Getting to Orkney by plane

The excitement of a short break or an extended holiday in Orkney begins before you even set foot in our islands.

Arriving in the islands by air is an experience all on its own, with sweeping views available over Scapa Flow, our green fields and beautiful beaches and bays. Catching a flight here couldn't be simpler, with connections available from several of the UK's most popular airports. Whether you're reading this in Stockholm, Sydney or San Francisco, Orkney is definitely within reach.

You can fly direct from Scotland's major airports - Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness - with Loganair. These airports have excellent connections with larger hubs in England, including London.


Travel times obviously vary depending on your starting point, but flights here can be as short as half an hour direct from Inverness, or three to four hours with a connection from London. If you do pick a route that means you have some time to kill before your connecting flight, make sure you check out our Things to Do section so you won't miss a thing when you finally arrive.

No matter where your journey begins, if you choose to travel by plane to Orkney, you will arrive only five minutes away from our main town, Kirkwall. You can pick up a hire car at the airport or travel by bus or taxi to continue your adventure.

Kirkwall is a historic town full offering plenty to see and do, including a taste of Orkney’s heritage and culture, some great shopping with independent retailers and fabulous places to eat. The town centre features the ruins of two medieval palaces as well as the stunning St Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum, packed with artefacts and information.

St Magnus Cathedral


With its central location and excellent public transport links, Kirkwall is a fantastic base from which to begin your Orkney adventure. Whether you’re looking to map out a historical journey, absorb the cultural wonders, plan a gastronomic feast, or simply take in our stunning array of wildlife, the islands have something to suit every taste.

Your flight into Kirkwall may not be the end of your adventures in the air. During your visit you may want to go island hopping and explore our smaller communities. Some of them are accessible on Loganair's inter-island route. You could even complete the world’s shortest scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray, which lasts a mere 90 seconds.

Loganair's Islander aircraft, serving Orkney's north isles


Visit our Plan Your Trip page to find out more about visiting Orkney. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Orkney.com Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to receive our newsletter and get the latest updates from our beautiful, vibrant islands.
Sign Up Now