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Orkney Ferries vessels at Kirkwall harbour
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Orkney Ferries ferries

Compare the Orkney Ferries routes in this guide, then check the sailing, travel mode and facilities for your own itinerary.

Search Orkney Ferries ferries

This service uses its operator’s own timetable and ticket arrangements. Check the sailing date, passenger type and boarding point directly.

Visit the operator for times and tickets Compare other ferry routes

Choosing Orkney Ferries for your journey

Orkney’s council-owned network connects the islands from Kirkwall, Tingwall, Houton and Stromness. It is separate from NorthLink and Pentland services across to mainland Scotland.

Route planning starts with the departure harbour. North Isles sailings commonly use Kirkwall; Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre use Tingwall; South Isles routes use Houton; Graemsay and Moaness connections use Stromness. A ticket to Orkney from mainland Scotland does not include an onward island crossing.

Multi-island workings vary by weekday, season and vessel refit period. An operator route selector listing a pair does not mean there is a direct sailing every day. Read the dated sailing and its intermediate calls before organising an island stay.

Book vehicle space in advance. The network also includes passenger-only sailings, particularly services from Pierowall and Stromness, so confirm the vessel and terminal for the specific leg.

Orkney Ferries route guides

Using this local ferry network

Begin with the named departure and arrival piers. Orkney Ferries services may use different ticket arrangements from the large international ferries shown elsewhere on FerryEU. Use the official timetable for the sailing date and check whether a reservation is needed.

Do not assume that every connection runs daily or that an island boat carries cars. A circuit calling at several islands can take different times in each direction. Check intermediate stops, last return sailings and any requirement to request a call or book in advance.

Where a crossing is part of a longer trip, plan a road alternative or a flexible overnight stop. Weather and vessel maintenance can affect smaller networks, and a separate train, hotel or ferry booking may not be protected if a sailing is cancelled.

Before you pay for a Orkney Ferries ticket

Check the full journey on the quote: departure and arrival ports, dates, local times, passenger names and the category of every vehicle or bicycle. A route listed on an operator’s network map may have restricted sailing days or a different passenger product from its other services.

Review the included accommodation, luggage arrangements and whether meals or reserved seats cost extra. Ask about boarding assistance and pet capacity before payment. For local ferries, find out whether an online ticket reserves space or is simply valid for the operating period.

Save the carrier’s check-in instructions and recheck service updates before setting off. If a sailing changes, contact the company shown on the confirmation or the booking provider that sold the ticket. FerryEU cannot access or amend a reservation made with another service.

Comparing tickets and booking conditions

Destinations on this network

Backaland, Eday

Eday

Scotland, United Kingdom

Flotta 2007, aerial (geograph 3147704)

Flotta

Scotland, United Kingdom

Houton Ferry Terminal, Orkney Islands

Houton

Scotland, United Kingdom

Lyness Ferry Terminal

Lyness

Scotland, United Kingdom

Evie view of Rousay Island from the church

Rousay

Scotland, United Kingdom

Coastline near Seater, Sanday, Orkney

Sanday

Scotland, United Kingdom

Coastline, Wyre, Orkney

Wyre

Scotland, United Kingdom

Orkney Ferries booking questions

How can I book Orkney Ferries?

Use the linked official operator website for its timetable and ticket arrangements. This local service may not appear in the general comparison search.

Are the facilities the same on every sailing?

No. Vehicle carriage, cabins, lounges, pet spaces and assistance arrangements can depend on the route and vessel. Use the dated sailing and carrier confirmation for the facilities you need.

Official operator information