How to travel from Cardiff to Kirkwall, United Kingdom
The distance between Cardiff and Kirkwall is around 870km (541 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 20m.
10 routes found
We've found 10 different ways to get from Cardiff to Kirkwall by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Kirkwall → Cardiff if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Cardiff (CWL) to Kirkwall (KOI).
- Duration3h 20m
- Flight time2h 30m
- Typical cost£820($970)
Loganair
5 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Abington then Buchanan Bus Station and then to Aberdeen Coach Station then take a ferry to Kirkwall.
- Duration15hrs
- Departsonce a week
- Typical cost£78($90)
Multiple operators
Train and Ferry
Take the train to Crewe and then to Aberdeen then take a ferry to Kirkwall.
- Duration15h 45m
- Departsonce a week
- Typical cost£150($180)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Aberdeen then take a ferry to Kirkwall.
- Duration14h 40m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical cost£165($195)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cardiff and Kirkwall
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Cardiff to Kirkwall by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around £78 ($90) and will take around 15hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £820 ($970).
The distance between Cardiff and Kirkwall is around 870km (541 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 834km (518 miles)
It takes around 3h 40m to get from Cardiff and Kirkwall by train and plane.
The quickest way to get from Cardiff to Kirkwall is to fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx £820 ($970).
The cheapest way to travel between Cardiff and Kirkwall is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around £78 ($90) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Cardiff and Kirkwall. We recommend that you fly from Cardiff (CWL) to Kirkwall (KOI). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Cardiff and Kirkwall. We recommend that you fly from Cardiff (CWL) to Kirkwall (KOI). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Cardiff and Kirkwall. Flights depart from Cardiff (CWL) and arrive at Kirkwall (KOI) - via Edinburgh (EDI). The flight takes around 2h 30m.
There is no direct flight from Cardiff to Kirkwall. There is however a flight that goes via Edinburgh (EDI). This services will take at least 3h 20m (not including layover time).
The flight from Cardiff to Kirkwall typically takes around 2h 30m. Flights depart from Cardiff (CWL) and and arrive into Kirkwall (KOI).
The closest major airport to Kirkwall is Kirkwall Airport (KOI) (KOI) which is approximately 4km (3 miles) from Kirkwall. Inverness Airport (INV) (INV) and Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) (ABZ) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Cardiff to Kirkwall. We recommend that you take the train to Bristol Temple Meads then fly from Bristol (BRS) to Kirkwall (KOI). instead which will take 3h 40m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cardiff to Kirkwall is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 40m and will usually cost around £575 ($680).
Compare travel optionsbetween Cardiff and Kirkwall
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 5 similar | 3h 20m | £820($970) | hourly | 870km (541 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 3h 40m | £575($680) | hourly | 927km (576 miles) |
| Train to Birmingham New Street, Fly | 4h 35m | £430($505) | hourly | 922km (573 miles) |
| Train to Bristol Temple Meads, plane | 4h 40m | £680($805) | hourly | 1,116km (693 miles) |
| Train to London Paddington, Fly | 4h 45m | £505($600) | hourly | 1,109km (689 miles) |
| Train to Reading, plane | 4h 50m | £925($1,090) | every 2 hours | 1,158km (719 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 15hrs | £78($90) | once a week | 1,136km (706 miles) |
Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 15h 45m | £150($180) | once a week | 1,085km (674 miles) |
| Train to Bristol Parkway, ferry | 15h 45m | £285($335) | 4 times a week | 1,210km (752 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 40m | £165($195) | 4 times a week | 1,083km (673 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Cardiff and Kirkwall
Airlines
Loganair
Aer Lingus
Ferry operators
NorthLink Ferries
Train operators
Caledonian Sleeper
Bus companies
Stagecoach West Scotland
Scottish Citylink
Airports near Kirkwall
The following major airports near Kirkwall offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
Kirkwall Airport (KOI)
- Distance
- 4km (3 miles) from Kirkwall
Inverness Airport (INV)
- Distance
- 173km (107 miles) from Kirkwall
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
- Distance
- 203km (126 miles) from Kirkwall