Kirkwall, Orkney cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: These figures are from Hatston cruise pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre; town-pier and tender arrivals land closer to the central streets.

• Distance: about 4.0 km by the shuttle's road route, Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre.
• Walk: about 40–60 minutes into town; realistic for a longer walk, with pavements for most of the route and port signs to follow.
• Shuttle: free to Kirkwall Travel Centre, about 7 minutes aboard; Orkney Transport runs it for Orkney Islands Council.

Sources: Cruise Orkney arrival information, Council shuttle contract.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships can berth at Hatston Pier or Kirkwall Pier, or anchor in Kirkwall Bay and transfer passengers by tender to Kirkwall Harbour. The arrival location is therefore more useful than the itinerary label alone.

Record the final shuttle departure separately from all-aboard time: it leaves town before the ship sails. The ship or meet-and-greet staff provides the last-bus time for your call.

Kirkwall Pier and the harbour tender landing place passengers close to the central streets. Follow the signs and staff directions through any controlled pier area, especially when coaches are loading.

About this port

Kirkwall is Orkney's main town, on the island called Mainland. Its cathedral, museum and compact shopping streets make a worthwhile visit without travelling far. The prehistoric monuments of western Mainland offer a different day, requiring transport and, for some sites, advance admission arrangements.

Choose between a town-focused outing and an archaeological excursion before you leave the ship. Combining a little of each can work on a longer call, but a return shuttle or tender still has to fit after the final attraction.

Getting Around

From Kirkwall Travel Centre, the central shops and Broad Street sights are a short walk away. The Travel Centre is also a useful point to ask about public buses, although a town bus and the ship's shuttle have different purposes and timetables.

Orkney Islands Council's bus information links to current services around Mainland. Check the actual stops and return times for your chosen historic site: a bus towards Stromness does not necessarily stop at every monument you want to see.

For several archaeological sites, an excursion or a pre-arranged taxi can simplify the day. Confirm private-tour collection with the operator because pier access is controlled. Do not assume you can arrange a tour vehicle at the last minute or that the ship's organised coaches accept independent bookings.

Things to Do

Visit St Magnus Cathedral. The sandstone cathedral on Broad Street was founded in 1137, during Orkney's period of Norwegian rule. It is a natural starting point for understanding Kirkwall. Services, ceremonies and conservation work may affect access; consult the cathedral's visitor page rather than assuming every area is open.

Explore Orkney Museum. The museum is also on Broad Street, with an entrance through a courtyard and access information for its different galleries. Pair it with the cathedral and time in the town's shops for a day that keeps the return straightforward. Check current visiting arrangements through Orkney Museums.

Choose the Neolithic landscape. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. These monuments are outside Kirkwall; the designation does not apply to the town as a whole. Select the sites you most want to understand, rather than making every stop a brief photograph.

Historic Environment Scotland recommends advance booking for Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Secure admission and a workable transport plan together, and check the individual site's access information if enclosed spaces, steps or uneven ground are a concern.

Getting back to your ship

Orkney Islands Council's bus information links to current services around Mainland. Check the actual stops and return times for your chosen historic site: a bus towards Stromness does not necessarily stop at every monument you want to see.

Practical Information

Currency is pound sterling (GBP, £). English is widely spoken. Call 999 or 112 for emergencies.

Carry waterproof clothing for exposed archaeological sites. Keep the correct pier or tender landing in your return instructions, and verify which ship a waiting shuttle serves. If your outing finishes early, spend the remaining time in Kirkwall rather than adding an unfamiliar rural detour.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Hatston cruise pier into Kirkwall? Yes. It takes about 40–60 minutes, with pavements for most of the way. The walk uses a substantial part of a short call.

Is the Kirkwall cruise shuttle free? Yes. Orkney Transport runs the council's free shuttle between Hatston Pier and Kirkwall Travel Centre, taking about 7 minutes aboard.

How far is Hatston cruise pier from Kirkwall town centre? About 4 km by the shuttle road route to Kirkwall Travel Centre.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Kirkwall? Both methods are used. Ships berth at Hatston or Kirkwall Pier, or anchor in the bay and tender to Kirkwall Harbour.