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Travel tips

How to get to St Magnus Cathedral

Getting to the cathedral is straightforward. The building sits in the centre of Kirkwall, and you can see its tall spire from most parts of town.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • Walk 5 minutes from the Travel Centre or cruise shuttles.
  • Park at Great Western Road for free or low-cost spaces.
  • Stagecoach buses run to Kirkwall from Stromness, St Margaret's Hope and the airport.
In this article
  1. Where do you park for St Magnus Cathedral?
  2. How do you reach the cathedral from the cruise shuttle?
  3. Can you take a public bus to St Magnus Cathedral?
  4. How long does it take to drive from Stromness?
  5. Is the cathedral easy to find on foot?
  6. Can I book private transport to the cathedral?

St Magnus Cathedral is located at Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1DH. Because it is centrally located, driving right up to the door is not always the best option. You can reach the entrance easily on foot, by bus, or by parking a short walk away.

Where do you park for St Magnus Cathedral?

Use the public car parks located just outside the pedestrianized historical zone.

On-street parking near the cathedral is highly limited. Drive into Kirkwall and use public car parks instead. The car park on Great Western Road provides free or low-cost parking. From there, it is only a short walk to the cathedral entrance.

How do you reach the cathedral from the cruise shuttle?

Walk 5 minutes from the shuttle drop-off point.

Cruise shuttles and local buses terminate at the Kirkwall Travel Centre. You can easily walk to the cathedral from this location. The walk from the nearby harbour also takes about 5 minutes.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Can you take a public bus to St Magnus Cathedral?

Yes, direct buses run to the Kirkwall Travel Centre.

Stagecoach operates local bus routes. You can catch a direct bus to Kirkwall from Stromness, St Margaret's Hope, and the airport. This is an excellent option if you are staying elsewhere on the Orkney Mainland.

How long does it take to drive from Stromness?

Driving from Stromness to Kirkwall takes about 20 minutes.

The drive is simple and takes you straight into Kirkwall. Once you arrive, look for the public car parks. Leave your car and walk the final distance to Broad Street.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Is the cathedral easy to find on foot?

Yes, the building reaches a height of 50 metres (160 feet).

You can spot the cathedral spire from almost anywhere in Kirkwall. If you lose your bearings, simply look up. Walk toward the large red and yellow sandstone building.

Can I book private transport to the cathedral?

Yes, local operators provide private transfers and tours.

Booking a private driver lets you skip public parking entirely. Drivers often meet you at the Kirkwall Travel Centre or your cruise dock.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator
Tour photo
Island Private Tours from Kirkwall Travel Center2 h to 6 h from $253

Questions travellers ask

Where is St Magnus Cathedral?

The official address is Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1DH. It is located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.

How much does the bus to Kirkwall cost?

Direct public buses to the Kirkwall Travel Centre cost between £3 and £5 per ticket.

Can I walk from the harbour?

Yes, the walk from the Kirkwall harbour to the cathedral takes approximately 5 minutes.

island private toursfrom $253 on Viator
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