How to get to Sanday

Sanday is one of the most northerly of the Orkney Islands, a ferry ride or a flight away from the Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland.  Getting here involves a variety of transport, but don't be daunted by it – take your time and make it all part of the adventure.

The direct ferry from Kirkwall Pier to the Loth terminal in Sanday takes about an hour and twenty minutes.  Current fare tariffs are available from the Orkney Ferries web site. (Orkney Ferries - 01856 872044 - www.orkneyferries.co.uk)

Flying direct from Kirkwall airport to Sanday takes about 11 minutes. There are usually two flights per day and they are well used by the islanders, so book early (LoganAir - 01856 872494 - www.loganair.co.uk).

If you have your own private plane or helicopter you can land on the Sanday airfield, but need to notify the local council on 01857 873535.

But first you have to get to Mainland Orkney by air or sea. 

You can fly by FlyBe partner LoganAir to Kirkwall Airport from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness.  For further information contact:
LoganAir - 01856 872494 - www.loganair.co.uk

Or you can take one of the four ferry routes operating out of Aberdeen, John O'Groats, Gill's Bay and Scrabster (near Thurso):

John O'Groats Ferries operates a passenger only service during the summer months and travels between John O'Groats and Burray. For further information contact: John O’Groats Ferries (passenger only) - 01955 611353 - www.jogferry.co.uk

Northlink passenger and car ferries operate two routes – one from Aberdeen to Kirkwall and the other from Scrabster to Stromness. This service operates all year round.  For further information contact:  Northlink Ferries - 0845 6000449 - www.northlinkferries.co.uk

Pentland Ferries operates a fast catamaran passenger and car ferry service between Gill's Bay on the mainland and St Margaret's Hope in Orkney all year round. For further information contact: Pentland Ferries - 01856 831226 - www.pentlandferries.co.uk

Header photo of Start Lighthouse - © Andy Sales
The ferry arrives at Sanday’s Loth Pier, with Eday visible in the background - © Roderick Thorne
LoganAir Islander plane coming in to land at Sanday airstrip - © Roderick Thorne