Car Rental at Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is the gateway to the Orkney Islands and offers car rental directly upon arrival with 4 rental companies on site. The airport is just 3 km southeast of Kirkwall town center, making it easy to start exploring the islands immediately. From here you reach Ring of Brodgar in approximately 25 minutes.

KOI handles flights from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness with several daily departures. The terminal is compact and rental car desks are located in the arrivals hall. The drive into Kirkwall town center takes under 10 minutes via A960, and to Stromness it's 24 km along A965.

Pick up your car directly upon landing – parking at KOI is limited and occupancy is high during summer months. Check whether your rental company includes ferry costs to the outer islands such as Hoy and Shapinsay. Ask for a car with good cargo space if you're traveling with camping equipment for Orkney wild camping.

How many rental companies are at Kirkwall Airport? There are 4 rental companies with desks in or directly outside the arrivals terminal at KOI. How long does it take to drive from KOI to Kirkwall town center?

It's approximately 3 km and takes 5–10 minutes via A960 depending on traffic. Can I return the rental car at the airport if I rented it in town? It depends on the rental company – most allow one-way rental within Orkney for an additional fee.

Check the terms when booking.

We compare prices from all major providers at Kirkwall Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.