Plan ferries to and from Lerwick 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
Lerwick is Shetland’s main ferry gateway and the arrival point for overnight NorthLink services from Aberdeen. The terminal connects with local roads and onward island travel.
This guide brings together 1 route guide involving Lerwick. Open a crossing below for its departure and arrival ports, operator information and practical planning details.
The linked route guide covers Aberdeen to Lerwick. Compare the actual departure and arrival ports when planning a stay in Lerwick; a nearby port can mean a different transfer or onward journey.
Main passenger ferry gateway to Shetland Morning arrival on the overnight service Road access into Lerwick and across Mainland Shetland
Build your itinerary around the sailing you select: include the journey to Lerwick’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 Lerwick. Sailing dates, seasonal operation and availability must be checked for the journey you intend to make.
NorthLink Ferries sails from Aberdeen to Lerwick every night. Current 2026 schedules typically arrive in Lerwick at 07:30 the following morning, with some departures running direct and others calling at Kirkwall in Orkney. Open the guide for Aberdeen to Lerwick to compare the port approach, operator details and onward journey.
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 Lerwick 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, Bressay, Kirkwall, Out Skerries. 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.
Lerwick is Shetland’s main ferry gateway and the ferry point for overnight NorthLink services from Aberdeen. The terminal connects with local roads and onward island travel.
Pin the precise ferry terminal before travelling to Lerwick. 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.
