How to get from Kirkwall to Mainland by bus?

From Kirkwall to Mainland by bus

Take one direct bus from Kirkwall to Mainland in Orkney Islands: take the 8S bus from Tesco, Kirkwall station to Clairness, Sandwick station. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 59 min. The bus schedule from Kirkwall may change. We recommend you check the updated bus schedule to Mainland on the Moovit app.

59min
Walk to bus station
Bus - 8S8S
Walk to Mainland
Leaves from Tesco, Kirkwall

Step by Step

  • 1
    Walk to bus station
    Walk to bus station
    Tesco, Kirkwall
    ID 6020710825
    100 m • 2 min
  • 2
    Bus - 8S8S
    Wait for bus
    8S
    Stromness
  • 3
    Ride to bus station
    Ride to bus station
    Clairness, Sandwick
    ID 6020710735
    20 min
  • 4
    Walk to Mainland
    Walk to
    Mainland
    3.01 km • 38 min
*Duration based on 8am traffic
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Public transport directions from Kirkwall to Mainland

The distance between Kirkwall, Orkney Islands and Mainland, Orkney Islands is approximately 24.15 km, which can typically be travelled in 59 min. Moovit will show you the directions from Kirkwall to Mainland by bus, so no matter how you choose to travel in Orkney Islands – you will always have plenty of easy options.

Bus timetable from Kirkwall to Mainland

To check the bus timetable from Kirkwall to Mainland using the Moovit app, first download and open the app on your smartphone. Enter your starting point (Kirkwall) and destination (Mainland), then select the desired date and time of travel. Moovit will show all available bus routes, estimated travel times, and any required transfers. You can view detailed departure and arrival times for each bus, as well as real-time updates for delays or changes. Use this information to plan your journey and stay up to date with the latest bus timetables.

Related Routes

Questions & Answers

  • What is the fastest way to get from Kirkwall to Mainland?

    The fastest way takes 59 minutes, using Bus line 8S.

  • Is there a direct bus between Kirkwall and Mainland?

    Yes, there’s a direct bus going from Kirkwall in Scotland to Mainland in Orkney Islands in 59 min.

  • Which bus line goes from Kirkwall to Mainland?

    The 8S bus line goes from Tesco, Kirkwall station near Kirkwall in Scotland to Clairness, Sandwick station near Mainland in Orkney Islands.

  • How long does it take to travel from Kirkwall to Mainland by bus?

    The total travel time between Kirkwall in Scotland and Mainland in Orkney Islands by bus is about 59 min.

  • Where do I get on the bus near Kirkwall to get to Mainland?

    Get on the 8S bus from the Tesco, Kirkwall stop near Kirkwall in Scotland.

  • Where do I get off the bus when travelling between Kirkwall and Mainland?

    Get off the bus at the Clairness, Sandwick stop, which is closest to Mainland in Orkney Islands.

  • When is the first bus from Kirkwall to Mainland?

    The first bus from Kirkwall in Scotland to Mainland in Orkney Islands is St Margaret's Hope (Ferry Terminal) - Stromness (Hamnavoe). It leaves the Glaitness School, Kirkwall stop at 06:07.

Popular Routes