Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Orkney Islands

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from York to Orkney Islands by train, ferry, bus, or plane

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, ferry

    best
    1. Take the train from York to Aberdeentrain train London Kings Cross - Aberdeen / ...
    2. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    12h 39m
    £131–253

  2. Bus, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Blossom Street to Leeds Bus Station Entrancebus bus 843 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Leeds City Bus Station to Union Square Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    17h 47m
    £63–103

  3. Train, bus, ferry

    1. Take the train from York to Edinburgh Waverleytrain train
    2. Take the bus from George Street to Inverness Union Streetbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Inverness Union Street to Scrabster Vehicle Terminalbus bus
    4. Take the ferry from Scrabster Ferry Terminal to Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl1
    15h 22m
    £111–192

  4. Train to Leeds Bradford International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from York to Leedstrain train
    2. Fly from Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane LBA - KOI
    8h 11m
    £96–430

  5. Train, ferry via Cupar

    1. Take the train from York to Cupartrain train
    2. Take the train from Cupar to Aberdeentrain train
    3. Take the ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminalferry ferry Nl2
    13h 48m
    £158–254

  6. Train to Edinburgh Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from York to Edinburgh Waverleytrain train
    2. Fly from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane EDI - KOI
    5h 40m
    £242–556

  7. Train to Birmingham Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from York to Birmingham New Streettrain train
    2. Fly from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane BHX - KOI
    7h 12m
    £279–640

  8. Train to Manchester Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from York to Manchester Airporttrain train
    2. Fly from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane MAN - KOI
    6h 44m
    £225–539

  9. Train, train to Glasgow Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from York to Edinburgh Waverleytrain train
    2. Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Streettrain train
    3. Fly from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Kirkwall (KOI)plane plane GLA - KOI
    6h 41m
    £300–627

York to Orkney Islands by train, foot, and ferry

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration12h 39mAverage Duration
Ticket£131Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from York to Orkney Islands.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 495.3 mi
  • Duration: 12h 39m

What companies run services between York, England and Orkney Islands, Scotland?

There is no direct connection from York to Orkney Islands. However, you can take the train to Aberdeen, walk to Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, then take the ferry to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can take a train from York to Quanterness Cottages via Edinburgh Waverley, George Street, Inverness Union Street, Scrabster Vehicle Terminal, Scrabster Ferry Terminal, Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal, and Travel Centre in around 15h 22m.

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