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Glasgow to Kirkwall from $58: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Glasgow, United Kingdom
to
Kirkwall, United Kingdom

How to Get from Glasgow to Kirkwall: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$58 - Bus, ferryBest price
357 kmDistance
1h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Glasgow to Kirkwall with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Loganair
Plane
Average Duration
1h  35m
Estimated price
$214-652
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
10h  22m
Estimated price
$58-92
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 357 km
Duration: 1h 15m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
First ScotRail Service, NorthLink Ferries
Train
Drive
Average Duration
10h  4m
Estimated price
$87-169
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
3h  16m
Estimated price
$205-582

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Fly $217 $217 $144 $275 $191 $144 $313
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Traveling From Glasgow to Kirkwall

The journey from Glasgow’s vibrant city life to Kirkwall’s serene landscapes offers an intriguing contrast between urban energy and tranquil island charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Kirkwall

Kirkwall features charming neighborhoods, each offering its own attractions and atmosphere.

Town Centre
• Home to St. Magnus Cathedral, a historic landmark.
• Lively shops and cafés perfect for relaxation.
Orkney Harbour
• Scenic views of the harbor and marine activity.
• Ideal for seafood lovers, with local restaurants nearby.
Kirkwall East
• Peaceful residential area with beautiful gardens.
• Close to the Orkney Museum showcasing local heritage.

Best Times To Visit Kirkwall's Attractions

Maximize your Kirkwall experience by timing your visits just right.

St. Magnus Cathedral
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Orkney Museum
Afternoons on weekdays draw smaller numbers; enjoy a peaceful exploration.
Kirkwall Harbour
Evenings offer stunning sunsets; perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Kirkwall Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Kirkwall experiences mild summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination for travelers. Visiting in late spring and early fall typically offers the best weather for outdoor activities, while knowing the potential for rain helps you pack wisely.

Dining in Kirkwall: A Taste of the Isles

Try the fresh Orkney lamb at The Foveran, where local ingredients take center stage in a cozy atmosphere that feels worlds away from Glasgow's bustling eateries. This dish showcases a rich, earthy flavor profile that highlights the island's agricultural heritage, providing a culinary experience that allows you to savor the distinct tastes of Orkney.

Glasgow - Kirkwall operators

Explore transport companies operating between Glasgow and Kirkwall, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
loganair.co.uk

Plane from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$180-800

Plane from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$190-700
Train
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
scotrail.co.uk

Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen

Average Duration
2h 49m
Estimated price
$50-110
Bus
Website
uk.megabus.com

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Aberdeen Coach Station

Average Duration
3h 18m
Estimated price
$17-24

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Airport Arrivals Terminal

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$11-16
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Glasgow to Aberdeen Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$21-30
Ferry
Contact phone
+44 845 600 0449
Website
northlinkferries.co.uk

Ferry from Aberdeen to Hatston, Passenger Terminal

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
$26-50

Glasgow to Kirkwall: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Glasgow and Kirkwall offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🛫 Flying from Glasgow Airport to Kirkwall Airport on a direct flight with Loganair takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a quick and convenient journey. 💸 The prices for flights between Kirkwall and Glasgow can vary between £169 to £514, depending on the time of booking and availability. 🌅 Enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 35-minute flight from Glasgow to Kirkwall, taking in the beautiful views of the Scottish landscape before arriving at your destination in the charming city of Kirkwall.
Departure Point
Glasgow Airport
Arrival Point
Kirkwall Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check your flight status and doors boarding information with Loganair's flight tracker, as weather conditions can affect schedules when flying to Kirkwall, especially during winter months.
• Upon arrival at Kirkwall Airport, you will find the luggage claim area straightforward, but note that there may be limited dining options at the airport, so consider grabbing a snack before landing.
• Expect taxi fares from Kirkwall Airport to the city center to be around £10-£15, with the taxi rank conveniently located outside the arrivals terminal; alternatively, check local bus schedules for budget-friendly options on Orkney Islands Council Transport.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Glasgow to Kirkwall.

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The distance between Glasgow and Kirkwall is approximately 357.3 km. There are a few options for traveling between the two cities. If you take a combination of bus and ferry via Aberdeen, it typically takes around 11 hours and 51 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Glasgow to Kirkwall is by taking a bus and ferry via Aberdeen, which costs between £35-£63 and takes approximately 11 hours and 51 minutes. This option allows for a scenic journey and an opportunity to explore Aberdeen. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option would be to fly, with a travel time of 3 hours and 7 minutes. This option costs between £134-£472 and is ideal for those seeking a quicker journey.
The best way to travel from Glasgow to Kirkwall without a car is by taking a train and ferry via Aberdeen. It typically takes around 10 hours and 54 minutes and costs between £55 and £94. Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Glasgow to Kirkwall, which is much quicker, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 7 minutes.
The flight distance between Glasgow and Kirkwall is approximately 329 kilometers. The fastest flight between the two cities takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of a flight ticket between Kirkwall and Glasgow can range between £139 and £460 depending on various factors such as the time of booking and availability.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Kirkwall, with over 122 hotels available. Prices for hotels in the area start at £63.

Trips from Glasgow