Car Hire From Kirkwall

Book Cheap Car Hire in Kirkwall

Looking to rent a car in Kirkwall? It doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you live locally in the KW15 postcode area and just need a runaround while your car is in the garage, you’re travelling to the Orkney Islands for a business trip, or you’re arriving by flight or ferry to explore the world-famous Neolithic sites, having your own set of wheels makes getting around so much easier.

At 1st UK Car Rentals, we do the hard work for you. You can quickly compare live prices and find a car that suits your trip perfectly. We work with trusted local partners right across Kirkwall, including providers located inside the terminal at Kirkwall Airport and right in the town centre on Castle Street, to get you a great deal on a clean, reliable car. Whether you just need a small hatchback to nip around the historic streets, or a sturdy SUV to handle rural trips across the Churchill Barriers, we'll help you find it.

We’re completely honest about our prices—what you see online is exactly what you’ll pay at the desk. No hidden fees, no confusing small print, just straightforward car hire. You can plan your own route, discover quiet coastal spots, and travel at your own pace without having to worry about missing the local bus or waiting in the rain for a taxi at the ferry terminal.

Tailored Car Hire Options Built Around Your Needs

No Credit Card? Easy Debit Card Car Hire in Kirkwall

We know that not everyone carries or wants to use a credit card, and we don't think that should stand between you and getting on the road. We can help you arrange straightforward debit card car rental with trusted local depots in Kirkwall. As long as your Visa or Mastercard debit card is registered in your name and you meet the standard ID checks, picking up your car is completely smooth. You can enjoy your journey around Orkney without worrying about credit applications or complex payment rules.

Keep Spending Funds Free with Low & No Deposit Car Hire

We understand that having a massive security deposit held on your card can put a real dent in your travel budget. That’s why we offer low and no deposit car hire options across Kirkwall and the surrounding islands. By reducing or removing the heavy pre-authorisation hold at the pickup counter, you keep your hard-earned cash where it belongs—in your bank account, ready to enjoy on dining out near the harbour, visiting local attractions like St Magnus Cathedral, and enjoying family activities.

Total Peace of Mind with Zero Excess Car Hire

Driving along unfamiliar single-track roads and squeezing past farm vehicles in rural Orkney can sometimes feel a bit nerve-wracking. To help you relax completely behind the wheel, we offer zero excess car hire options that reduce your financial liability to zero. If you happen to pick up a minor hedge scratch or a small stone chip while exploring the coastal lanes towards Yesnaby or Skara Brae, you won't face heavy out-of-pocket repair bills. You can simply enjoy your trip with total reassurance from start to finish.

Car Hire for New & Young Drivers Under 25

Finding affordable car hire when you're under 25 or a newly qualified driver can sometimes feel like a challenge, but we are here to make it easy. We partner with rental suppliers who gladly welcome younger drivers (typically aged 21 and over), offering well-maintained economy and compact cars that are perfect for building road confidence. We clearly explain any young driver daily surcharges right from the start, so you can get behind the wheel safely and affordably without facing unexpected surprises at the desk.

Senior Drivers Car Hire with No Hidden Age Caps

If you're a senior driver planning a relaxing break in the Northern Isles, you can book with complete confidence through our platform. We strongly believe that age should never be a barrier to getting around, which is why we work with flexible suppliers who offer senior drivers car hire with clear terms. Whether you're planning scenic drives along Scapa Flow or visiting local family, you can enjoy a friendly, respectful service tailored to keep you driving comfortably.

Flying In? Nearest Airport & Flexible One-Way Car Rental

If you're arriving by air, Kirkwall Airport (KOI) sits just a few miles south-east of the town centre. Whether you're landing on an early morning Loganair flight from Aberdeen or Edinburgh, picking up a car right inside the terminal is incredibly simple. We also make cross-island road trips completely stress-free with our flexible one-way car hire options. You can pick up your vehicle at the airport and hand the keys back at a local depot near the ferry terminals in Stromness or St Margaret's Hope—saving you from making a round trip just to drop off your car.

Reliable Local Van Hire in Kirkwall

Need something larger than a standard car? Whether you're moving house across the KW15 postcode, collecting heavy materials for a DIY project, clearing out garage rubbish, or moving stock for your local island business, we can help you find reliable van hire in Kirkwall. From short-wheelbase panel vans for quick runs to spacious Luton vans with tail lifts for major furniture moves, we connect you with clean, practical commercial vehicles that get the job done quickly and easily.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Kirkwall?

Prices in Kirkwall, Stromness, and across the Orkney mainland go up and down depending on the time of year and what's going on locally. Summer tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites, business travellers, and local residents all push demand up at different times.

Whether you just need a car for a weekend break or you're looking for long-term car rental on Orkney for a work contract or an extended stay, booking early usually gets you the best monthly or weekly rates.

Kirkwall Car Hire Price Guide (Seasonal Averages)

To give you an idea of what to budget, here’s a look at the average daily rates for different types of cars in the local KW15 postcode area.

Vehicle Type	Typical Provider	Average Daily Rate (Inc. Basic Cover)	Peak Summer Rate	Low Season Estimate
Small City Car (Economy)	W R Tullock / Europcar	£45.00	£75.00	£35.00
Compact Hatchback	Local Partners	£48.00	£85.00	£40.00
Family Estate Car	Rhino / Europcar	£65.00	£110.00	£55.00
Crossover / SUV	W R Tullock / Europcar	£85.00	£145.00	£75.00
Executive Saloon	Premium Local Partners	£95.00	£160.00	£85.00
7-Seater People Carrier (MPV)	W R Tullock	£110.00	£185.00	£95.00
Fully Electric (EV)	Eco / Europcar	£80.00	£135.00	£70.00

Just a quick note: These figures are average estimates to help you plan. Final prices will vary depending on how far in advance you book, how long you need the car for, and what vehicles are actually left on the forecourt.

When to Book Your Kirkwall Car Rental for the Best Price

Orkney gets incredibly busy during bank holidays, the Easter break, and the peak summer months (July and August). Because the island relies heavily on tourists arriving by ferry and air to explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, demand for local cars is consistently strong during this window.

Popular cars like small hatchbacks, family estates, and sturdy SUVs get snapped up fast during the peak summer weeks. It’s always a good idea to book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If you leave it to the last minute during the height of summer, you might end up paying a premium, or you might find there aren't any cars left at the airport terminal.

Which Hire Car is Right for Orkney?

The type of car you need really depends on where you plan to go. Squeezing into the car parks in Kirkwall town centre or navigating single-track roads is a lot easier in a small car, while packing the family up for a weekend exploring the rugged coastlines might call for a sturdy SUV.

If you’re visiting from abroad or just prefer an easier drive on unfamiliar rural roads, automatic car hire in Kirkwall is very popular. An automatic takes the hassle out of constantly changing gears if you find yourself navigating steep rural lanes or pulling in and out of passing places, letting you just focus on the route ahead.

Popular Car Categories and What They're Good For

Vehicle Category	Best Used For on Orkney	Popular Examples	Why Choose This?
Small Hatchbacks	Town centre driving, navigating narrow single-track lanes.	Fiat 500, Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta	Really nimble, extremely easy to pull into small passing places, and great on fuel.
Estate Cars	Family days out, carrying camping gear or heavy luggage.	Skoda Octavia Estate, Ford Focus Estate	Loads of boot space for bags and pushchairs, and they drive really comfortably on the A965.
SUVs & Crossovers	Exploring rural roads, all-weather driving, feeling a bit safer.	Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga	You sit a bit higher up, which helps you see over the landscape, and the suspension handles bumpy roads well.
Executive Saloons	Corporate meetings, comfortable drives across the island.	BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class	Quiet inside, very comfortable, and they look the part if you're turning up to a business meeting.
7-Seater People Carriers	Group trips, big family holidays, taking everyone out to Skara Brae.	Volkswagen Touran, Ford Galaxy	Massive amount of space, and you can fold the seats flat if you need to move bulky luggage.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)	Eco-friendly trips, quiet driving around the islands.	MG4 EV, Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf	Cheap to run, really smooth to drive, and you can plug them in at local charging hubs.

Where to Pick Up Your Hire Car in Kirkwall

Because Kirkwall is the main gateway to the Orkney Islands, rental branches are conveniently located to serve arriving visitors at the major transport hubs.

Provider / Depot	Location / Access	Best Suited For	Key Details
Kirkwall Airport Hub	Terminal Building (KW15 1TH)	Fly-drive tourists, business arrivals	Providers like W R Tullock and Europcar operate desks right inside the terminal for immediate collection.
Kirkwall Town Centre	Castle Street (KW15 1HD)	Ferry arrivals, local residents	Located in the shadow of St Magnus Cathedral and just 100 metres from the harbour.
Ferry Meet & Greets	Stromness / St Margaret's Hope	Foot passengers	Some local companies offer collection services if you arrive via the NorthLink or Pentland ferries.

Getting to Your Rental Branch

• By Flight: If you land at Kirkwall Airport, you literally step off the plane into the small terminal where the rental desks are clearly visible.
• By Bus: The Stagecoach X1 bus service connects Stromness, Kirkwall, and St Margaret's Hope. If you arrive by ferry and need to get to the Castle Street depot in Kirkwall, the bus will drop you at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, which is directly opposite the rental office.
• By Taxi: There are taxi ranks at the airport and in the town centre. A quick cab ride from the harbour to a local branch will take just a few minutes.

What Documents Do You Need to Hire a Car in the UK?

When you arrive to pick up your car, the desk staff will need to check a few details for insurance purposes. Having these ready will save you time and stop you from hanging around the rental desk:

• Valid Driving Licence: You’ll need a full, valid photocard licence that you've held for at least 12 months. They won't accept a photo of it on your phone or a photocopy, so make sure you have the physical card. If you’re visiting from abroad, bring your national driving licence (and an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't in English).
• DVLA Check Code (UK Residents): If you hold a UK licence, you need to grab a share code from the GOV.UK website within 21 days of picking up the car. The staff use this to check your penalty points. You just need your licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to get one.
• Proof of Address: Bring a physical paper document, like a recent utility bill or a bank statement from the last 3 months. The address on it needs to match your driving licence exactly.
• Payment Card: The main driver has to bring a physical payment card in their own name so the depot can hold the security deposit. Most places ask for a credit card, but we can arrange debit card rental options if requested in advance.
• Age Limits: You generally need to be at least 21 or 25 to rent a standard car, depending on the provider. If you want a luxury car or a big 9-seater, you usually need to be 30 or older. If you're under 25, you can still rent smaller cars, but you'll have to pay a daily young driver fee.

Understanding Car Hire Insurance and Excess

Insurance jargon can be confusing, but understanding it helps keep your budget safe—especially if you're navigating narrow rural roads.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): By law, standard UK rental rates include basic CDW. This limits how much you have to pay if the car gets damaged, but you will still have to pay an excess fee.
• The Excess Amount: The excess is the absolute maximum amount you’d have to pay out of your own pocket towards repairs. Depending on the size of the car, this is usually somewhere between £1,000 and £1,500.
• Excess Protection / Super CDW: You can choose to buy extra excess protection at the desk. This lowers your liability to zero (or a very small amount). It adds to the daily cost of the rental, but it gives you total peace of mind when you're driving on single-track roads.
• Independent Excess Insurance: To save money, you can buy independent excess insurance online before you even pick up the car. If you do this, the rental company will still put a hold on your card for the full excess, but if you do get charged for damage, you can claim the money back from your independent insurer later.

Straightforward Car Hire with 1st UK Car Rentals

Nobody likes turning up to a rental desk only to be hit with extra charges or pushy sales tactics when all they want to do is grab the keys and go.

We've been doing this for over thirty years in the UK, and we believe in keeping things simple. The price you see when you search online is the base price you’ll pay when you pick up the car. We don't hide costs in the fine print, so you know exactly what you're paying and can budget properly for your trip.

If you're planning a long drive across the islands, keep an eye out for deals that include a free extra driver. It’s a brilliant way to split the driving without having to pay extra daily fees at the desk. We clearly mark these offers on our site so you can find them easily.

We partner with trusted local companies operating right near Kirkwall and the airport. This means you'll pick up a modern, well-maintained car with clear terms from start to finish.

A Few Handy Tips Before You Hit the Road in Kirkwall

A few quick tips for renting a car on Orkney:

• Master the Passing Places: Orkney features hundreds of miles of single-track roads. If you see a car coming, pull into a passing place on your left. If the passing place is on your right, stop opposite it and let the oncoming car drive into it. Never, ever park in a passing place.
• Fill up before you drop it off: Most rentals require you to bring the car back with a full tank. It's cheaper to fill up at a local petrol station in Kirkwall town centre rather than paying the rental company’s refuelling rates.
• Check the car for scratches: Before you drive away, take a couple of minutes to walk around the car and snap a few photos or a quick video on your phone. Make sure any existing marks or scuffs on the alloys are recorded on your paperwork.

Common Questions About Hiring a Car in Kirkwall

Does Kirkwall have a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or LEZ?

No. If you are staying entirely within Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands, you do not need to worry about any Low Emission Zone (LEZ) or Clean Air Zone charges for passenger cars. The air quality is excellent, and there are no penalty charges for driving through the town or rural areas.

Do I have to pay extra to add another driver?

Not if you book a deal through 1st UK Car Rentals that specifically includes it. Some local providers even offer no charge for the first additional driver as standard. We highlight these offers so you can share the driving without getting hit with daily fees at the desk.

Can I use a debit card to hire a car in Kirkwall?

Most of the big rental branches will ask for a physical credit card in the main driver's name to hold the security deposit. A few places might accept a debit card, but usually only if you buy their top-tier zero-excess insurance at the desk. Always double-check the payment terms when you're booking online.

Can I hire a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but there are some strict rules. If you're over 25, you can rent almost anything. If you're under 25 (usually between 21 and 24), you can still hire smaller cars, but you will definitely have to pay a young driver fee every day, and they won't let you rent the premium cars or big SUVs.

Local Travel & Area Information

Exploring Kirkwall & Orkney by Car

Situated right in the centre of Mainland Orkney, Kirkwall is a vibrant, incredibly historic town that wears its Norse heritage with pride. Boasting magnificent medieval architecture, bustling streets, and world-class local distilleries, it makes an absolutely brilliant base for exploring the archipelago.

While there are bus links connecting the main towns, relying purely on public transport to explore the wider rural islands can be tricky. Public transport is fine for getting between Kirkwall and Stromness, but if you want to head out to the spectacular coastal cliffs, drive across the Churchill Barriers, or visit the remote Neolithic ruins, having a rental car makes life a lot simpler. By picking up a car locally in Kirkwall, you can skip the rigid bus schedules and enjoy the very best parts of Orkney on your own terms.

Why Hiring a Car in Kirkwall is the Best Way to Travel

Lugging heavy bags, baby buggies, or camping gear onto a bus isn't fun, and relying on local taxis for trips out into the countryside can quickly get expensive.

If you're visiting for work and need to get between the nearby business hubs, corporate meetings in Stromness, or the airport, a hire car is usually the quickest way to get around. It means you can tackle the local business landscape without waiting for a cab to show up.

If you've just arrived off the ferry for a family holiday, you'll probably want to explore the sweeping landscapes of Scapa Flow, walk the trails at local nature reserves, or take a scenic drive out to Skara Brae. Hiring a roomy estate car or a 7-seater people carrier means everyone gets a comfortable seat, with plenty of room in the boot for hiking boots and waterproofs. You can just throw your gear in the back and set off whenever you’re ready.

Picking up a hire car puts you straight onto the main roads. You’re just a few seconds from the A965, giving you a fast, straight run west towards Stromness, or south towards the barriers.

Clean Air Zones and Driving Charges

If you are staying entirely within Kirkwall and the wider Orkney mainland, you do not need to worry about any Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or LEZ charges for private passenger cars. There are no penalty charges for driving through the town centre or the surrounding villages.

There are also no toll roads on the islands, allowing you to explore the local routes freely.

Driving in Kirkwall: A Quick Local Guide

Driving around the Orkney mainland is a fantastic experience, but because of its rural nature, it helps to know a few of the main roads and local driving etiquette.

The Main Roads Around Kirkwall

• The A965: This is the primary two-lane arterial road connecting Kirkwall directly to Stromness in the west via Finstown. It is quick and very well-surfaced.
• The A960: Running south-east out of the town, this road takes you straight to Kirkwall Airport.
• Single-Track Roads: Most of the interesting tourist spots (like the Italian Chapel or the Ring of Brodgar) are accessed via single-track roads. You must use the white-on-black diamond passing places correctly—pulling in on the left to let oncoming traffic pass.

Traffic and Busy Times

Because Kirkwall is the central hub, the roads around the harbour and Broad Street can get busy, particularly when a large cruise ship docks. Major visitor attractions fill up quickly during July and August, so it is highly recommended to arrive at places like Skara Brae or Maeshowe before 10am or after 3pm to guarantee a parking space.

Parking and Electric Vehicle Charging in Kirkwall

You won't struggle for parking in the local area. Kirkwall has plenty of surface car parks managed by the local council.

Kirkwall Parking Facilities

Car Park	Location / Access	Best For	Details
Broad Street / Albert Street	Town Centre	Shopping, Cathedral	Very central pay-and-display parking right near St Magnus Cathedral.
Muddisdale Road	West of Town Centre	Long stays	Free all-day parking, just a short 6 to 12-minute walk into the town centre past the Peedie Sea.
St Olaf's Wynd	Town Centre	Quick errands	Short stay parking with a strict 20-minute cap, ideal for picking up food or quick stops.

Charging Your Electric Rental Car

If you've hired an EV, the charging network across Orkney is incredibly well-developed.

• Town Centre: You will find rapid EV charging points scattered across Kirkwall's main car parks and near the harbour.
• Stromness & Beyond: Charging hubs are highly accessible in Stromness and at key ferry terminals.

Great Places to Drive from Kirkwall

Picking up your car in Kirkwall puts you in a fantastic spot for a day out. Here are ten brilliant places you can drive to:

1. The Italian Chapel

5 miles | About a 15-minute drive

Drive south across the first of the Churchill Barriers to Lamb Holm. This incredibly beautiful, highly ornate chapel was built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII using scavenged materials.

2. Skara Brae

16 miles | About a 30-minute drive

Head west to visit one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Western Europe. Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, this Stone Age settlement was perfectly preserved under sand dunes for millennia.

3. The Ring of Brodgar

12 miles | About a 25-minute drive

Take the A965 west to visit this massive, spectacular stone circle dating back to 2500 BC. Set within a natural amphitheatre of lochs and hills, it is a breathtaking sight.

4. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

10 miles | About a 20-minute drive

Located near the Ring of Brodgar, this magnificent Neolithic tomb features a long entrance passage perfectly aligned to illuminate the central chamber during the winter solstice. It also features 12th-century Viking graffiti.

5. Scapa Flow Visitor Centre (Hoy)

15 miles (plus ferry) | About a 1 hour-trip

Drive to Houton and catch the small passenger ferry over to Hoy. The visitor centre tells the dramatic story of the naval anchorage during both World Wars, including the scuttling of the German fleet.

6. Stromness

15 miles | About a 25-minute drive

Take a fast drive west to the beautiful, historic port town of Stromness. Walk the winding, flagstone streets, visit the Pier Arts Centre, and watch the ferries arrive from the mainland.

7. Yesnaby Sea Stacks

16 miles | About a 30-minute drive

Drive out to the rugged west coast. Yesnaby is famous for its dramatic, sheer sandstone cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and the spectacular 'Yesnaby Castle' sea stack.

8. The Brough of Birsay

20 miles | About a 35-minute drive

Head to the north-west tip of the mainland. This tidal island can only be accessed via a concrete causeway at low tide. It features Pictish and Norse ruins, and is a fantastic spot for viewing puffins in the summer.

9. Churchill Barriers

5 miles | About a 10-minute drive

Drive south from Kirkwall to cross these massive concrete causeways. Built on the orders of Winston Churchill to protect the Scapa Flow anchorage, they now link the mainland to South Ronaldsay.

10. The Tomb of the Eagles (South Ronaldsay)

20 miles | About a 35-minute drive

Drive right down to the southern tip of the linked islands. Discovered by a local farmer in 1955, this incredible chambered tomb contained human remains alongside the talons of sea eagles.

Things to See Right in Kirkwall Town Centre

Before you drive off into the countryside, take an hour or two to explore Kirkwall itself:

• St Magnus Cathedral: Dominating the town skyline, this breathtaking red sandstone cathedral was founded in 1137 by the Norse Earl Rognvald and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
• The Bishop's and Earl's Palaces: Sitting right across from the cathedral, you can explore the impressive ruins of these two grand, historic buildings.
• Highland Park Distillery: Located just on the edge of the town centre, this world-famous whisky distillery offers fantastic tours and tastings.
• The Orkney Museum: Located in Tankerness House on Broad Street, this brilliant free museum tells the story of Orkney from the Stone Age to the present day.

Compare live car hire deals across Kirkwall, the airport, and the wider Orkney Islands with 1st UK Car Rentals, and book your vehicle securely online today.