Top 10 Best Taxi Services in Orkney Islands

Getting Around Orkney by Taxi

Taxis play an important role in Orkney's transport network. They connect travellers with Kirkwall Airport, the ferry terminals at Kirkwall, Stromness, St Margaret's Hope and Houton, and provide essential transport for residents without cars, especially older people and those attending medical appointments at The Balfour hospital. For visitors, taxis are a convenient way to reach restaurants, hotels and attractions, and some drivers offer informal tours with local insight.

Orkney's taxi market is made up of small, locally owned operators, many of them family businesses. Taxis are licensed by Orkney Islands Council, which sets standards for vehicles and drivers. Because demand can be high at peak times, booking ahead is advisable. Here are the ten best taxi services and options.

1. Kirkwall Town Taxi Operators

Kirkwall is home to most of Orkney's taxi operators. Licensed firms provide around-the-clock or extended-hours service, covering town journeys, airport transfers and trips across the mainland. Their local knowledge and familiarity with regular customers create a personal service that visitors appreciate.

2. Kirkwall Airport Taxi Services

Taxis meet many scheduled flights at Kirkwall Airport, providing quick transfers into town or to hotels and holiday homes. Pre-booking is recommended, especially for late flights or during busy summer periods.

3. Stromness Taxi Operators

Stromness has its own taxi operators serving the west mainland and the NorthLink ferry terminal. They are invaluable for travellers arriving by ferry from Scrabster and heading to accommodation in Stromness, Stenness or Sandwick.

4. Wheelchair Accessible Taxis

Several Orkney operators provide wheelchair accessible vehicles, enabling people with mobility needs to travel comfortably. These services are vital for medical appointments, social activities and visitors with accessibility requirements.

5. Executive and Private Hire Services

For business travellers and special occasions, private hire operators offer comfortable executive vehicles. They are popular for corporate visitors in the renewable energy sector, wedding transport and longer journeys across the islands.

6. Taxi Tours and Driver Guides

Some Orkney taxi drivers double as informal guides, offering bespoke tours of the Neolithic sites, the Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers. For visitors without a car who want flexibility, a taxi tour can be an excellent alternative to a group excursion, particularly on cruise ship days.

7. South Ronaldsay and Burray Taxi Services

Taxi services covering the South Isles connect St Margaret's Hope and Burray with Kirkwall. They are especially useful for passengers arriving on the Pentland Ferries service from Gills Bay into St Margaret's Hope.

8. Outer Isles Island Taxis

Several outer isles, including Westray, Sanday and Hoy, have local taxi or island transport providers. These small services connect ferry terminals and airstrips with villages and attractions, making it possible to explore islands without bringing a car.

9. Community Transport Services

Community transport schemes in Orkney support older people, those with disabilities and residents of rural areas who cannot easily use conventional public transport. Volunteer drivers and accessible minibuses help people reach appointments, shops and social activities.

10. Dial-a-Bus and Demand-Responsive Transport

Demand-responsive transport services complement taxis by offering bookable shared journeys for eligible passengers. These services bridge gaps where scheduled buses are infrequent and help residents maintain independence.

Taxi Trends in Orkney

Electric taxis are becoming more common in Orkney, reflecting the islands' strong commitment to renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption. Operators benefit from lower running costs, and passengers enjoy quieter, cleaner journeys.

Demand peaks during the tourist season and cruise ship visits, when large numbers of passengers seek short trips and tours. Operators are adapting by offering pre-booked tours and coordinating with cruise schedules. Driver recruitment remains a challenge for small operators, so booking early, particularly for evening journeys and weekends, is wise.

Digital booking is also growing, with more operators accepting card payments and offering booking by text or messaging apps, making it easier for visitors to arrange journeys.

Fares in Orkney are regulated by the council for licensed taxis within its area, which gives passengers confidence that pricing is fair and consistent. Longer journeys, such as trips from Kirkwall to Birsay or to the South Isles ferry terminals, are usually quoted in advance, so it is worth asking for an estimate when booking. Many islanders build long-standing relationships with a favourite driver, a reminder that in Orkney, even a taxi ride comes with a personal touch.

Tips for Using Taxis in Orkney

• Pre-book whenever possible: Taxi availability is limited, especially late at night and on busy days.
• Confirm card payments: Most operators accept cards, but it is worth checking.
• Plan ferry connections: Book taxis to meet ferries, particularly early or late sailings.
• Ask about tours: Many drivers offer excellent local knowledge for sightseeing.
• Check accessibility: Request wheelchair accessible vehicles in advance.

Conclusion

Orkney's taxi services combine practical transport with genuine island hospitality. Whether you need an airport transfer, a ferry connection, an accessible journey or a personalised tour, local operators across Kirkwall, Stromness, the South Isles and the outer isles are ready to help. Book ahead, ask for local tips and enjoy getting around one of Scotland's most fascinating island groups.