Rome2Rio

How to get fromHolyhead to Orkney Islandsby train, plane, ferry, or bus

Find Transport to Orkney Islands

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Holyhead to Orkney Islands by train, plane, ferry, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train to Manchester Airport, fly

    best
    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Manchester Airporttrain train
    2. Fly from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane MAN - KOI
    7h 52m
    £238–565

  2. Train, bus, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Shottontrain train
    2. Take the bus from Chester Bus Interchange to Buchanan Bus Stationbus bus 830
    3. Take the bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Union Square Bus Stationbus bus
    4. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    19h 8m
    £104–184

  3. Train, ferry

    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Warrington Bank Quaytrain train
    2. Take the train from Warrington Bank Quay to Edinburgh Waverleytrain train
    3. Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeentrain train
    4. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    17h
    £154–300

  4. Train, train to Birmingham Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Staffordtrain train
    2. Take the train from Stafford to Birmingham Internationaltrain train
    3. Fly from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane BHX - KOI
    8h 35m
    £277–650

  5. Train, ferry via Newcastle upon Tyne

    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Newton-le-Willowstrain train
    2. Take the train from Newton-le-Willows to Newcastletrain train
    3. Take the train from Newcastle to Aberdeentrain train
    4. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    18h 35m
    £187–348

  6. Train, bus, ferry via Carlisle

    1. Take the train from Holyhead to Warrington Bank Quaytrain train
    2. Take the train from Warrington Bank Quay to Carlisletrain train
    3. Take the train from Carlisle to Invernesstrain train
    4. Take the bus from Bus Station Stance 3 to Ferry Terminalbus bus X99
    5. Take the ferry from Scrabster Ferry Terminal to Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl1
    20h 1m
    £157–283

Holyhead to Orkney Islands by train, foot, and ferry

Calendar8Weekly Services
Duration17hAverage Duration
Ticket£154Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Holyhead to Orkney Islands.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 526.3 mi
  • Duration: 7h 52m

What companies run services between Holyhead, Wales and Orkney Islands, Scotland?

There is no direct connection from Holyhead to Orkney Islands. However, you can take the train to Manchester Airport, walk to Manchester Airport (MAN) airport, fly to Kirkwall (KOI), walk to Airport Terminal, then take the bus to Travel Centre. Alternatively, you can take a train from Holyhead to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminal via Warrington Bank Quay, Edinburgh Waverley, Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Ferry Terminal in around 17h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides