Bus from Kirkwall to Birsay
4 direct routes · about 45 min · first bus 07:03, last bus 17:27 (weekdays); night service 7E runs at 22:02.
Next buses to Birsay as of 07:28
Scheduled times at the boarding stop in Kirkwall, from the operators' timetables — they update automatically. Open the stop for live tracking.
Direct routes
| Route | Operator | Journey time | Weekday journeys | Days | First | Last | Board at | Get off at | Calls at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Stagecoach Bluebird | ~45 min | 2 | Sat 2 · no Sunday buses | 07:03 | 17:12 | Supermarkets (at) | Palace Shop (at) | Firth, Rendall, Evie, Newton & Swannay |
| 8S | Stagecoach Bluebird | ~39 min | 2 | Sat 2 · no Sunday buses | 08:32 | 11:33 | Supermarkets (at) | Community Centre (at) | Firth, Harray, Stenness, Sandwick, Dounby & Twatt |
| 7 | Stagecoach Bluebird | ~43 min | 2 | Sat 2 · no Sunday buses | 13:37 | 17:27 | New Balfour Hospital (at) | Palace Shop (at) | St Ola, Firth, Harray, Dounby & Twatt |
| 7E | Stagecoach Bluebird | ~42 min | 1 | Fridays and Saturdays only | 22:02 | 22:02 | Supermarkets (at) | Palace Shop (at) | Firth, Rendall, Evie, Newton & Swannay |
Times are for the first boarding point in Kirkwall on each route's weekday timetable — open the route for the full timetable, live map and every stop.
The same number runs elsewhere in the UK — see every 6 bus, 8S bus, 7 bus or 7E bus timetable.
Fares from Kirkwall to Birsay
Between the stops in the table above. The operators' own published fares, from the Bus Open Data Service; check with the operator before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Kirkwall to Birsay?
4 routes run directly from Kirkwall to Birsay: the 6 (Stagecoach Bluebird), the 8S (Stagecoach Bluebird), the 7 (Stagecoach Bluebird), the 7E (Stagecoach Bluebird). The most frequent is the 6, twice each weekday — board at Supermarkets (at) and get off at Palace Shop (at), about 45 minutes.
How long does the bus take from Kirkwall to Birsay?
Around 45 minutes on the 6, depending on time of day and traffic. It calls at Firth, Rendall, Evie, Newton and other stops on the way.
What time is the first and last bus from Kirkwall to Birsay?
On weekdays the first direct bus leaves around 07:03 and the last around 17:27 — and night service 7E runs at 22:02. Check the route timetables for weekends.
How much is the bus from Kirkwall to Birsay?
Adult singles from Kirkwall to Birsay: £2.00 on the 6, 8S and 7E (Stagecoach Bluebird). Prices are the operators' own published fares on the Bus Open Data Service — check with the operator before you travel. Fares on this journey are set by the operator — the England fare cap doesn't apply in Scotland. Under-22s, over-60s and eligible disabled passengers travel free with a National Entitlement Card.