Ferry Crossing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall
Operated by NorthLink Ferries.
Vehicle ferry — accepts cars, bicycles and pets on board.
The ferry sails year round, crossing time approximately 6h–8h.
Frequency: 4x weekly.
Advance booking is required for this crossing.
Price band: High. Adult £27.50–£42.00 (single, season dependent)|Car (under 6m) £108.00–£149.00 (single, season dependent)|Motorcycle £23.95–£34.50|Bicycle free|Cabin accommodation available from £78.00
Overnight crossing. Aberdeen to Kirkwall is a mid-route call — the vessel continues to Lerwick. Cabin accommodation available. Booking essential.
Timetables
Schedule Summary
- Year round service, 4 nights per week. Overnight crossing, duration approximately 6–8 hours to Kirkwall. The vessel continues to Lerwick.
- Dep Aberdeen (northbound):
Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun: 17:00 → Kirkwall arr 23:00, dep 23:45 → Lerwick arr 07:30.
Mon, Wed & Fri: dep Aberdeen 19:00 → no Kirkwall call → Lerwick arr 07:30.
- From 2 Jan–31 Mar and 1 Nov–30 Dec: all sailings dep Aberdeen 19:00 with no Kirkwall call.
- Additional northbound Kirkwall calls on Tue 22 Dec & Tue 29 Dec 2026 (festive sailings).
- Scheduled maintenance: 5–17 Jan 2026 MV Hamnavoe dry dock — amended timetable with extra Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick sailings. Check northlinkferries.co.uk.
- Fares vary by season:
Low season (7 Jan–23 Mar, 1 Nov–17 Dec): adult £27.50, car £108.00.
Mid season (24 Mar–14 Jun, 1 Sep–31 Oct): adult £35.00, car £141.00.
Peak season (15 Jun–31 Aug): adult £42.00, car £149.00.
- Cabin accommodation bookable separately. Kids Go Free on direct Aberdeen–Lerwick bookings with car and cabin.
Prices
Fares Summary
- Adult £27.50–£42.00 (single, season dependent)
- Car (under 6m) £108.00–£149.00 (single, season dependent)
- Motorcycle £23.95–£34.50
- Bicycle free
- Cabin accommodation available from £78.00
Book with NorthLink Ferries
Map of Ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall
Always confirm current schedules and prices directly with the operator before travel.