How to get from Aberdeen to Kirkwall
The fastest way to travel from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes approximately 591 minutes with 3 transfers. You can use train, bus and ferry. We found 3 route options for you.
Fastest Route
591 min 412.2 km
3 transfers
ScotRail
E6
NL1
X1
Departs from: Aberdeen
Walking: 39 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, 135 min)
3
Walk 9 min (0.5 km)
to Union Street
4
Take E6 Bus
Direction: Thurso
From Union Street to Ferry Terminal (30 stops, 222 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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
816 min 579.3 km
4 transfers
ScotRail
E9
E6
NL1
8S
Departs from: Aberdeen
Walking: 37 min
Step-by-step directions
1
Walk 9 min (0.6 km)
to Aberdeen
2
Take ScotRail Train
Direction: Perth
From Aberdeen to Perth (10 stops, 108 min)
3
Walk 7 min (0.4 km)
to Leonard Street
4
Take E9 Bus
Direction: Inverness
From Leonard Street to Union Street (9 stops, 142 min)
5
Take E6 Bus
Direction: Thurso
From Union Street to Ferry Terminal (30 stops, 201 min)
6
Walk 12 min (0.7 km)
to Scrabster Ferry Terminal
7
Take NL1 Ferry
Direction: Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
From Scrabster Ferry Terminal to Stromness Orkney Ferry Terminal
8
Walk 2 min (0.1 km)
to Travel Centre
9
Take 8S Bus
Direction: Kirkwall Balfour Hospital
From Travel Centre to Travel Centre (58 stops, 64 min)
10
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 Aberdeen?
The quickest journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes approximately 591 minutes via the ScotRail train service.
Are there other ways to reach Kirkwall from Aberdeen?
Yes, an alternative route is available taking around 816 minutes using the ScotRail train line.
Can I get directly from Aberdeen to Kirkwall without changing?
This route requires 3 transfers. The complete journey takes about 591 minutes including connection time.
What train service connects Aberdeen and Kirkwall?
The ScotRail line provides train service between Aberdeen and Travel Centre in Aberdeen.
What is the journey time from Aberdeen to Kirkwall by public transport?
Traveling by train from Aberdeen to Kirkwall in Aberdeen takes approximately 591 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 Aberdeen.
Which station is closest to Kirkwall?
The nearest stop to Kirkwall is Travel Centre station. Exit here to reach your destination in Aberdeen.
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.