Ferry Crossing from Loth to Kirkwall
Operated by Orkney Ferries.
Vehicle ferry — accepts cars, bicycles and pets on board.
The ferry sails year round, crossing time approximately 1h 25min.
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
Vessel calls at Stronsay en route on most sailings. 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 25min. The vessel calls at Stronsay en route on most sailings.
- Summer (3 May–27 Sep) dep Loth (Sanday):
Mon: 09:15, 12:30, 18:15.
Tue: 09:15, 18:15.
Wed: 09:15, 18:15.
Thu: 09:15, 16:35, 18:15.
Fri: 09:05, 18:15.
Sat: 09:25, 18:15.
- Winter (Sep–May) dep Loth (Sanday):
Mon–Sat: 09:15, 16:55.
Until 30 Oct also: 12:50 (Mon, Wed, Fri).
- No regular Sunday service.
- 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 Sanday:
Mon, Fri & Sat: 07:55 → Stronsay → Kirkwall arr ~10:00.
Tue: 07:45 → Eday → Kirkwall arr 09:20.
Wed: 07:45 → Stronsay → Kirkwall arr 09:50.
- Afternoon dep Sanday:
Mon & Wed: 16:10 → Kirkwall arr ~17:35–17:45.
Fri: 15:40 → Kirkwall arr 17:15.
- All sailings subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Sunday Excursions 2026
- Special Sunday excursion return sailings from Sanday on the following dates:
- 5 Jul & 2 Aug: Sanday dep 17:40 → Kirkwall arr 19:05.
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 Loth to Kirkwall
Always confirm current schedules and prices directly with the operator before travel.