New Bus Services Enhance Travel Experience in Orkney

Travelers to Orkney can now enjoy improved convenience and accessibility with the introduction of new and expanded bus services across the islands. The enhanced routes, including the T11 and X10 services, promise to make exploring Orkney's stunning landscapes and historical sites more accessible and enjoyable.

Starting from April 29, 2024, visitors can take advantage of the T11 service, which offers a comprehensive tour of Orkney's key attractions. Departing from Kirkwall daily, the route includes stops at St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, providing a scenic journey through some of the island’s most picturesque locations. Priced at just £21 per person, the T11 service is designed to offer both value and a rich travel experience, running until September 25, 2024, and aligning with cruise ship schedules at Kirkwall.

For travelers arriving by ferry, the X10 service ensures a seamless transition from Hatston Pier to various destinations across Orkney. This service aligns with NorthLink Ferries’ schedules, ensuring that passengers can start their sightseeing as soon as they dock. Additionally, the X1 service offers a direct route from Stromness to Kirkwall, passing major attractions like the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel, and providing access to Maeshowe via a shuttle bus from Stenness Visitor Centre.

These developments are particularly significant for travelers, as they offer a hassle-free way to explore Orkney's diverse attractions without the need for a car. The new services highlight Orkney's commitment to sustainable tourism, reducing the carbon footprint associated with travel while enhancing the visitor experience. With downloadable timetables and live tracking available through the Stagecoach app, planning and navigating trips have never been easier.

Orkney itself is rich in history and natural beauty, offering travelers a variety of sites to explore. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the Skara Brae village, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe, providing a glimpse into ancient life with well-preserved monuments​. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant town of Kirkwall, home to the 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park Distillery​.

Stromness, with its picturesque harbor and charming old town, offers excellent seafood and outdoor activities like diving and sea kayaking. Nature enthusiasts will find Orkney a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to see seals, otters, and numerous bird species​. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, the expanded bus services make it easier than ever to explore everything Orkney has to offer.