Hiring a car you can explore more of the Orkney Islands
Orkney roads are pretty quiet - be prepared to pull into passing places on single tracksHiring a car gives you the flexibility to explore the Orkney Islands at your convenience. Public transport can be limiting especially if travelling to other islands than Mainland. The roads are rarely busy and you can see some wonderful scenery on your travels.
There are a variety of companies providing car hire. You can pick these up at their offices or pick up from ferry or the airport terminal can be easily arranged.
Richmond Villa - St Margarets Hope
Richmond Villa offers bed and breakfast accommodation in double and twin en-suite rooms in St Margaret's Hope on the beautiful Isles of Orkney
£23 to £28 Per person B&B
Public transport can be limited and infrequent in the Orkneys so hiring a car is sometimes the best way to see the islands and the many sights they have to offer. Unlike travelling in a lot of the UK, the roads are generally quiet so you won't feel stressed out driving around.
Cars can be hired from a variety of companies who are based in the main town on Mainland Orkney, Kirkwall. Tullock's is the only one with an office at the airport, but other companies can arrange free pick-up from Kirkwall Airport. Car rental is also available at Stromness, handy for the ferries arriving on Mainland at Stromness. Most companies are based in Mainland Orkney. Some do allow you to take the car over to the other islands on the ferries but check the terms before booking as not all offer this service. A range of different sized cars are available at daily rates or are sometimes cheaper by booking for a week or more or at weekends.
Most companies have good websites and you can get a quote and book car hire online. Alternatively given them a call for friendly advice and service. Check the terms as to whether you're expected to bring the car back with a full tank of petrol or an empty one as different companies have different arrangements and you don't want to fill it up then not have it reimbursed.
Orkney Car Hire offer chauffeur and executive services available for those wanting to impress. You can arrange to be picked up in a Rolls Royce or limousine! Good for visiting VIPs or weddings. Tullock's can trace their company back to the 19th century where the founder met Henry Ford that has lead to a company loyalty to using Ford cars.
Orkney Car Hire, Junction Road, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1JY. Tel: 01856 872866. Fax: 01856 875300. Email: info@orkneycarhire.co.uk
WR Tullock, Castle Garage, Castle St, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1HD. Tel: 01856 875500. Fax: 01856 874458. Email: info@wr-tullock.co.uk
Drive Orkney, Grainshore Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1FL. Tel: 01856 877551. Fax 01856 871738. Email: info@driveorkney.com
Norman W Brass, Self Drive Car Hire, Blue Star Garage, North End Road, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AG. Tel: 01856 850850. Fax: 01856 850985. Email: info@nwbrass.co.uk
Richmond Villa - St Margarets Hope
Richmond Villa offers bed and breakfast accommodation in double and twin en-suite rooms in St Margaret's Hope on the beautiful Isles of Orkney
£23 to £28 Per person B&B