- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct
Cheapest price on 10 Oct
£55
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£78
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
7 h 43 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
7 h 43 m
Trains on 10 Oct
2
Distance
355 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Kirkwall is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Kirkwall will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Fast trains
On Sat 10 Oct, we found 2 trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 355 km distance in an average of 7 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 43 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:077h43Glasgow16:50Kirkwall£551One-way0 changes- 10:077h43Glasgow17:50Kirkwall£1011One-way0 changes
- 10:077h43Glasgow17:50Kirkwall£1011One-way0 changes
- 9:077h43Glasgow16:50Kirkwall£551One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Glasgow to Kirkwall
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £76 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:58, the last at 16:51. The fastest train covers the 355 km distance in 6h 43m.
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 355 km |
Average train duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £76 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 43m |
First train 6:58 |
Last train 16:51 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Live departures
Glasgow to Kirkwall train times
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Kirkwall trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:08 Glasgow | 7h42 | 17:50 Kirkwall | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:40 Glasgow | 8h40 | 21:20 Kirkwall | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Glasgow to Kirkwall trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
Train companies: Scotrail from Glasgow to Kirkwall trainsScotrail trains will get you between Glasgow and Kirkwall from £76. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
6h 43m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£76
Scotrail frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
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: Glasgow to Kirkwall train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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 cost of a train ticket from Glasgow to Kirkwall can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £76, while the average price tends to be around £90.
The train journey from Glasgow to Kirkwall covers a distance of 355 km and takes approximately 6h 43m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Glasgow to Kirkwall is 355 km.
The first train from Glasgow to Kirkwall leaves at 6:58.
The last train from Glasgow to Kirkwall departs at 16:51.
Trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
There is no night train service from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
The train station in Glasgow that goes to Kirkwall is Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ), and it arrives at Thurso station (THS).
Booking trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The journey from Glasgow to Kirkwall does not include a direct train; it involves a train to Inverness or Thurso, followed by a ferry to Orkney. The rail portion offers scenic views through the Scottish Highlands, showcasing rolling hills, lochs, and rugged landscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from Glasgow to Kirkwall.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Kirkwall
Most Glasgow to Kirkwall trains use the Glasgow Queen Street to Thurso station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Kirkwall train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Glasgow
Arrival train stations in Kirkwall
Which Glasgow station do trains to Kirkwall leave from?
Trains from Glasgow to Kirkwall leave from Glasgow Queen Street. The station is 1 km from Glasgow city centre at Glasgow Queen Street station, North Hanover Street, George Square, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G1 2AF.
Glasgow Queen StreetGlasgow Queen Street station, North Hanover Street, George Square, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G1 2AF
City-centre transport
Getting to Glasgow Queen Street from Glasgow city centre
Bus19, 38C, 38A, 38B, 38E, 38, 57A, 57 · 2m · £2 · every ~46 min
15 · 3m · £0.89 · every ~7 min
SubwaySub · 23m · £2 · every ~57 min
Glasgow Queen Street train station facilities and services
Glasgow Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Information Desk on Concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Glasgow to Kirkwall
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kirkwall and Glasgow
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