- Must visit
The Orkney Museum
Excellent local museum covering archaeology, Pictish and Norse heritage, plus domestic life, all in a historic town-centre building.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Kirkwall
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Birmingham to Kirkwall and enjoy the approximately 726 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 726 km |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Kirkwall
Things to do in Kirkwall
Discover the best of Kirkwall — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kirkwall trip today.
- Recommended
The Orkney Explorers Museum
Museum and former home of Arctic explorer John Rae, presenting his life, expeditions and links to Orkney’s maritime story.
- Recommended
Orkney Wireless Museum
Working wireless museum with radios, communications equipment and volunteer expertise, giving a hands-on look at technology history.
- Must visit
Kirkwall Town Centre
Compact historic centre best explored on foot, combining medieval lanes, civic buildings and many of Kirkwall’s key sights.
- Recommended
Albert Street
Kirkwall’s main shopping street mixes old stone buildings, independent shops and easy access to the cathedral and museums.
- Recommended
Kirkwall Harbour
Harbour area popular for walks, sea views and watching ferries and local boats come and go near the town centre.
- Vegetarian
Orkney Oatcakes
Traditional oatcakes from Orkney, often served with local cheese, butter or smoked fish. They reflect the islands’ long oat-growing and baking heritage.
- Vegetarian
Orkney Bere Bannock
A dense fruit loaf made with flour, sugar, raisins and spices. It is a classic Orcadian tea-time bake, especially linked with local home baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Bere Bannock
The distinctive ancient six-row bere barley is used in bannocks, breads and meal. It is special to Orkney and central to the islands’ farming food culture.
Lucano
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish in a relaxed, modern setting close to Kirkwall’s centre.
The Shore Restaurant
Well-known pub and restaurant serving local seafood, grills and classics. Friendly, traditional atmosphere makes it a dependable casual choice.
Harbour View Restaurant
Stylish restaurant at The Kirkwall Hotel with views over the harbour. Expect local produce, seafood and polished brasserie-style cooking.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricier in peak season, while dining and local buses are broadly in line with other small UK island destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for a casual meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis; cafés usually just small change.
FAQs: Birmingham to Kirkwall train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Kirkwall by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kirkwall, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Birmingham to Kirkwall is 726 km.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Kirkwall.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Kirkwall in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Birmingham to Kirkwall is not direct and typically involves multiple changes, often in cities like Edinburgh and Inverness. While the route through Scotland offers picturesque landscapes, particularly in the Highlands, the overall journey may not be considered as consistently scenic as some other dedicated scenic routes.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Birmingham to Kirkwall.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Kirkwall
Most Birmingham to Kirkwall trains use the Birmingham New Street to Georgemas Junction station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Kirkwall train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Kirkwall
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Kirkwall
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Most popular trains to and from Kirkwall and Birmingham
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