A trip to Orkney is not complete without a visit to one or more of the islands, as well as visiting all the interesting places on the Mainland.  Since each island is different, with its own charm and the inter island transport system is good, it is both easy and interesting to visit all of the islands as well as the Mainland parishes.

INTER-ISLAND SEA TRANSPORT  The main internal sea transport operator is Orkney Ferries, which operates to most inhabited Islands from Kirkwall, Tingwall, Houton and Stromness.  They publish an annual timetable with details of services.  Further information from the head office at the Pierhead, Kirkwall Tel 01856 872044

All services are roro except those to Papay, North Ronaldsay and Graemsay, where vehicles are handled by crane. The modern fleet of ships runs frequent daily services to all islands except North Ronaldsay, which is once or twice weekly.  The services run as follows:

Outer North Isles services depart from Kirkwall for Westray, Papa Westray, Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and North Ronaldsay.
To book Telephone: 01856 872044

Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre services depart from Tingwall in Evie.
To book Telephone: 01856 751360

Papay services depart from Pierowall, Westray.
To book Telephone: 01857 677216

Hoy and Flotta services depart from Houton in Orphir.
To book Telephone: 01856 811397

North Hoy & Graemsay services depart from Stromness.
To book Telephone: 01856 850624

Fares.  There are two levels of fares to the islands.  Tickets for the inner islands of Hoy, Flotta, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre and Shapinsay are cheaper than those to the Outer Isles of Westray, Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and North Ronaldsay.

INTERNAL AIR SERVICES  Loganair operate daily services to most of the Outer North Isles, including Westray, Papay, North Ronaldsay, Sanday and Stronsay and to Eday on Wednesdays only with 8-seat Islander aircraft.  Flying from Kirkwall airport, this service is very popular, and booking is generally required. Special deals exist for visitors to Papay and North Ronaldsay when an overnight stay is included.

Loganair Internal Flights Bookings and Inquiries: www.loganair.co.uk

PUBLIC TRANSPORT  Stagecoach is the main bus operator in Orkney.  They run a large number of services between Kirkwall and Stromness, to ferry terminals and various locations on the Mainland.

Public Transport Timetable. Full details of all these and other schedules are published by Orkney Islands Council every six months in the Orkney Public Transport Timetable.  This booklet is indispensable to anyone wishing to make best use of the complexity of routes and times.