Top 10 Best Car Rental Companies in Orkney Islands

Why Hire a Car in Orkney

Orkney's highlights are spread across a wide area. Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers, the Brough of Birsay and countless beaches and viewpoints lie miles apart. While buses connect major villages, a car gives visitors the freedom to explore at their own pace, stop for photographs, follow single-track roads to hidden coves and catch ferries to the outer isles.

Orkney's car rental market is served by local, family-run businesses that know the islands intimately, alongside national rental brands on the Scottish mainland for those who prefer to bring a car across on the ferry. Fleet sizes are limited, so booking well ahead in summer is essential. Here are the ten best options.

1. W.R. Tullock

W.R. Tullock is one of Orkney's longest-established car hire companies, with a presence at Kirkwall Airport. Its convenient airport collection makes it ideal for visitors arriving by air. The company offers a range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger family models, and is valued for its friendly, efficient service.

2. Orkney Car Hire

Orkney Car Hire, based in Kirkwall, provides a selection of cars and vans for visitors and residents. Its local knowledge, flexible collection arrangements and competitive rates make it a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers.

3. Drive Orkney

Drive Orkney offers car rental with convenient collection points around Kirkwall, including options to meet customers at the airport or ferry terminals. Its customer-focused approach and well-maintained vehicles have earned it strong reviews from visitors.

4. Stromness Car Hire

Stromness Car Hire is a practical choice for visitors arriving on the NorthLink ferry from Scrabster. Collecting a car in Stromness means you can head straight to the west mainland's Neolithic sites without travelling into Kirkwall first.

5. Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental

Arnold Clark is Scotland's largest car dealership group and runs an extensive rental network across the country, including branches in the Highlands and north-east. Visitors travelling via Aberdeen or Inverness can hire a car on the mainland and take it to Orkney on the ferry, but should confirm that ferry travel is permitted under the rental agreement.

6. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise operates branches across Scotland, including at major airports. Its wide vehicle selection and customer service reputation make it a reliable choice for travellers starting their journey on the mainland.

7. Hertz

Hertz offers car rental at Scottish airports such as Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow. For visitors combining a Highlands road trip with an Orkney stay, Hertz provides flexibility and a broad fleet.

8. Avis

Avis is another major international brand with locations across Scotland. Its loyalty programme and range of vehicles suit frequent travellers and business visitors combining mainland and island travel.

9. Europcar

Europcar provides rental services at key Scottish airports and city locations. Its range includes electric and hybrid vehicles, which are increasingly practical in Orkney thanks to the islands' growing charging network.

10. Bike and E-Bike Hire Providers

For a greener alternative, cycle and e-bike hire businesses in Kirkwall and Stromness let visitors explore Orkney's quiet roads and gentle terrain on two wheels. E-bikes help with the islands' strong winds and make longer distances manageable. Combining bike hire with buses or ferries is an excellent way to explore sustainably.

Car Rental Trends in Orkney

Electric vehicles are a major trend. Orkney has been a pioneer in renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption, with a strong public charging network relative to its population. Rental companies are gradually introducing electric and hybrid models, and visitors can take advantage of the islands' compact geography, which suits EV range well.

Demand is highly seasonal. In summer, cruise visitors, tourists and event attendees put pressure on limited fleets, so early booking is vital. Off-season travel offers more availability and often better rates. There is also growing interest in campervan travel, though visitors should be mindful of narrow roads and limited overnight parking in some areas.

Driving Tips for Orkney

• Book early: Local fleets are small and sell out in summer.
• Check ferry policies: Confirm whether your rental can travel on inter-island ferries.
• Watch single-track roads: Use passing places courteously and never park in them.
• Be wind-aware: Strong gusts can affect vehicles, especially on the Churchill Barriers.
• Look out for wildlife and livestock: Farm animals and birds may be on rural roads.
• Plan fuel and charging: Fuel stations and chargers are less frequent on outer isles.

Conclusion

Hiring a car unlocks the full richness of Orkney, from world-famous Neolithic monuments to remote beaches and clifftop viewpoints. Local specialists such as W.R. Tullock, Orkney Car Hire, Drive Orkney and Stromness Car Hire offer convenience and island expertise, while national brands on the mainland suit drive-on ferry trips. Whichever you choose, book early and enjoy the freedom of exploring Orkney on your own terms.