Plan the crossing from Grutness to Fair Isle, with departure-port details, Shetland Islands Council Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
Search available crossings by date, passenger and vehicle. If this local route is absent from the search, use the official operator link above.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
Fair Isle lies between Shetland and Orkney and is served by a small, weather-sensitive vessel from southern Mainland Shetland.
This journey starts at Grutness (South Mainland Shetland) and finishes at Fair Isle (Between Shetland and Orkney). Use the route in this direction when checking departure times; the return guide has the opposite boarding point.
Fair Isle to Grutness ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
The Fair Isle departure is near Sumburgh, at the southern end of Mainland. It is not the NorthLink terminal in Lerwick.
Before setting off for Grutness, check the operator’s departure pier and the day’s service notice. Leave enough time to reach the boarding area with your luggage or vehicle.
Fair Isle’s sea connection is weather sensitive. Book accommodation and travel together and leave room for a delayed return.
Plan your onward journey from the landing point at Fair Isle. If someone is collecting you, agree the pier and allow time to disembark; book any onward transport before relying on a tight connection.
Shetland’s local ferry network links the inhabited islands with Mainland and with one another. These sailings are separate from NorthLink’s overnight Aberdeen and Kirkwall connections.
For Yell, Unst and Fetlar, plan the full chain of sea crossings and the drive across Yell. A booking on one sound does not reserve the next ferry. Remote island services have much more limited operating days than the busiest northern crossings.
The council publishes separate timetable groups for Yell, Unst and Fetlar and for Bressay, Whalsay, Out Skerries, Papa Stour, Fair Isle and Foula. Check service status as well as the timetable, especially when weather changes the departure pier.
Domestic travel still has operator rules: names, any required identification, vehicle size and assistance arrangements must match the booking. If this sailing connects with a second ferry, check whether the tickets protect the connection. Allow a margin before an infrequent island bus or the last return boat.
Travel arrangements for Grutness to Fair Isle: Passenger and freight service; arrange carriage directly. Check the operator’s current sailing information before making onward bookings.
For vehicle travel, give the full length and height, including trailers, roof loads and rear cycle racks. Ask whether the chosen service takes advance reservations or uses a queue at the slipway. Walk-on passengers should check the boarding point and onward transport separately.
Use the operator’s published fare table or dated booking quote to check single and return tickets, concessions and payment arrangements. Check the final return sailing before planning a day trip; seasonal or weather-related changes may affect the last departure.
Check Shetland Islands Council Ferries for the current timetable, ticket arrangements and availability. The Direct Ferries form also lets you compare services offered through its booking search.
The departure point is Grutness. Read the departure-port panel and follow the operator’s terminal or pier instructions; allow for local access, boarding and luggage.
Passenger and freight service; arrange carriage directly. Confirm the arrangements for your dated sailing, including bicycles, trailers and any restrictions.
The Fair Isle to Grutness guide covers the other direction. Check both timetables before planning a return trip.
