Traveling to Orkney is easy, with a full-service airline providing comfortable flights to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
Major airport near Orkney: Kirkwall Airport (KOI)
Flights per week: 7 flights arriving at Orkney airport
Number of airlines that fly to Orkney: around 1 carrier
Popular airport near Orkney
Orkney is a charming village perfect for family getaways, cultural experiences, and urban retreats. Visitors are drawn to Orkney for its romantic ambiance, outdoor activities, cultural richness, and entertainment options. The village is conveniently served by a major airport.
Kirkwall Airport (KOI): Situated in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, approximately 6 miles from the main town of Orkney, this airport offers domestic flights. Loganair is a well-known airline operating here.
Top routes to Orkney
Edinburgh (EDI) to Orkney (KOI), with one-way fares starting at around $180
Cheapest routes to Orkney
Edinburgh (EDI) to Orkney (KOI), with budget one-way fares from around $180
*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes
Top airlines with flights to Orkney
Loganair: Operating flights to Kirkwall Airport (KOI), Loganair is responsible for nearly all arrivals to {short_name}. The typical one-way fare hovers around $260.
How to save money on a flight to Orkney
Getting some of the best deals on flights to Orkney is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
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.
Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
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.
Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Orkney flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.
*For members. Select hotels.
Arriving in Orkney
Orkney welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Orkney efficiently:
Public transportation: From Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall Seaport, a seaport, is located about 4.2 miles away by car.
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Orkney, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car in Orkney is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Orkney 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 Orkney
Toab: Toab is located 3 miles away from Orkney and offers a charming blend of entertainment and romance. This picturesque city is perfect for those seeking a beach experience. Notable attractions include the Italian Chapel, a stunning church that showcases unique architectural beauty, and the historic ruins of Earl's Palace, which whisper tales of the past. For history enthusiasts, the Orkney Museum provides a deep dive into the rich heritage of the area, making it an ideal stop for culture lovers.
Kirkwall: Situated 13 miles drive away from Orkney, Kirkwall is a vibrant city known for its cultural offerings and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, or take a ferry to nearby islands. Key points of interest include the majestic St. Magnus Cathedral, an architectural marvel, and the ruins of Earl's Palace, which reflect the area's rich history. The Orkney Museum also captures the essence of the region, making Kirkwall a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.
Shapinsay: Shapinsay is located 9 miles away from Orkney and invites families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover its natural beauty. This idyllic city is renowned for activities such as birdwatching and guided tours, allowing visitors to connect with nature. Don’t miss Balfour Castle, a romantic site perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the archaeological treasures found nearby. The Earl's Palace and Orkney Museum also offer glimpses into the fascinating history of the region, making Shapinsay a delightful stop for culture seekers.
Tips for short-haul flights to Orkney
For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:
Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits carefully. This also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment. To stay engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Be sure to charge your devices fully before you board.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, allowing for traffic and security lines.
Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.
Tips for long-haul flights to Orkney
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 typically allow seat selection for free once online check-in opens, usually 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide seat selection even earlier.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to browse 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 changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or remain awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.
Tips to find the cheapest flights to Orkney
The cheapest day to fly
Get started finding a cheap flight to Orkney 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 Orkney. 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 Orkney. 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 Orkney, 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 Orkney
The lowest price for round-trip flights to Orkney in 2026 starts from $1,066, while one-way tickets start from from $622. 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 Orkney. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.
The cheapest airlines flying to Orkney
Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Orkney. 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 Orkney and countless more destinations worldwide.
The most affordable airports to fly into
To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Orkney, 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 Orkney. 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 Orkney 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 Orkney
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 Orkney.
Stopover savings
The cheapest tickets to Orkney are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Orkney. 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 Orkney 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 Orkney. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Orkney 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 Orkney. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the cheapest to fly to Orkney?
Plan your trip for October if you're hoping to get a good price on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Orkney. If possible, avoid traveling during peak periods such as major public holidays or events.
Which US cities fly direct to Orkney?
To fly to Orkney without a stopover, simply select the "Direct flights only" box when you explore journeys on Expedia and we'll show you all the available options to compare.
How to find a cheap flight to Orkney?
To get cheap flights to Orkney, book in advance and consider traveling during the low season. Want a handy tip? Fly on a Thursday and save around 16% on average compared to those who travel on a Sunday.* Sign up for price tracking on the Expedia app and we'll notify you if prices drop.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Orkney?
Staying flexible about your travel plans might help you to secure last-minute offers on cheap flights to Orkney. To see all the available options, consider looking at different ticket types, tweaking your Orkney vacation dates, flying out of an alternative airport or going with another airline.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Orkney?
Secure the travel dates you want and a fare you'll love by booking your domestic flight to Orkney up to 28 days in advance. Lock in tickets two to four months ahead if you're traveling to Orkney from an international destination.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Orkney?
Generally, you can find cheap flights to Orkney on Sundays. Travelers can save around 8% on average compared to booking on a Friday, which is often the most expensive day to book.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Where do you fly into Orkney?
When flying to Orkney, the main airport to land at is Kirkwall Airport (KOI). You can also jet into nearby hubs like Wick Airport (WIC), Stronsay (SOY) or Flotta Isle (FLH). Another great option to think about when you fly to Orkney is Eday (EOI).
Can I save money by booking an Orkney trip package?
It's possible to save hundreds of dollars if you secure an Orkney flight and hotel package deal on Expedia. And you'll save yourself hassle by having all your travel arrangements in one place. Try bundling your hotel and flight with extras like tours and car rentals for your own personalized Orkney getaway.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Orkney?
It's often possible to change or cancel your flight to Orkney. Many airlines allow you to cancel your flight for free within 24 hours of booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may issue you credit for future travel rather than a direct refund. To reserve affordable flights to Orkney with flexible change policies, select the "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters during your search. Want more details? Go to our Customer Service Portal.
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $622 for one-way flights and $1,066 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.