Getting to Rousay.

The ferry from Tingwall.

Orkney Ferries runs the service from Tingwall to Rousay. A direct crossing takes around 25 minutes, though some sailings take longer. The route also serves Egilsay and Wyre, but not every sailing calls at every island.

The timetable shows which sailings call at Rousay. Summer and winter services are different.

Book your crossing.

Orkney Ferries recommends booking both ways well ahead, whether you’re travelling on foot or with a vehicle.

You’ll pay when you book. For boarding, you’ll need your emailed confirmation and QR code or booking number. Travel without a reservation depends on there being space.

The Tingwall office can help with ferry bookings on 01856 751360. Its current office hours are online.

Arriving outside ferry times.

You can arrange a private boat charter if the ferry times don’t fit your journey.

You can message us through your cottage’s Airbnb listing or speak to a boat-charter operator. Private crossings are booked in advance, with the departure point, time, price, luggage and onward transport agreed as part of the booking. Crossings depend on availability and sea conditions.

A car will need its own booking on the vehicle ferry. Our private boat arrival advice explains more.

Getting to Tingwall.

Once you’re in Orkney, you’ll travel to Tingwall Ferry Terminal. The connection includes getting off your first ferry, or collecting luggage and a hire car at the airport, as well as the drive.

We recommend Drive Orkney if you need a hire car. Our car-hire and airport collection advice has the details. The hire company needs to know you’re going to Rousay and confirm its ferry-use conditions before you book.

Without a car, Service 6 runs between Kirkwall Travel Centre and Tingwall. From the airport, Service 4/4D goes to the Travel Centre. From Stromness, the journey uses the X1 and then Service 6. Whether the buses connect with your ferry depends on the timetable for your date.

Service 6 to Tingwall · Airport buses · X1 from Stromness

Arriving at the pier.

Orkney Ferries currently asks vehicles to be ready 20 minutes before departure and foot passengers at least 10 minutes before. It also asks passengers not to arrive more than an hour early. The operator’s boarding guidance has the current details.

Drivers should expect to reverse aboard, following the crew’s instructions. Orkney Ferries can discuss any assistance you need when you book.

From the pier to the farm.

Your Airbnb booking has the arrival details. You can message us there for directions before you travel.

There’s plenty of parking at both cottages. The Cottage has a level entrance and three steps inside; The Farmhouse has a couple of steps outside. If you have particular access needs, we can talk you through the layout before you book.

If you’re coming on foot, you’ll need to arrange transport from the pier before you travel. You can message us through Airbnb to talk it through.

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.

Mainland day trips.

Orkney Mainland is an easy day trip from the cottages on the Rousay–Tingwall ferry. You can book the outward and return crossings together. Our guide to walks on Orkney Mainland has ideas for a day out.

If your plans change.

The operator’s live updates show any changes to sailings. If your ferry changes or you miss a connection, the operator can explain your travel options. We can help with changes to your arrival through Airbnb.

If there isn’t a suitable ferry, you can ask us or a charter operator about a private crossing before you travel. An overnight stay on Orkney Mainland is another option if the sea conditions or availability rule out a charter.