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Getting to and from the Ulbster Arms Hotel: transfers, taxis, and car hire

The Ulbster Arms Hotel sits in Halkirk, Caithness, in the north east of Scotland. For those travelling for business, getting here smoothly is part of what makes a trip work. Because whether you’re flying into Inverness, arriving from Thurso, or driving the North Coast 500, there are plenty of practical business transfers available.

And once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a private off-road car park directly adjacent to the accommodation. What’s more, three of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands are on site for those arriving in electric vehicles.

Below you’ll find the most reliable options for airport transfers, car hire from Inverness Airport, and local taxis in Thurso and Caithness.

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Getting here: business transfers made simple

The closest airport to the Ulbster Arms Hotel is Inverness Airport, approximately 2.5 hours by road. Inverness Airport operates flights from several UK cities, including London, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham. As a result, it’s the most practical entry point for business travellers coming from across the UK.

If you’re travelling by train, the closest station is Thurso, a 10-minute drive from the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Thurso has direct rail connections to Inverness via the Far North Line, one of the most scenic rail journeys in Scotland. Journey time from is approximately 3.5 hours.

There’s also Wick Airport, which handles some domestic flights and is around 25 minutes from the hotel. This option gives those travelling from Edinburgh or Aberdeen a useful alternative.

For those driving, the A9 is the main route north from Inverness to Caithness. The hotel sits just off the A895 in Halkirk, close to the junction with the main A9 trunk road. It’s therefore a simple drive, but allow extra time during the winter months when conditions can change quickly.

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Inverness airport business transfers

For those who prefer not to drive, several companies offer professional airport transfers from Inverness to the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness. We recommend booking Inverness airport transfers in advance, however, particularly during busy summer months when availability is limited.

Here are three of the best Inverness airport business transfer options:

Inverness Airport Transfers offers a dedicated business transfer service with a meet and greet on arrival. A range of vehicles is available to suit individuals and groups, and the service runs directly to our hotel.

Inverness Taxis provide airport transfers that Inverness travellers can rely on 24 hours a day. The service covers the full route from Inverness Airport to Caithness, with female drivers available on request. Online booking is available through their website.

Inverness Executive Taxis offer a 24/7 airport transfer service from Inverness Airport with meet and greet included. The fleet includes executive vehicles, MPVs, and minibuses, making them a practical option for both solo travellers and groups. They also offer corporate account facilities for regular business visitors.

All three companies recommend booking your airport transfer from Inverness well in advance. This is particularly important for early morning or late evening flights, and for groups requiring larger vehicles. It’s also important for business travel in Scotland, which is a big market throughout the year.

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Car hire from Inverness Airport

Hiring a car at Inverness Airport gives you the most flexibility for business travel in Scotland, particularly if you’re visiting sightseeing or travelling onward to Orkney via the Scrabster ferry. The drive from Inverness to Halkirk takes approximately 2.5 hours along the A9 and A895, and the roads are fairly simple.

For car hire from Inverness Airport, Budget Car Hire at Inverness Airport has a desk at the airport and offers a range of vehicles. They’re one of the most established car hire options at Inverness Airport and can be booked online in advance.

Focus Vehicle Rental is a local option serving Inverness for over 20 years. The fleet includes manual, automatic, and electric cars as well as vans. This makes it a useful choice for contractors who need to transport equipment. Inverness Airport car hire with Focus can be arranged online ahead of your visit.

Jack’s Self Drive is locally based and part of the United Rental System. It offers cars, vans, and pickup trucks, which is particularly useful for project teams travelling with tools or equipment. Jack’s Self Drive is also a good option for groups needing a larger vehicle.

Richards Garage in Inverness provides small cars, large vans, and minibus hire. For larger groups travelling together, minibus hire can be a cost-effective alternative to booking multiple transfers or hiring cars.

Whichever you choose, book your car hire from Inverness Airport well ahead of your travel date. During peak summer months, vehicles sell out quickly, and last-minute bookings may be unavailable.

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Testimonials

Just had dinner in the Ulbster, it was superb!! So tasty, lovely presentation. I had the featherblade of beef cooked to perfection, hubby had the pan roasted breast of chicken, the sauce was gorgeous. A pleasure to visit, very friendly young staff, reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

Went here today to celebrate Father’s 90th birthday. Had a lovely lunch, the food was excellent and so we’re the staff. They were very attentive, bringing the kids colouring books and crayons when they started getting restless. Lovely atmosphere in the dining room.

Jess and her staff can’t do enough for you nothing is ever a problem to them, excellent accommodation, the food is always superb would highly recommend staying here , The hotel caters for holiday makers and salmon fishers , with fishing available on one of the best salmon rivers in the UK

The breakfast was exceptional. Well-cooked full breakfast. A very good selection of fresh fruit was particularly notable. Service was very efficient and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the local area.

Good location. Good facilities and food. Staff very friendly and helpful. I had an issue with my car on our morning of departure and the hotel was helpful and accommodating.

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Taxis in Thurso for short local journeys

If you’re already in the area and need a taxi in Thurso, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re travelling between sites, heading to Thurso town centre, or getting to Scrabster for the Orkney ferry, local taxis in Thurso are a practical choice.

Highland Taxis are based in Thurso and offer 24/7 online booking. The service covers Thurso, Scrabster, Halkirk, and the surrounding area. For those requiring a taxi in Thurso at short notice, online booking is available directly through their website. They may also offer corporate accounts for regular business users.

A full list of Thurso taxi companies can also be found via Thomson Local for additional options in and around Halkirk.

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Orkney ferry options

For those travelling to or from Orkney, the NorthLink Ferries service runs between Stromness in Orkney and Scrabster. This is approximately 10 minutes from Thurso and around 25 minutes from the Ulbster Arms Hotel.

Pentland Ferries also operate a crossing between St Margaret’s Hope in Orkney and Gills Bay in Caithness, which is around 20 minutes from the hotel. Consequently, the Ulbster Arms is well placed as a base for those who regularly travel between the mainland and Orkney for work.

Book your business transfers today

Book your transfers to the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk before you travel to ensure a smooth arrival. For questions about corporate stays, corporate rates, or to discuss your travel requirements, call us on 01847 831 641 or contact us online. We look forward to welcoming you.

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    FAQs: getting to the Ulbster Arms Hotel

    What is the closest airport to the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

    The closest airport is Inverness Airport, approximately 2.5 hours south by road. Inverness Airport operates flights from several UK cities. Wick Airport is also an option for domestic flights and sits around 25 minutes from the hotel. Several companies offer Inverness airport transfers directly to the hotel. We recommend booking your airport transfer from Inverness in advance, particularly during busy summer months.

    Is there car hire available at Inverness Airport?

    Yes, several car hire companies operate at Inverness Airport, including Budget Car Hire. Local options including Focus Vehicle Rental and Jack’s Self Drive are also available for car hire from Inverness Airport. Book well in advance during summer as vehicles fill quickly.

    Is there a taxi service in Thurso for local journeys?

    Yes. Highland Taxis operate in Thurso and the surrounding area, including Halkirk and Scrabster, with 24/7 online booking available. A full list of taxis in Thurso can be found via Thomson Local. We recommend booking taxis in Thurso in advance where possible.

    Is there parking at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

    Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel has a private off-road car park directly adjacent to the hotel, available for all guests. Three EV chargers are also on site for those arriving in electric vehicles, making it one of the best-equipped hotels in the area for electric vehicle users.

    How far is the Ulbster Arms Hotel from the Scrabster ferry terminal?

    Scrabster ferry terminal is approximately 25 minutes from the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk. NorthLink Ferries run between Scrabster and Stromness in Orkney, while Pentland Ferries connect Gills Bay, around 20 minutes from the hotel, with St Margaret’s Hope in Orkney. The hotel is a popular overnight base for those travelling to and from Orkney for work or leisure.