X1 Bus Service⁚ Stromness to Kirkwall Overview
The X1 bus service provides a crucial link between Stromness and Kirkwall, operating seven days a week. It’s a convenient way to travel between these two key locations, with an hourly service extending to St Margarets Hope, and a half-hourly service to Kirkwall.
Route Description and Key Destinations
The X1 bus route connects the Stromness Travel Centre, located within the Stromness Marina, with the Kirkwall Travel Centre. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, traversing through the scenic countryside of Orkney. This route is not just a simple A to B connection; it also serves as a crucial link for accessing various points of interest. Notably, the X1 route extends beyond Kirkwall to St Margarets Hope, offering connectivity to the ferry terminal there. The bus also serves the Hamnavoe Estate in Stromness. The route is designed to facilitate both daily commutes and tourist travel, providing access to historical sites like the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, albeit via a seasonal timetable. The route includes stops at Balfour Hospital and offers evening connectivity through the X10 service. Thus, the X1 is more than just a bus route; it is a vital artery connecting communities and attractions within Orkney.
Frequency of Service
The X1 bus service operates with a varying frequency depending on the destination and time of day. During the main part of the day, the service runs at half-hourly intervals between Stromness and Kirkwall, providing a frequent and reliable transport option for commuters and visitors alike. However, it’s important to note that the half-hourly frequency is primarily for the Kirkwall route. The service continues hourly beyond Kirkwall to St Margarets Hope. This means that passengers travelling to or from St Margarets Hope will find buses arriving at less frequent intervals compared to those heading just to Kirkwall. The frequency is also influenced by seasonal factors, with certain buses on the X1 route adapting their schedules to include stops at historical sites. To get a complete picture of the frequency, a review of the timetable is essential. This ensures that users can effectively plan their journeys, particularly if connecting to onward ferry services or exploring specific tourist locations.
X1 Bus Timetable Details
The X1 bus timetable is essential for planning journeys between Stromness, Kirkwall, and St Margarets Hope. It includes weekday and weekend schedules, as well as seasonal variations to cater to different travel needs.
Weekday and Weekend Schedules
The X1 bus service operates with slightly different schedules on weekdays compared to weekends. Generally, the service runs frequently throughout the day, with a half-hourly service primarily operating between Stromness and Kirkwall. An hourly service extends further to St Margarets Hope. Weekday schedules typically start earlier in the morning and run until late evening, catering to commuters and those traveling for work or appointments. Weekend schedules may see some minor adjustments, possibly starting a bit later and having slightly reduced frequency during certain periods. It’s essential to consult the official timetable for the most accurate information, as specific times can vary. On Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, there is a service connecting to the Northlink Ferry. There might be additional services during school holidays. Always check the timetable before traveling, and use the Stagecoach app for real time updates.
Seasonal Variations in Timetable
The X1 bus timetable experiences seasonal variations, primarily to accommodate tourist demand and school schedules. During the summer months, from late March to late October, the timetable may include additional services to popular tourist destinations such as the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. These seasonal routes ensure convenient access for visitors exploring Orkney’s historical sites. There could be more frequent services during the day, and some buses may include stops at locations that are not regularly served. Conversely, during the winter months, the timetable might revert to a less frequent schedule. There might be fewer buses running later into the evenings and some of the routes to tourist sites may be suspended. It’s important to check the Stagecoach website or app for the latest timetable as seasonal changes take place.
Key Stops on the X1 Route
The X1 route includes key stops like Stromness Travel Centre, a hub for onward journeys. Kirkwall Travel Centre, the other terminus, connects with other bus routes. It has stops at St Margarets Hope Ferry Terminal too.
Stromness Travel Centre
The Stromness Travel Centre serves as a vital starting point on the X1 bus route. Located within the Stromness Marina, at the north end of town, it provides easy access for passengers. It is an ideal spot to begin exploring the town on foot. The travel center is conveniently placed for people arriving by ferry. The X1 bus waits up to 10 minutes for late-running ferries, ensuring smooth connections. This centre not only serves as a bus stop but also a hub for planning further travel. From here, a walk to the Point of Ness takes about half an hour. The narrow main street has four different names, requiring caution from pedestrians. The X1 also serves the Hamnavoe Estate, expanding travel options. The travel center offers a starting point for exploring Stromness and the surrounding areas.
Kirkwall Travel Centre
The Kirkwall Travel Centre is a key terminus for the X1 bus route, serving as a central hub for transportation. Located in Kirkwall, it offers connections to various local bus routes. The X1 bus from Stromness travels to the Travel Centre in around 30 minutes. The bus service runs hourly, providing frequent access. The centre facilitates transfers to other destinations. The X1 operates via Pickaquoy Road and Sunnybank Road, maintaining connectivity to Balfour Hospital. The X1 service also provides access to the Hamnavoe Estate. The Travel Centre is a crucial point for visitors and residents. The X1 route connects the travel centre to other areas. It is a departure point for the X1 bus service to Stromness. The travel centre serves as the heart of the bus network in Kirkwall.
St Margarets Hope Ferry Terminal
The St Margarets Hope Ferry Terminal is a significant stop on the X1 bus route, serving as a connection point for ferry services and onward travel. The X1 bus timetable includes departures from this terminal, linking it to Kirkwall and Stromness. The bus service runs regularly, allowing travelers to seamlessly transfer between buses and ferries. It provides a vital link to the ferry services. The X1 bus route extends to the St Margarets Hope Ferry Terminal. The bus service connects the terminal to various locations across the island. The terminal is a key point for connecting with the X1 route. Travelers can use the X1 bus to access the ferry terminal and vice versa. The X1 route provides a convenient connection for those traveling to or from the ferry terminal. The terminal acts as the starting point for some X1 journeys. It serves as a main transit point on the island, facilitating travel to and from the ferry.
Additional X1 Bus Information
For evening travel, the X10 service provides connectivity between Kirkwall and Stromness. Real-time bus tracking is available via a mobile app, offering up-to-date schedule information and arrival times, enhancing the journey experience.
Evening Connectivity and X10 Service
Beyond the regular X1 bus schedule, the X10 service plays a vital role in ensuring evening connectivity between Kirkwall and Stromness. This service is particularly important for those traveling later in the day or during the night. The X10 route effectively bridges the gap in service provided by the X1 during off-peak hours, ensuring that residents and visitors can travel between these two major towns. It is an essential component of the overall transport network, especially for individuals who work late, attend evening events, or simply need a way to get back to their accommodation after dark. The X10 service typically operates later into the evening and often provides a more limited schedule compared to the daytime X1 service. It’s advisable to consult the most recent timetable, as schedules can vary with the season and the day of the week. This ensures a smooth travel plan and avoids any unexpected delays or missed connections. The X10 effectively extends the range of the transportation network.
Real-time Bus Tracking and Mobile App
For enhanced convenience and up-to-the-minute information, real-time bus tracking is available for the X1 route, and a dedicated mobile app provides access to this feature. The Stagecoach Bus app is a valuable tool for passengers, enabling them to monitor the precise location of buses and anticipate arrival times. This feature is especially useful when planning a journey, reducing waiting times at bus stops. The app also displays the latest schedules and route maps, ensuring that travelers have access to the most current information. With real-time tracking, passengers can easily manage their travel plans, whether they’re heading to work, visiting local attractions, or making a connection. The mobile app provides live bus times, departure updates, and notifications about any potential disruptions, keeping users informed and on schedule. This technology ensures a smoother, more reliable, and efficient travel experience with the X1 bus service. The app also includes other useful information, such as fare details.