THE FIRST PART OF THE JOURNEY
Getting to Orkney.
You can bring your car on one of three main ferry routes, or fly to Kirkwall. The best route depends on where you’re coming from and whether you’d like your own car here.
Read our Orkney travel guideYOUR JOURNEY TO ROUSAY
Getting here.
Our cottages are on Rousay, just north of Orkney Mainland. You’ll travel to Orkney first, then take the ferry from Tingwall to Rousay.
How do I get to the cottages on Rousay?
Travel to Orkney first, by air to Kirkwall or by ferry, then take the Orkney Ferries service from Tingwall to Rousay. You will also need transport between arrival points and from Rousay Pier to your cottage. Plan and book each part of the journey, allowing time between connections.
FIND US IN ORKNEY
Rousay
in Orkney.
Rousay is one of the Orkney Islands, off Scotland’s north coast. We’re just north of Orkney Mainland, with a ferry from Tingwall.
Both cottages are here on Rousay, on our working sheep farm.
- Rousay
- Our island, north of Mainland
- Tingwall
- The ferry departure point on Mainland
- Kirkwall
- Orkney’s main town, on Mainland
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
01To Orkney
Ferry crossings and flights to Kirkwall.
02Across Mainland
The journey to Tingwall ferry terminal.
03To Rousay
The inter-island ferry crossing.
04At the cottage
Your Airbnb booking has the arrival details.
VIEWS FROM THE WATER
Across
the water.
AIRPORT CAR HIRE
Car hire
in Orkney.
You can hire a car for collection at Kirkwall Airport. We recommend Drive Orkney — they’re a good local company and offer airport collection and drop-off.
You’ll need to book the car and airport collection before you travel. The hire company can confirm where to meet, the times and any extra charges. They’ll also need to know you’re taking the car to Rousay. Ferry vehicle spaces are booked separately, and there’s plenty of parking at both cottages.
Check availability with Drive OrkneyFLEXIBLE ARRIVALS
Arrive outside
ferry times.
You can arrange a private boat charter to arrive outside ferry times. The departure point, time and transport to the cottage are agreed when you book.
You can message us through your cottage’s Airbnb listing, or contact the operators in our boat-charter guide. Crossings depend on availability and sea conditions.
YOUR ONWARD CONNECTION
Across Orkney.
On to Rousay.
You’ll need time between connections to get off the ferry or collect your luggage, travel to Tingwall and check in. You can also book a private charter outside ferry times or stay overnight on Orkney Mainland.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Your travel questions.
Are the cottages on Orkney Mainland?
No, both cottages are on Rousay. The ferry leaves from Tingwall on Orkney Mainland.
Can I arrive on Rousay outside ferry times?
Yes. Private charters are easy to arrange in advance. You can contact us or a charter operator about the crossing and getting to the cottage afterwards. See our private boat arrival advice and operator list.
Can I bring my car to Rousay?
Yes, the ferry carries cars, and there’s plenty of parking at both cottages. You’ll need a vehicle booking for your ferry to Orkney and a separate one for the crossing to Rousay.
Can I hire a car when I fly to Orkney?
Yes. We recommend Drive Orkney. You can book before you arrive and agree airport collection and any extra charges with them. See our car-hire advice and booking link.
Can I hire a bike on Rousay?
Yes, you can hire bikes on Rousay. We can share the details through your cottage’s Airbnb listing. See our bike-hire information and contact links.
Can I fly to the cottages?
You can fly to Kirkwall on Orkney Mainland, then travel to Tingwall for the Rousay ferry. A private boat charter is another option outside ferry times. There isn’t a direct flight to the cottages.
Where will I find the final directions?
Your Airbnb booking has the arrival details. We can also help with directions through Airbnb.