United Kingdom → United Kingdom

Lerwick to Aberdeen Ferry

Plan the crossing from Lerwick to Aberdeen, with departure-port details, NorthLink Ferries and onward travel after arrival.

Lerwick → AberdeenCheck dated sailings

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Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Lerwick to Aberdeen. Search all ferry routes.

Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.

Route guide

Plan your ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen

The Lerwick to Aberdeen crossing connects Lerwick and Aberdeen in the United Kingdom. This route is part of the North Sea / Shetland ferry network.

For a departure from Lerwick, start by locating the ferry terminal and checking how to reach the correct boarding point. 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.

On the other side of the crossing, Aberdeen is your arrival port. The compact centre makes Aberdeen relatively simple for a short ferry stop, while road and public-transport links open up the wider North-east.

Compare the Lerwick departure and Aberdeen arrival on the same dated itinerary. Sailing times and intermediate calls can differ between directions, so use the Lerwick to Aberdeen result when planning your trip rather than assuming the outward timetable applies in reverse.

Check the total cost for everyone travelling, including any vehicle, reserved seat, cabin or other option offered. A later arrival in Aberdeen may affect your next connection or accommodation, so compare the whole journey as well as the fare.

Travelling the other way? Read the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry guide.

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Ferry companies

Ferry operators on the Lerwick–Aberdeen route

Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.

NorthLink Ferries

NorthLink Ferries is listed in FerryEU’s guide to this crossing. Search the Lerwick to Aberdeen direction to see which departures and ticket types are offered for your date.

Check the vessel, boarding arrangements at Lerwick, baggage allowance and any vehicle or accommodation options in the selected sailing. The return leg can have a different schedule or ship.

Overnight accommodation includes cabins, pods and lie-flat options
Passenger and vehicle ferry with car space bookable in advance

Compare Ferry Prices NorthLink Ferries guide

Departure and arrival ports

Departing Lerwick and arriving in Aberdeen

Departure · United Kingdom

Lerwick Ferry Port

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.

For your Lerwick to Aberdeen sailing, arrange your journey to Lerwick around the check-in deadline. The ferry may use a different entrance or terminal from other services at the same harbour. Check the boarding instructions before booking a connecting train, bus or taxi.

Main passenger ferry gateway to Shetland
Road access into Lerwick and across Mainland Shetland

Explore Lerwick port and destination guide

Marischal College in Aberdeen city centre

Arrival · United Kingdom

Aberdeen Ferry Port

Aberdeen sits on Scotland’s North Sea coast, where the city centre, working harbour and long sandy beach are unusually close together. Its pale granite streets give the centre a distinctive look, with Marischal College providing one of the most recognisable examples of the city’s architecture.

After the ferry reaches Aberdeen, allow time for disembarkation before a collection or onward connection. Check where passengers leave the terminal and whether your next stop is within walking distance or requires a transfer.

Central Jamieson’s Quay location

Explore Aberdeen port and destination guide

On board

Your Lerwick–Aberdeen crossing

Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.

Cabins, pods & lie-flats

Choose from cabins, sleeping pods, reclining seats and newly available lie-flat seating, subject to availability.

Restaurant & bar

Onboard food and drink options provide dinner, breakfast and refreshments around the overnight sailing.

Shop & entertainment

The passenger ships include a shop and cinema programme, with facilities varying by sailing.

Vehicle travel

Cars and other eligible vehicles travel on the overnight ferries when vehicle space is reserved.

Before departure

Prepare for check-in at Lerwick

For your Lerwick to Aberdeen sailing, keep the booking confirmation and any identification required by the operator ready. Check ticket collection, check-in and boarding instructions before leaving for Lerwick.

Your departure terminal

Use the terminal named on the Lerwick booking confirmation. Plan the approach, parking or drop-off before departure; the town centre or railway station may be some distance from check-in.

Passenger and vehicle details

Check names and travel details before you arrive. If taking a vehicle, enter its full dimensions and include trailers, roof loads or rear-mounted equipment where required.

Travel documents

Use current official guidance for documents, entry permissions and any vehicle or pet requirements that apply to your journey. Requirements depend on your circumstances and can change.

After arriving

Continue your journey from Aberdeen

The compact centre makes Aberdeen relatively simple for a short ferry stop, while road and public-transport links open up the wider North-east.

Broad Street, Castlegate, Union Street and the harbour-side museum area can be combined into an easy central walk.

Aberdeen’s main rail and bus stations sit together at Union Square, useful for onward journeys without collecting a car.

A car becomes valuable when you want to turn Aberdeen into a base for castles, coastal villages, countryside and longer North-east touring.

For an onward connection from Aberdeen, include time to leave the ship and terminal. Check local transport for the actual arrival day, especially if the ferry arrives early in the morning or late at night. A nearby hotel or a later connection may give more flexibility if the crossing is delayed.

Explore Aberdeen

Other ferry options

Compare routes for your Lerwick to Aberdeen journey

Search nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.

Lerwick → KirkwallAnother departure from Lerwick. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route Kirkwall → AberdeenAnother crossing arriving in Aberdeen. Compare the port access and sailing dates.View route

Return journey: Aberdeen to Lerwick · Browse all ferry routes

Common planning questions

Lerwick to Aberdeen ferry FAQs

How long is the ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen?

Check the sailing time shown for your selected Lerwick to Aberdeen departure. A timetable for the opposite direction may have different calls, departure patterns or overnight timings. Allow additional time at both ports for check-in, boarding and disembarkation.

Which ferry operators should I compare for Lerwick to Aberdeen?

FerryEU’s guide to this crossing lists NorthLink Ferries. Search the Lerwick to Aberdeen direction and your travel date to confirm which operators and departures are available.

Where do I check in for the ferry from Lerwick?

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. Use the terminal and check-in deadline specified on your booking confirmation.

Can I travel with a vehicle or as a foot passenger?

Check the travel categories offered for the selected Lerwick to Aberdeen departure. The choices depend on the operator and vessel; do not assume every sailing accepts both vehicles and foot passengers. Enter all travellers and the correct vehicle dimensions before comparing fares.

How can I find the best Lerwick to Aberdeen ferry fare?

Compare the dates and departure times that work for your trip. Check the total for passengers, any vehicle and accommodation, then compare ticket flexibility and the onward journey from Aberdeen. Prices depend on the sailing and available capacity.

How do I continue my journey after arriving in Aberdeen?

The compact centre makes Aberdeen relatively simple for a short ferry stop, while road and public-transport links open up the wider North-east. Allow time to disembark and reach your onward transport before a timed connection.

Can I book the return ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick?

Use the return-trip option in the search and check both directions and dates before booking. The Aberdeen to Lerwick guide covers the opposite departure port. Availability and sailing times can differ between the two legs.

Travelling in the other direction?

Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.

Departing from Lerwick

Use the terminal or pier named on your NorthLink Ferries confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Lerwick by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.

Main passenger ferry gateway to Shetland
Road access into Lerwick and across Mainland Shetland

Lerwick destination and port guide

Arriving in Aberdeen

Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Aberdeen. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.

Central Jamieson’s Quay location

Aberdeen destination and port guide

Planning a domestic ferry journey

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.

Read the UK ferry documents guide

Passengers, vehicles and the fare

Select the correct passenger category before comparing Lerwick to Aberdeen fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.

For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.

Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.

Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet

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