Europe > 🇬🇧 United Kingdom > Kirkwall (KOI)
🚆 🚌⛴️ Do you need to rent a car in Kirkwall ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t strictly need to rent a car.
- For all transport modes, a score of 0 = very poor or none available; 10 = outstandingly good.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Kirkwall?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.- For all factors, a score of 0 = very poor; 10 = outstandingly good
Kirkwall Car Rental Costs
Price bands:
- From 1 ($0-10 per day) to 10 ($90-100 per day);
- For typical cheapest available economy hire car;
- Jan - Mar 2027 / Apr - Dec 2026.
- Prices correct as of Feb 2026 - estimates only, not a guarantee.
Here, the answer depends almost entirely on how much of Orkney you want to see.
🚫 Why You Might Not Need a Car
If you’re staying in Kirkwall town, you can manage well without a car 🚶♂️.
The centre is compact, with St Magnus Cathedral, the harbour, museums, shops, cafés, and accommodation all close together ⏱️.
Local buses connect Kirkwall with Stromness and some nearby sites 🚌.
Organised tours make it easy to visit key Neolithic sites like Skara Brae without driving 🗿.
For a short stay focused on town life and guided excursions, a car can feel unnecessary.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car becomes very useful if you want to explore independently 🚗.
Orkney’s most striking places — coastal cliffs, remote beaches, standing stones, and small villages — are scattered across the Mainland and outer isles ⏱️.
Public transport reaches only part of the islands and often runs infrequently 🛣️.
A car lets you move with the weather, stop spontaneously, and reach places well off bus routes 🌊🌾.
It’s especially helpful if you’re staying outside Kirkwall or travelling with others 🧳.
🚌 No Car: Possible, but Structured
It is perfectly possible to visit Orkney without a car, but it requires planning 🚫.
Buses cover main corridors, and ferries link outer islands, but timetables shape your day 🚌⏱️.
Guided tours fill the gaps and work well for first-time visitors.
Spontaneous exploration is more limited without your own wheels.
✈️⛴️ Getting to Kirkwall
Kirkwall is served by Kirkwall Airport (KOI), with flights from Scotland’s mainland ✈️.
Many visitors also arrive by ferry from Scrabster to Stromness, then travel onward to Kirkwall by bus or car ⛴️.
Car rental is available locally but should be booked ahead in peak season 🚗.
🧾 Conclusion: should you rent a car in Kirkwall?
If your visit is short, town-based, or tour-led, you can skip renting a car and still see Orkney’s highlights.
If you want freedom, flexibility, and access to Orkney’s quieter corners, renting a car makes a big difference.
So, should you rent a car in Kirkwall?
⚠️ Optional — for structured or guided trips.
✅ Yes — for independent exploration across Orkney 🌬️🚗.
Search for Car Rental in Kirkwall with Economy Bookings .com
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary score brings together how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, and an overall recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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👍🏾 / 👎🏻 Will You Rent a Car in Kirkwall?
Would you rent a car in Kirkwall, or would you rely on tours or public transport instead?
Everyone travels differently, and the right choice often depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what kind of trip you’re planning.
Hopefully this page has given you a quick, practical overview of the pros and cons of renting a car in Kirkwall, and whether it’s really necessary or not. Maybe it’s helped you make up your mind — or maybe you’ve already visited and have insights to share.
We always welcome comments, questions, and comparisons with other cities.
All feedback is read, and any questions or clarifications are usually replied to within 24 hours.