Car Hire In Kirkwall: Great Value And A Practical Orkney Guide

Compare competitive prices and choose the right pick-up point—Kirkwall Airport or the town centre—then explore Orkney with straightforward tips on insurance, fuel and local driving.

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Kirkwall Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect

Kirkwall is compact and easy to navigate on foot, but a hire car is the most convenient way to see Orkney beyond the town—especially for beaches, viewpoints, archaeological sites and quieter parishes where buses can be limited and timetables may not suit short stays. Hiring locally also helps you plan around ferry connections and day trips (for example, to Stromness or the Houton–Flotta route) without relying on taxis. Expect narrow rural roads, occasional passing places, and changeable weather—so allow extra time and choose a car size that matches your comfort on single-track sections. For travellers from the United Kingdom, driving rules are familiar (drive on the left), but it is worth checking fuel policies, excess/waiver cover, and any charges for additional drivers, young drivers, or after-hours returns.

Kirkwall Airport (KOI) Car Rental Area

Best for quick arrival-to-road convenience. Hire desks are typically within or near the terminal, with vehicles collected from the airport car park. Ideal if you are flying in and want to head straight to accommodation or onward ferry ports. Pros: fastest pick-up, good for late arrivals (subject to opening hours), easy luggage handling. Cons: fewer total providers than large mainland airports, out-of-hours collection/return may incur fees or require pre-arrangement, and airport-location pricing can be slightly higher at peak times.

Kirkwall Town Centre (Albert Street / Bridge Street Area)

A practical choice if you arrive by coach, ferry, or are already staying centrally. You can often collect a car after settling in, avoiding airport surcharges and reducing the time the vehicle sits unused. Pros: walkable access from many hotels and B&Bs, flexible timing for multi-day stays, may offer better value outside peak periods. Cons: limited parking while completing paperwork, shorter opening hours than airport operations, and you may need a taxi or local bus if arriving with lots of luggage.

Accommodation Pick-Up (Selected Hotels/B&Bs By Arrangement)

Some local operators may offer meet-and-greet or delivery-style collection by prior arrangement. Pros: very convenient if you prefer not to queue or if you are travelling with family/extra bags, helpful in poor weather. Cons: availability can be limited, delivery fees may apply, and returns may need to be coordinated around staff schedules—confirm the exact handover location and fuel/condition requirements.

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By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Kirkwall Airport (KWI) and Hatston Ferry Terminal are the dominant pickup hubs, with airport-based rentals capturing roughly 65% of island bookings due to fly-drive itineraries."

Booking Patterns

"Average rental duration is 4-5 days, with 70% of bookings made within 14 days of travel; SUV/4x4 bookings rise 35% in summer due to rural terrain."

Customer Pain Points

"Around 42% of visitors report ferry-airport transfer confusion, while 28% struggle with limited vehicle availability in peak summer months."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) - Kirkwall Airport Passenger Statistics
Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority - Cruise and Ferry Statistics
VisitScotland Orkney Travel Insights
VisitScotland Annual Tourism Report
Orkney Island Council Tourism Strategy 2022-2030
HIAL Kirkwall Airport Annual Traffic Report
Orkney Visitor Satisfaction Survey
VisitScotland Consumer Research - Islands Travel
Transport Scotland - Island Connectivity Review

Popular Drives And Day Trips From Kirkwall (Orkney)

Recommended Self-Drive Routes:

West Mainland Highlights Loop

Scenic coastal loop (single day)3–5 hours driving (allow 6–8 hours with stops)

A classic first-day loop from Kirkwall taking in Orkney’s most famous prehistoric sites and dramatic Atlantic coast. Roads are narrow in places but well-signed, and the stops are close together, making it ideal for a relaxed pace.

Skara Brae, Bay of Skaill, Brough of Birsay viewpoint, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness

East Mainland And Deerness Coast Drive

Coastal drive with viewpoints (half to full day)2.5–4 hours driving (allow 5–7 hours with stops)

A quieter route exploring the east of Mainland, from wartime heritage and beaches to sea cliffs and natural arches. Great for picnics and short walks, especially on clear days when visibility is at its best.

Churchill Barriers, Italian Chapel, Inganess Bay, The Gloup (Deerness), Brough of Deerness (start of cliff walk)

Rousay, Egilsay And Wyre Island Circuit

Island hopping route (ferry-based day trip)4–6 hours total on island roads (plus ferry time and waiting)

A rewarding ferry-based adventure to the ‘Egypt of the North’ for chambered cairns, sea views and quiet single-track lanes. Plan around ferry timetables and keep plenty of buffer for photo stops and short walks.

Rousay ferry (Tingwall), Taversoe Tuick chambered cairn, Midhowe Cairn, Trumland House viewpoint area, Egilsay (St Magnus Church)

Popular Short Trips (2–6 Hours):

Scapa Flow And Wartime Heritage Drive

3–5 hours

Drive south to explore Scapa Flow viewpoints, key WWII sites, and the causeways linking Mainland to the southern isles. Ideal in mixed weather as there are several quick, accessible stops.

Kirkwall Town And Harbour Explorer

2–3 hours

A gentle local outing focusing on Kirkwall’s historic centre, harbour area and nearby viewpoints. Works well as an arrival-day plan after picking up your hire car.

Yesnaby Cliffs Sunset Run

2.5–4 hours

Head west for one of Orkney’s most striking coastal walks with sea stacks and cliffs. Time it for late afternoon light, and keep an eye on wind conditions near cliff edges.

Stromness And Coastal Views

3–4 hours

A compact trip to the characterful town of Stromness with time for seafront views and nearby coastal scenery. Combine with a café stop and a short leg-stretch walk.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Kirkwall And Orkney

Book early in peak season: Summer availability can be tight in Orkney. Reserve your car well in advance, especially if you need an automatic or a larger vehicle.

Plan around ferry timetables: If you’re visiting islands (e.g., Rousay or Hoy), check sailing times, arrive early for queues, and build in buffer for weather-related changes.

Get comfortable with single-track roads: Many routes use single-track lanes with passing places. Use passing places courteously, be ready to stop, and drive at a steady, predictable pace.

Allow for fast-changing weather: Wind, rain and sea mist can reduce visibility quickly. Keep waterproofs in the car, and avoid exposed cliff paths in very gusty conditions.

Keep fuel topped up: Petrol stations are fewer outside Kirkwall/Stromness. Refill before longer loops and before catching ferries, particularly on Sundays or late afternoons.

Check insurance and tyre cover: Rural roads can mean potholes, gravel and sharp edges. Confirm excess, windscreen and tyre coverage, and photograph the car at pickup and return.

Arrive early for popular sites: Skara Brae and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney area can get busy. Earlier visits mean easier parking and a calmer experience.

Respect wildlife and roadside stops: Use designated lay-bys or car parks for photos, not passing places. Drive carefully near livestock and keep distance from nesting seabirds.

Driving in Kirkwall: Essential UK Travel Guide

Your complete guide to driving in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, covering speed limits, fuel costs, car hire, and road rules in the United Kingdom.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

GBP

DRIVE ON

Left-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+44

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

96-112 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced in Scotland)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.14/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.40/L - $2.45/L

Kirkwall Car Hire FAQs for UK Drivers

Practical answers on driving, roads, ferries and island conditions for self-driving travellers in Orkney

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Kirkwall, or will my UK licence be enough?

Your full UK photocard licence is accepted by every major rental company at Kirkwall Airport and the town centre, and no IDP is required. You must have held the licence for at least one year, and drivers under 25 should expect a young driver surcharge of roughly £25-£40 per day, with the maximum age cap sitting at around 75-79 depending on the supplier.

Is driving in Orkney really as tricky as people say, and which roads catch visitors out?

You will drive on the left on single-track roads covering most of the islands, with passing places every 200-400 metres where you give way to the car coming uphill or the one already in the place. The A961 causeway to Shapinsay and the Churchill Barriers flood on spring tides, so check tide times, watch for free-roaming cattle on the B9054 to Deerness, and treat the 60 mph limit as a target you will rarely reach.

How do I get from Kirkwall to the outer islands, and can I take the hire car on the ferry?

Yes, most rental firms allow their vehicles on Orkney Ferries routes such as Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, but you must tell the desk at collection and the staff will log it; some charge a small cross-island fee. Book the ferry in advance through the Orkney Ferries website, arrive 20 minutes before sailing, and note that Stronsay, Sanday and Westray usually need an overnight stop rather than a same-day drive-and-return.

What should I know about fuel prices and pump types around Kirkwall?

Petrol in Orkney runs 10-20p a litre above the UK mainland average, with diesel closer to 25p dearer because of freight costs. Pumps at Tesco Kirkwall and the Shell on Pickaquoy Loan are unmanned after 10 pm, so fill up before heading to the far parishes. All major suppliers take contactless, but bring a backup card as satellite card terminals in Deerness and Sandwick can drop out in bad weather.

Is winter driving in Orkney genuinely dangerous, and do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

Snow is rare in town but ice, hail and 50 mph gusts are not, and the A965 to Stromness and the Hillside Road out of Kirkwall shut several times each February. UK law does not require winter tyres, yet a compact car with all-season tyres, an ice scraper and a 10-litre fuel reserve is wise. Allow double the sat-nav time, keep a torch and warm layers in the boot, and never ignore the amber "Be Prepared for Ice" signs on the A960.

Where can I park for free in Kirkwall, and how do I avoid a ticket on the harbour front?

Free unrestricted parking lines the side streets off Albert Street and at the Hatston ferry terminal, while the harbour front and Broad Street charge 80p-£1.20 per hour via the Pay-By-Phone app, code 8010. Disc zones marked with a single yellow line limit you to one hour between 8 am and 6 pm, and a stray wheel on the kerb in a disabled bay will cost you £90, so photograph the bay number before walking away.

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