options, and concessions and discounts available to residents and visitors.

Always check timetables before you travel, as services can change at short notice.

Bus service information

Timetables and information for Mainland and island bus services, including disruptions due to bad weather.

Ferry services

Internal ferry services to the outer isles with Orkney Ferries, and external services to the Scottish mainland.

Air services

Inter-isles flights, external services, island airfields and the Air Discount Scheme.

Community transport

Door-to-door and demand-responsive transport services across Mainland and island Orkney.

Concessionary travel

Free and discounted travel for older people, disabled people, young people and isles residents.

How timetables are set

Inter-island air and ferry timetables are set twice a year at Air and Ferry Consultative Forums, held in August (summer timetable) and February (winter timetable). Each island Community Council sends a representative to put forward their community's requests. Timetables are then approved by the Orkney Ferries Board and the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, with air services also requiring Full Council approval. Any special requests, such as for island events, must be raised at the Forum before timetables are finalised. Once approved, changes can only be made in exceptional circumstances.