$636 Cheap Flights to Kirkwall

Flights to Kirkwall at a glance

Traveling to Kirkwall is easy, with various direct flights available that provide a comfortable experience for discovering the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Look out for the cheapest flights to Orkney Kirkwall to make your journey even more affordable.

• Major airport in Kirkwall: Kirkwall Airport (KOI)
• Flights per week: 7 flights arriving at Kirkwall airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Kirkwall: around 1 carrier

Popular airport in Kirkwall

Kirkwall is a charming city perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and beach getaways. Visitors are drawn to its romantic atmosphere and vibrant entertainment scene. The city is conveniently served by Kirkwall Airport, making travel to this Scottish destination easy and accessible.

• Kirkwall Airport (KOI): Situated in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, this airport primarily handles domestic flights, with Loganair being a key airline operating here.

Top routes to Kirkwall

• Edinburgh (EDI) to Kirkwall (KOI), with one-way flights starting at around $180

Cheapest routes to Kirkwall

• Edinburgh (EDI) to Kirkwall (KOI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $180

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Kirkwall

• Loganair: Operating flights to Kirkwall Airport (KOI), Loganair is responsible for nearly all incoming flights to {short_name}. The typical one-way ticket price hovers around $260.

How to save money on a flight to Kirkwall

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Kirkwall is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Kirkwall hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Kirkwall flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Kirkwall

Kirkwall welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Kirkwall efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall Seaport, a seaport, is located about 4.2 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers heading to sea journeys.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Kirkwall, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Kirkwall is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Kirkwall on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Kirkwall

• Toab: Toab is located 6 miles drive away from Kirkwall and offers a delightful mix of entertainment and romance, especially for beach lovers. This charming city boasts notable attractions such as the Italian Chapel and the ruins of Earl's Palace, perfect for those seeking cultural enrichment. Additionally, the Orkney Museum provides fascinating insights into local history. With its scenic views and engaging activities, Toab makes for a wonderful day trip.
• Shapinsay: Shapinsay is located 6 miles away from Kirkwall and is an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Known for its outdoor experiences, visitors can engage in birdwatching or take guided tours to explore the area. The impressive Balfour Castle stands as a symbol of romance and history, while Earl's Palace and the Orkney Museum offer rich cultural experiences. Shapinsay is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and heritage.
• Finstown: Finstown is located 8 miles drive away from Kirkwall and is a quaint village that invites travelers to delve into its cultural heritage. It is home to remarkable archaeological sites, including the Standing Stones of Stenness and the iconic Ring of Brodgar, both of which are great for history buffs. The romantic Balfour Castle adds to the charm of this destination. Finstown is a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate history and the great outdoors.

Tips for short-haul flights to Kirkwall

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on often proves to be more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This strategy also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting for your baggage upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to reach the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Kirkwall

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take a leisurely stroll through the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Kirkwall

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Kirkwall on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Kirkwall. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Kirkwall. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Kirkwall, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Kirkwall

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Kirkwall in 2026 starts from $1,071, while one-way tickets start from from $636. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Kirkwall. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Kirkwall

British Airways, Turkish Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Kirkwall. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Kirkwall and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Kirkwall, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Kirkwall. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Kirkwall plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Kirkwall

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Kirkwall.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Kirkwall are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Kirkwall. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Kirkwall for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Kirkwall. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Kirkwall flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Kirkwall. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.