The Europe CruiseFor the American voyager

Kirkwall

Photo: Stevekeiretsu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

Most ships dock at Hatston Pier, outside Kirkwall; a shuttle bus runs into town. Orkney's famous stone-age sites are spread out, so a tour or pre-booked taxi is the easy way.

Getting ashoreDock or tender
Distance to townHatston to Kirkwall center: a short drive by shuttle (distance unverified, about 2-3 km).
Gateway forSt Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae (Neolithic village), Ring of Brodgar, Italian Chapel.
Cruise shuttle bus from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall centernot confirmed · not confirmed
On the chart

Where Kirkwall lies

Antique-style chart of The British Isles with ports markedKirkwallDoverSouthamptonBelfastCherbourgCobhDublinEdinburghFalmouthGreenockGuernseyHolyheadHonfleurInvergordonLe HavreLerwickLiverpoolNewcastlePortlandPortreeStornowayWaterford

Where your ship docks

Large ships dock at Hatston Pier, outside town. Orkney can berth or anchor ships of all sizes; which ships tender into Kirkwall is not confirmed. A council-contracted cruise shuttle bus (Orkney Transport) serves Hatston Pier. Private tour operators need a Hatston Pier pass.

Shuttle. Yes, at Hatston Pier (operator: Orkney Transport, contract from Feb 2025). Fare not confirmed.

From the gangway

Getting to the sights

The wayTimeCost
Cruise shuttle bus from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall centernot confirmednot confirmed
Tour, taxi, or Stagecoach bus (X1 Kirkwall-Stromness; 8S serves Skara Brae) to Skara Brae and Ring of BrodgarHalf daynot confirmed

Cruise shuttle bus from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall center

Time not confirmedCost not confirmed
  1. Board the shuttle at the pier.
  2. Get off in Kirkwall.

Contract runs from 3 February 2025 for three years, with an option for two more. Fare and frequency not published on the council pages opened.

Tour, taxi, or Stagecoach bus (X1 Kirkwall-Stromness; 8S serves Skara Brae) to Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar

Time Half dayCost not confirmed
  1. Pre-book a tour or taxi (operators need a Hatston Pier pass), or
  2. check Stagecoach X1 and 8S timetables, services are limited.

Bus fares not confirmed; call Stagecoach on 01856 870555.

Worth the trip

What to see

St Magnus Cathedral

Red sandstone cathedral, begun 1137.

How
Shuttle to town.
Time
45 minutes
Tickets
Unverified

Skara Brae

5,000-year-old stone village.

How
Tour/taxi.
Time
1.5 hours on site
Tickets
Unverified; book ahead

Ring of Brodgar

Huge stone circle.

How
Tour/taxi.
Time
45 minutes
Tickets
Free

Italian Chapel

Chapel built by WWII Italian prisoners.

How
Tour/taxi.
Time
1 hour
Tickets
Unverified
A day ashore

Your day, hour by hour

Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.

  1. Shuttle to Kirkwall.
  2. Cathedral and Bishop's Palace.
  3. Afternoon taxi/tour to Brodgar and Skara Brae.
  4. Back at Hatston 45-60 minutes early.
Wise counsel

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Beware

  • Strong wind and rain.
  • Sites far apart.
Practical matters

Fees, money and access

Accessibility

Ask the shuttle about wheelchair access (unverified).

Money

British pound (GBP). Tap-to-pay cards work on buses, trains and in most shops. Little cash needed.

Onward

More of the The British Isles

EdinburghScotland, UK Dock or tenderInvergordonScotland, UK Ship docksLerwickScotland, UK Dock or tenderGreenockScotland, UK Ship docksBelfastNorthern Ireland, UK Ship docksDublinIreland Dock or tenderCobhIreland Dock or tenderLiverpoolEngland, UK Ship docks
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
Still being confirmed
  • Shuttle fare and time
  • Tender use
  • Bus fares
  • Site prices