Top 10 Best Bus Companies in Orkney Islands

Public Transport in Orkney

Buses are an essential part of life in the Orkney Islands. They carry commuters into Kirkwall, take pupils to school, help older residents reach shops and appointments, and allow visitors to explore without a car. The network connects the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness with villages across the mainland and the linked South Isles of Burray and South Ronaldsay via the Churchill Barriers. Seasonal routes and tours bring visitors to the islands' iconic Neolithic sites.

Beyond Orkney, coach services on the Scottish mainland link Inverness and other cities with the ferry ports of Scrabster, Gills Bay and John O'Groats. Understanding how these services connect makes travelling to and around Orkney straightforward. Here are the ten best bus companies and services.

1. Stagecoach Highlands Orkney Services

Stagecoach operates the main local bus network in Orkney under contract with Orkney Islands Council. Routes connect Kirkwall with Stromness, Finstown, Dounby, Evie, Birsay, St Margaret's Hope, Deerness and other communities. Services also connect with ferry sailings, making it possible to travel from the NorthLink terminal at Stromness or the Pentland Ferries terminal at St Margaret's Hope by bus.

2. Stagecoach Inverness to Thurso and Scrabster

On the Scottish mainland, Stagecoach runs coach services between Inverness, Thurso and Scrabster, linking with the NorthLink ferry to Stromness. This connection allows travellers to reach Orkney entirely by public transport from Inverness, which itself has excellent rail, coach and air links.

3. John O'Groats Ferries Orkney Bus

John O'Groats Ferries has operated a seasonal Orkney Bus service connecting Inverness with John O'Groats and its passenger ferry to Burwick in South Ronaldsay. Combined with coach tours on Orkney, it offers a convenient package for visitors who want to see the islands in a single day or on a short stay.

4. Scottish Citylink

Scottish Citylink is Scotland's main intercity coach operator, connecting Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and many other towns. Orkney travellers often use Citylink to reach Inverness or Aberdeen before connecting to ferries or flights.

5. Megabus

Megabus offers low-cost coach travel between major Scottish and UK cities. For budget-conscious travellers heading to Aberdeen or Inverness, it provides an affordable first leg of the journey to Orkney.

6. Orkney Islands Council Dial-a-Bus

Orkney Islands Council supports demand-responsive transport services such as Dial-a-Bus, which provides bookable, door-to-door journeys for eligible passengers, particularly older and disabled residents. This service is vital in rural areas where scheduled buses are infrequent.

7. Island Community Buses

Several outer isles, including Hoy, Westray and Sanday, have community-operated or locally contracted bus and minibus services. These connect ferry terminals with villages and attractions and are often timed to meet ferry arrivals, making it possible to visit the islands without a car.

8. Private Coach Hire Operators

Local coach hire operators provide vehicles for group tours, school trips, weddings and events. They also support cruise ship excursions, carrying thousands of visitors each summer to the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel.

9. Cruise Excursion Coach Services

Kirkwall has become one of the UK's busiest cruise destinations, and dedicated coach services transport passengers from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall town centre and on excursions across the islands. These well-organised operations are an important part of the islands' visitor economy.

10. School and Community Contract Services

Many of Orkney's bus journeys are provided through school and community transport contracts. These services, often operated by small local firms, are crucial for families in rural parishes and help keep island communities connected.

Bus Travel Trends in Orkney

Decarbonisation is a major focus. Orkney's surplus renewable electricity and hydrogen projects have positioned the islands as a testbed for low-emission transport, and the introduction of electric and alternative-fuel buses aligns with Scotland's net zero ambitions.

Free bus travel has also transformed public transport use. In Scotland, people aged under 22 and over 60, as well as eligible disabled people, can travel free on local buses with the National Entitlement Card. This has increased bus use among young people in Orkney and supports independence for older residents.

Integration between buses, ferries and flights is another priority. Coordinated timetables make it easier for residents and visitors to complete journeys without long waits, although weather disruption to ferries can affect connections.

Tips for Travelling by Bus in Orkney

• Check timetables carefully: Some routes run less frequently on Sundays and in winter.
• Use the National Entitlement Card: Eligible residents and young people can travel free.
• Plan ferry connections: Buses often meet ferries, but delays can occur in bad weather.
• Combine with walking and cycling: Many heritage sites are a short walk from bus stops.
• Book demand-responsive services early: Dial-a-Bus journeys require advance booking.

Conclusion

Orkney's bus network, led by Stagecoach and supported by community services, coach hire operators and mainland connections, makes exploring the islands without a car entirely possible. Whether you are a resident commuting into Kirkwall, a student using free travel or a visitor heading to the Ring of Brodgar, the islands' buses offer an affordable, sustainable and scenic way to travel.