Kirkwall Cruise Port Guide (Orkney Islands, Scotland)
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Kirkwall cruise port is the gateway to the Orkney Islands, a remote archipelago off the north coast of Scotland known for prehistoric sites and small historic towns rather than large cities.
The town itself is compact and easy to walk, but many of the main sights are spread across the island.
This guide explains where ships dock, how to reach the center, and what can realistically be done during a port day — including whether to stay in Kirkwall or explore the wider Orkney mainland.
Where Cruise Ships Dock in Kirkwall
Cruise ships visiting Kirkwall usually arrive in one of three ways, depending on ship size.
Most ships dock at Hatston Pier, a working harbor about 3 km / 1.8 miles from Kirkwall town center.
This is not a walk-off town pier, so passengers normally use the complimentary shuttle bus to reach the Kirkwall Travel Centre.
The ride takes under 10 minutes, and accessible buses are usually available.
Walking from Hatston Pier into town is possible, but it takes around 45 minutes, so most cruise passengers use the shuttle.
Smaller ships may dock at Kirkwall Harbour, right in town and within walking distance of shops, cafés, and St Magnus Cathedral.
Larger ships may occasionally anchor in the bay and tender passengers ashore to the town harbor.
Because arrival arrangements can vary, check the official Orkney cruise port website before your visit.
Can You Explore Kirkwall on Your Own?
Yes — Kirkwall is one of the easier British Isles cruise ports to explore independently.
Once the shuttle drops you in town, the historic center is compact and walkable.
You can easily see St Magnus Cathedral, the harbor area, shops, cafés, and the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces on foot.
For places outside town, such as Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, or coastal viewpoints, you will need a tour, taxi, rental car, or careful bus planning.
Getting Around from Kirkwall Cruise Port
Free Shuttle Bus
A complimentary shuttle bus usually operates between Hatston Pier and the Kirkwall Travel Centre near the town center.
The ride takes around 7–10 minutes and runs continuously during cruise calls.
Walking
Kirkwall itself is easy to explore on foot once you arrive in town.
Walking from Hatston Pier into Kirkwall is possible, but it takes around 40–50 minutes each way beside a main road, so most passengers prefer the shuttle.
Public Bus
Local buses can work for independent sightseeing around Orkney, including routes to Stromness and some archaeological sites, but schedules are limited and need planning in advance.
Taxi
Taxis are useful for customized island touring, especially for small groups.
Availability can become limited on busy cruise days, so pre-booking is often safer for longer sightseeing routes.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available in town and are practical here because roads are simple and distances are short compared to mainland Scotland.
This is one of the UK cruise ports where self-driving is a realistic option.
Shore Excursions from Kirkwall
Many visitors choose organized tours because Orkney’s main sights are spread across the island and difficult to combine by public transport during a cruise stop.
Popular routes include Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Stromness, and Highland Park Distillery.
👉 Browse shore excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide — commonly used by cruise travelers.
How Much Time Do You Need in Kirkwall Cruise Port?
- 2–3 hours: Stay in Kirkwall and explore the historic center on foot.
- 4–5 hours: Combine Kirkwall with one nearby island route or archaeological stop.
- 6–8 hours: Visit Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stromness, and other major Orkney highlights.
- 8+ hours: Take a full island tour combining archaeology, scenery, coastal viewpoints, and smaller villages.
What to Do in Kirkwall Cruise Port
The main things to do in Kirkwall on a cruise stop are split between the historic town itself and the archaeological and scenic sites around Orkney.
Explore Kirkwall Town on Foot
Kirkwall is compact enough to explore independently in just a few hours.
The town developed under Norse rule and still feels very different from mainland Scotland.
The main landmark is St Magnus Cathedral, a red sandstone cathedral founded in the 12th century by the Norse Earl Rognvald.
Nearby are the ruins of the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, which reflect Orkney’s medieval importance.
Most visitors also spend time around the harbor streets, local shops, and small cafés.
👉 Browse Kirkwall walking tours
See Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar
This is the classic Orkney excursion and the main reason many cruise passengers leave Kirkwall.
Typical stops include:
- Skara Brae — a remarkably preserved Neolithic village older than Stonehenge, about 30–40 minutes from Kirkwall by road.
- Ring of Brodgar — a large ceremonial stone circle and part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, about 25–30 minutes from Kirkwall.
- Standing Stones of Stenness — one of Britain’s oldest stone circles, located close to the Ring of Brodgar and often visited on the same route.
These sites are spread across Orkney’s West Mainland, so they are best visited by shore excursion, taxi, or organized island tour rather than casual walking from town.
👉 See Orkney day trips and excursions
Visit Stromness
Stromness is Orkney’s second main town and feels quieter and more traditional than Kirkwall.
The town is known for its narrow stone streets, harbor views, and ferry connections to mainland Scotland.
Many island tours stop here briefly alongside nearby archaeological sites.
This works well as part of a larger scenic route rather than as a standalone destination.
👉 See Stromness and West Mainland tours
Tour Highland Park Distillery
Orkney is also known for whisky, and Highland Park Distillery is one of Scotland’s best-known single malt producers.
The distillery sits just outside Kirkwall and offers guided tours focused on whisky production and Orkney’s peat-smoking traditions.
This is one of the easiest excursion options close to town and works well if you prefer a shorter day without long driving distances.
👉 Explore whiskey tours and tastings
Take an Orkney Scenic Tour
An Orkney scenic tour is a good choice if you want to see more of the island without focusing only on archaeology.
These tours often combine coastal viewpoints, small villages, wartime history, and a few Neolithic sites into one route.
This works well for first-time visitors who want a wider sense of Orkney beyond Kirkwall.
Should You Book a Shore Excursion in Kirkwall?
You do not need a shore excursion if you only plan to explore Kirkwall.
Once the shuttle drops you in town, the center is compact and easy to walk.
For Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Stromness, or wider island touring, a shore excursion is usually easier.
For most first-time visitors, an organized tour is the safest way to see several Orkney sites without worrying about timing.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Shuttle buses normally run continuously between Hatston Pier and the town on cruise days
- Weather changes quickly — wind and rain are common even in summer
- Wear waterproof shoes for archaeological sites and grassy ground
- Distances on the island are short, but public transport is infrequent
- Share taxis with other passengers to reduce cost
- Mobile signal can be weak outside Kirkwall
- Scotland uses the British Pound (£); cards are widely accepted
- Prehistoric sites have limited shelter — bring a jacket even on clear mornings
Is It Worth Staying in Kirkwall?
Yes, especially if you want a relaxed port day without planning transport.
Kirkwall is small but historic, with enough to fill a few easy hours around St Magnus Cathedral, the old streets, the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, shops, and cafés.
For a first visit to Orkney, though, the most memorable sights are outside town.
Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the island scenery give a much stronger sense of the destination if your schedule allows it.
FAQ
❓ Where do cruise ships dock in Kirkwall?
Most cruise ships dock at Hatston Pier, about 3 km / 1.8 miles from Kirkwall town center. A free shuttle bus usually takes passengers to the Kirkwall Travel Centre.
❓ Do cruise ships tender in Kirkwall?
Some cruise ships tender in Kirkwall, but many dock at Hatston Pier. Smaller ships may dock closer to town, while larger ships may occasionally anchor in the bay and tender passengers ashore.
❓ Is Kirkwall cruise port walkable?
Kirkwall town is very walkable once you arrive by shuttle. Walking from Hatston Pier to town is possible, but it takes around 45 minutes, so most passengers use the free shuttle.
❓ Can you explore Kirkwall on your own?
Yes, Kirkwall is easy to explore on your own. St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, shops, cafés, and the harbor area are all within walking distance in town.
❓ Can you visit Skara Brae from Kirkwall cruise port?
Yes, you can visit Skara Brae from Kirkwall cruise port, but it is best done by shore excursion, taxi, or organized tour. Public buses are limited and may not fit cruise schedules.
❓ What is the best shore excursion from Kirkwall?
The best shore excursion from Kirkwall for first-time visitors is usually a tour covering Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
❓ Is Kirkwall worth visiting on a cruise stop?
Yes, Kirkwall is worth visiting on a cruise stop, especially if you want an easy historic town walk. For the full Orkney experience, add Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, or a scenic island tour.
Helpful Resources
- Check the Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority website for docking location and shuttle information.
- You can view routes and times on the Stagecoach bus schedules page.
- For island planning and opening hours, see the Visit Orkney tourism website.
- Prehistoric site details and tickets are listed on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Ports Often Included with Kirkwall
Kirkwall commonly appears on British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries together with:
• Invergordon — gateway to Inverness and the Highlands
• Lerwick (Shetland Islands) — northern island stop with coastal scenery
• Edinburgh (South Queensferry) — access to Scotland’s capital
• Greenock (Glasgow) — gateway to Glasgow and Loch Lomond
Longer itineraries may also include:
• Reykjavík — Iceland volcano and waterfall excursions
• Belfast — Titanic history and Giant’s Causeway
• Liverpool — historic maritime city
Planning more cruises? You can browse all my regional cruise port guides here: Mediterranean • Caribbean • Northern Europe • USA & Canada • Australia & New Zealand • Middle East
