How far is it from Unst to Kirkwall?

The distance between Unst and Kirkwall is 163 miles.

How do I travel from Unst to Kirkwall without a car?

The best way to get from Unst to Kirkwall without a car is to ferry and bus which takes 10h 50m and costs .

How long does it take to get from Unst to Kirkwall?

It takes approximately 6h 16m to get from Unst to Kirkwall, including transfers.

Where can I stay near Kirkwall?

There are 177+ hotels available in Kirkwall.

Unst to Kirkwall - 2 ways to travel via ferry, bus, and plane

There are 2 ways to get from Unst to Kirkwall by ferry, bus, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Ferry, bus, fly
best
1. Take the ferry from Belmont to Gutcher Shetland Ferry Terminal
2. Take the bus from Ferry Terminal to Viking Bus Station
3. Take the bus from Viking Bus Station to Terminal
4. Fly from Lerwick (LSI) to Kirkwall (KOI)LSI - KOI
6h 16m
Ferry, bus
1. Take the ferry from Belmont to Gutcher Shetland Ferry TerminalSf2
2. Take the bus from Ferry Terminal to Shetland Hotel24
3. Take the ferry from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry TerminalNl2
10h 50m

Lerwick (LSI) to Kirkwall (KOI) flights

6Weekly Planes

40 minAverage Duration

£107Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Launch map view

Distance: 161.9 mi
Duration: 6h 16m

What companies run services between Unst, Scotland and Kirkwall, Scotland?

There is no direct connection from Unst to Kirkwall. However, you can take the ferry to Gutcher Shetland Ferry Terminal, walk to Ferry Terminal, take the bus to Viking Bus Station, take the bus to Terminal, walk to Lerwick (LSI) airport, fly to Kirkwall (KOI), walk to Airport Terminal, then take the bus to Supermarkets. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Belmont to Ferry Terminal via Gutcher Shetland Ferry Terminal, Ferry Terminal, Shetland Hotel, Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminal, and Passenger Terminal in around 10h 50m.

Transport is disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Read more

Airlines

Bus operators

Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.