Kirkwall is not Edinburgh, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the island tranquility — when the ferry arrives late, the pub clears out early or the rain comes at an angle (it does), having a taxi number ready can be the difference between a good night and one you’d prefer to forget.
So for this no-BS guide to taxis in Kirkwall — whether you’re on your way to the airport, returning from a gig at The Auld Motorhoose or just need to be put up in bed from visiting Orkney’s neolithic sites — here’s your no-BS guide to taxis in Kirkwall. The best tried, tested and sometimes saved-my-life rated.
🚖 Top Kirkwall Taxi Services
| Company | Booking Options | Price Range | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craigie’s Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ✅ Local legend, fast and reliable |
| Orkney Cabs | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | 👍 Solid, modern, good availability |
| Sinclair’s Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ⚖️ Decent option, old-school service |
| Rapsons Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | £ | 💬 Cheap & simple, gets the job done |
| Craigies Taxis ltd | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | 🚫 Not on the map here, literally |
1. Craigie’s Taxis (Quick, Reliable, No Nonsense)
Craigie’s is my go-to. They know every street, every back road and ferry schedule by heart. The cars are clean, the drivers are proper locals, and they’re one of the few you can rely on when the clock strikes early or a cab can’t handle the late-night chaos.
Best for:
- Airport/ferry transfers
- After-pub rides
- Day trips to Stromness, Birsay or anywhere between
2. Orkney Cabs – Dependable & A Touch Greater Tech Savvy
If you are looking for a slightly more modern vibe? Orkney Cabs has you covered. They have a booking app (yes, even up here) and you can pay by card — great when you’re running low on cash and there’s no ATM for miles.
Best for:
- App bookings
- Tourists
- Cashless convenience
3. Taxis: Sinclair’s Classic Island Service
No frills, no app, no drama. Call, book, ride. They’ve been around for forever, and they may not be the sexiest, but they are reliable — especially for airport pickups and scheduled runs.
Best for:
- Regular pickups
- Pre-booked travel
- When you really don’t need bells & whistles
4. Rapsons Taxis – Budget Choice (If You’re In Luck)
Less expensive than most, but you’ll need to plan ahead — it’s booked up everywhere in summer. Not the fastest always, but useful if u try to save some or just gonna cross town.
Best for:
- Local hops
- Budget travellers
- Off-peak runs
5. Craigies Taxis Ltd – Trusted & Well-Known in the Area
Craigies Taxis Ltd has been around for a while, and it shows. The service is friendly, the cars are clean, and they’re a solid option for both short local runs and longer trips. They’re especially reliable for early morning pickups and late-night returns, which is when you really need someone dependable.
Best for:
- School runs and regular bookings
- Local trips in and around town
- Airport and ferry transfers
So What’s the Best Taxi in Kirkwall?
- Daily drives: Craigie’s or Oryrney Cabs
- Orkney Cabs: Card payment & app booking
- Old-school reliable: Sinclair’s
- Least expensive rides: Rapsons (when they’re available)
- FCraigies Taxis Ltd—the fastest
Pro tip: Plan ahead, particularly during festivals, on cruise ship days or when taking the early ferry. Taxis here are fine — but they are not infinite. It makes life on Orkney so much easier having a few local numbers to hand.