Plan ferries to and from Kirkwall in Scotland, United Kingdom, with route choices, harbour guidance and ideas for the rest of your journey.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
Ferry connections and port planning in United Kingdom
Kirkwall is Orkney’s principal town and a key call on the Aberdeen–Lerwick route. From the terminal, road links reach the Mainland’s archaeological sites, Stromness and island accommodation.
This guide brings together 1 route guide involving Kirkwall. Open a crossing below for its departure and arrival ports, operator information and practical planning details.
The linked route guide covers Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Compare the actual departure and arrival ports when planning a stay in Kirkwall; a nearby port can mean a different transfer or onward journey.
Main town of Orkney Road access across Orkney Mainland Useful connection for island touring
Build your itinerary around the sailing you select: include the journey to Kirkwall’s terminal, boarding time and any connection after arrival. When the outward and return crossings use different ports, compare both transfers before choosing accommodation or arranging a collection.
These are route guides for planning a trip to or from Kirkwall. Sailing dates, seasonal operation and availability must be checked for the journey you intend to make.
NorthLink Ferries serves Kirkwall from Aberdeen on selected northbound sailings that continue onward to Lerwick. In the main 2026 timetable, the typical calling service leaves Aberdeen at 17:00 and reaches Kirkwall at 23:00, a passage of about six hours.
NorthLink Ferries
Use the terminal named on your booking when arranging a transfer or planning the drive. Include time to reach check-in, and allow for disembarkation before committing to a bus, train or onward ferry.
If you are joining separate ferry journeys, check each leg and leave a practical connection margin.
Browse tours and activities around Kirkwall to combine with your ferry journey. Check the meeting point, start time and return arrangements against your sailing before booking an experience.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
The route guides on this page cover Aberdeen. Check the specific sailing calendar before assuming a crossing runs on your dates.
Use the ferry search link on this page, then enter the actual departure port, destination and travel date. Confirm the route and operator shown in the results.
Passenger and vehicle options depend on the route and vessel. Select the correct travel type and check the itinerary before booking.
The route catalogue includes departures towards Aberdeen, Eday, Lerwick, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay, Westray. Each direction has its own guide so that you can check the correct starting pier and arrival arrangements. A listed connection may be seasonal, a multi-stop itinerary or a former service; read its service status before making plans.
No matches. Try a different place name or clear the filters.
Pin the precise ferry terminal before travelling to Kirkwall. Some towns have separate passenger quays, vehicle terminals and excursion-boat landings. The operator’s address on your confirmation is more useful than a town-centre map pin.
For a car journey, leave a margin for the final approach, queueing and check-in. Without a car, confirm the last part of the journey from the railway station or bus stop. A short map distance may involve port roads or areas closed to pedestrians; use a confirmed transfer or walking route.
Keep your booking reference and required documents accessible. If you need step-free boarding, help with luggage or space for a bicycle, arrange it before the day of travel. Small piers and large vehicle terminals can offer very different facilities.
A single island name can hide several different arrival points. Bute has Rothesay and Rhubodach; Mull has Craignure, Fishnish and Tobermory; Hoy has Lyness and Moaness. A route that works well with a car may be awkward without one. Use the named ports to judge the full journey, rather than choosing solely by the shortest crossing.
Check your arrival time against accommodation check-in and the next transport service. If this is an island stay, organise the return ferry before fixing a mainland flight or a long-distance train. The outward and return ports do not have to be the same, but separate tickets can have different conditions.
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.
