How to get from Aberdeen to Kirkwall
The fastest way to travel from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes approximately 603 minutes with 3 transfers. You can use train, bus and ferry. We found 4 route options for you.
Fastest Route
603 min 409.4 km
3 transfers
ScotRail
X99
NL1
X1
Departs from: Aberdeen
Walking: 34 min
Step-by-step directions
1
Walk 9 min (0.6 km)
to Aberdeen
2
Take ScotRail Train
Direction: Inverness
From Aberdeen to Inverness (10 stops, 134 min)
3
Walk 4 min (0.2 km)
to Bus Station Stance 3
4
Take X99 Bus
Direction: Scrabster
From Bus Station Stance 3 to Ferry Terminal (82 stops, 219 min)
5
Walk 12 min (0.7 km)
to Scrabster Ferry Terminal
6
Take NL1 Ferry
Direction: Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
From Scrabster Ferry Terminal to Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
7
Walk 2 min (0.1 km)
to Travel Centre
8
Take X1 Bus
Direction: St Margaret`s Hope Ferry Terminal
From Travel Centre to Travel Centre (26 stops, 32 min)
9
Walk 7 min (0.4 km)
✓
Arrive at Kirkwall
Public transport stations close to Aberdeen
Aberdeen is located in Kirkwall and the nearest public transport stations are listed below.
Train stations close to Aberdeen:
- Aberdeen
Bus stations close to Aberdeen:
- Union Square Bus Station
- Guild Street
- Bridge Street
- Crown Terrace
Ferry stations close to Aberdeen:
- Aberdeen Ferry Terminal
Public transport stations close to Kirkwall
Kirkwall is located in Kirkwall and the nearest public transport stations are listed below.
Bus stations close to Kirkwall:
- Kirkwall Hotel
- Ferry Terminal
- Post Office
- Ayre Hotel
Ferry stations close to Kirkwall:
- Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal
- Kirkwall Orkney Ferry Terminal
Alternative Route
657 min 414.8 km
3 transfers
E7
E6
NL1
X1
Departs from: Adelphi
Walking: 32 min
Step-by-step directions
1
Walk 11 min (0.6 km)
to Adelphi
2
Take E7 Bus
Direction: Inverness
From Adelphi to Union Street (33 stops, 210 min)
3
Take E6 Bus
Direction: Thurso + Scrabster
From Union Street to Ferry Terminal (30 stops, 222 min)
4
Walk 12 min (0.7 km)
to Scrabster Ferry Terminal
5
Take NL1 Ferry
Direction: Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
From Scrabster Ferry Terminal to Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
6
Walk 2 min (0.1 km)
to Travel Centre
7
Take X1 Bus
Direction: St Margaret`s Hope Ferry Terminal
From Travel Centre to Travel Centre (26 stops, 32 min)
8
Walk 7 min (0.4 km)
✓
Arrive at Kirkwall
Questions & Answers
Common questions about traveling from Aberdeen to Kirkwall.
How do I travel from Aberdeen to Kirkwall in Kirkwall?
The quickest journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes approximately 603 minutes via the ScotRail train service.
Are there other ways to reach Kirkwall from Aberdeen?
Yes, an alternative route is available taking around 657 minutes using the E7 bus line.
Can I get directly from Aberdeen to Kirkwall without changing?
This route requires 3 transfers. The complete journey takes about 603 minutes including connection time.
What train service connects Aberdeen and Kirkwall?
The ScotRail line provides train service between Aberdeen and Travel Centre in Kirkwall.
What is the journey time from Aberdeen to Kirkwall by public transport?
Traveling by train from Aberdeen to Kirkwall in Kirkwall takes approximately 603 minutes, including transfer time at connection points.
Where should I board the train to travel from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?
Board the ScotRail train at Aberdeen station, located near Aberdeen in Kirkwall.
Which station is closest to Kirkwall?
The nearest stop to Kirkwall is Travel Centre station. Exit here to reach your destination in Kirkwall.
Travel Tips
- Allow extra time for connections, especially during peak hours
- Check real-time departure information at the station
- Consider downloading the transit app for live updates
- For routes with transfers, follow signs at stations for connecting services
Disclaimer: Travel times shown are estimates based on scheduled departure at 8:00 AM and do not account for real-time traffic conditions or service delays. Actual travel times may vary.