Ferry Crossing from Backaland to Kirkwall
Operated by Orkney Ferries.
Vehicle ferry — accepts cars, bicycles and pets on board.
The ferry sails year round, crossing time approximately 1h 15min.
Frequency: Daily (Mon–Sat).
Advance booking is required for this crossing.
Price band: Medium. Adult £6.75/£13.50|Car (up to 5.5m) £16.00/£32.00|Motorcycle £9.20/£18.40|Bicycle free
Vehicle bookings must be made at least 1 hour before the vessel departs Kirkwall.
Timetables
Schedule Summary
- Year round Mon–Sat service. Crossing time approximately 1h 15min.
- Summer (3 May–27 Sep) dep Backaland (Eday):
Mon, Tue & Thu: 09:05, 17:30.
Wed: 12:20, 17:30.
Fri & Sat: 10:05, 18:25.
- Winter (Sep–May) dep Backaland (Eday):
Mon–Sat: 09:05, 17:30.
Until 30 Oct also: 12:20 (Wed).
- No regular Sunday service. Special Sunday excursions in summer: 7 Jun, 5 Jul, 19 Jul, 30 Aug.
- Refit period approximately 4 Jan–7 Mar: separate reduced timetable applies.
Nordic Sea — Additional Foot Passenger Service (Summer only)
- Passenger only additional service on MV Nordic Sea, 3 May–27 Sep 2026. Advance booking and payment required.
- Morning dep Eday (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat): 07:35 → Kirkwall arr ~10:00.
Tue: dep Eday 08:05 → Kirkwall arr 09:20.
Wed: no Eday call on morning sailing.
- Afternoon dep Eday:
Mon: 16:30 → Kirkwall arr 17:45.
Tue: 15:50 → Kirkwall arr 17:35.
Thu: 16:45 → Kirkwall arr 18:00.
Fri: 16:00 → Kirkwall arr 17:15.
- All sailings subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Sunday Excursions 2026
- Special Sunday excursion return sailings from Eday on the following dates:
- 28 Jun & 19 Jul: Eday dep 18:25 → Kirkwall arr 19:40.
Prices
Fares Summary
- Adult £6.75/£13.50
- Car (up to 5.5m) £16.00/£32.00
- Motorcycle £9.20/£18.40
- Bicycle free
Book with Orkney Ferries
Map of Ferry from Backaland to Kirkwall
Always confirm current schedules and prices directly with the operator before travel.