Orkney by Train and Ferry

How to get to Orkney by train

The train takes you to the ferry port, and the ferry carries foot passengers, so you can walk on with a rucksack and no car.

• Train and NorthLink ferry

  Train to Aberdeen, 6hr ferry to Kirkwall

  The ferry terminal is a short walk from the platform. Aberdeen station

• Train and NorthLink ferry

  Train to Thurso, 1hr 30min ferry to Stromness

  The ferry terminal is 1.6 mi (about 2 mi on foot) from the platform. Thurso station

Walking distances are estimates from the straight-line distance and the type of ground, not a measured route. Check a map before you set off.

Between the islands, Orkney Ferries runs ferries to Eday, Flotta, Graemsay, Hoy, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay and Westray.

Train times to the ferry from Glasgow, Edinburgh and more

The quickest train from each city to the ferry port. Then add the crossing: 6hr from Aberdeen, 1hr 30min from Thurso.

Hills you can walk to from the ferry

One listed hill lies within 3 miles of the Kirkwall terminal as the crow flies, so you can start walking straight off the ferry.

• Wideford Hill225m · 2.0 mi (about 2.5 to 3 mi on foot)

Hills on Orkney

Orkney has 18 listed hills, including 9 Marilyns. Ward Hill is the highest at 481m.

Marilyns on Orkney

• Ward Hill481m
• Cuilags435m
• Knap of Trowieglen399m
• Mid Hill275m
• Blotchnie Fiold250m
• Wideford Hill225m
• Milldoe - Mid Tooin224m
• Keelylang Hill221m
• Fitty Hill169m

Protected places on Orkney

Protected places that lie mostly on Orkney, each with its own page.

Can you visit Orkney without a car?

Yes. The ferries carry foot passengers, so you can arrive with a rucksack and no car. One listed hill starts within 3 miles of the terminal. We don't list island buses, so for anywhere further from the ferry, check local transport before you travel.

More Scottish islands by train and ferry

• Isle of SkyeTrain to Mallaig, 30min ferry to Armadale
• Isle of MullTrain to Oban, 50min to 1hr ferry to Craignure
• Isle of ArranTrain to Ardrossan Harbour, 55min ferry to Brodick
• Isle of ButeTrain to Wemyss Bay, 35min ferry to Rothesay
• BarraTrain to Oban, 5hr 35min ferry to Castlebay
• South UistTrain to Mallaig, 3hr 30min ferry to Lochboisdale
• The Small IslesTrain to Mallaig, ferry to Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna
• Coll and TireeTrain to Oban, ferry to Coll and Tiree
• ShetlandTrain to Aberdeen, 12hr 30min ferry to Lerwick

Also by train and ferry: English, Welsh and Manx islands.