Plan the crossing from Lerwick to Kirkwall, with departure-port details, NorthLink Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Lerwick to Kirkwall. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
The Lerwick to Kirkwall crossing connects Lerwick and Kirkwall in the United Kingdom.
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, Kirkwall is your arrival port. 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.
Compare the Lerwick departure and Kirkwall arrival on the same dated itinerary. Sailing times and intermediate calls can differ between directions, so use the Lerwick to Kirkwall 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 Kirkwall may affect your next connection or accommodation, so compare the whole journey as well as the fare.
Travelling the other way? Read the Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry guide.
Compare the operators and departures offered for your dates. The sailing result confirms the carrier, vessel and travel options for that journey.
NorthLink Ferries is listed in FerryEU’s guide to this crossing. Search the Lerwick to Kirkwall 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.
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 Kirkwall 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.
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.
After the ferry reaches Kirkwall, 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.
Use the facilities listed for the ship on your departure. Vessel assignments and onboard services can change.
Passenger accommodation varies from fast-ferry seating to larger conventional-ferry lounges. Bring anything needed for comfort on the crossing and follow crew instructions.
Do not assume a full catering service on short or fast crossings. Check the vessel details and carry water or snacks where appropriate.
Passenger and vehicle ferry. Enter the correct vehicle type and dimensions where required, and review luggage limits for passenger-only services.
Compare the seating or cabin options offered on your chosen sailing. Check what is included in the fare and book the accommodation you need before travel.
For your Lerwick to Kirkwall 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For an onward connection from Kirkwall, 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 KirkwallSearch nearby dates and compare the complete journey when considering another crossing. Different ports can change your transfer time, onward drive or overnight plans.
Return journey: Kirkwall to Lerwick · Browse all ferry routes
Check the sailing time shown for your selected Lerwick to Kirkwall 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.
FerryEU’s guide to this crossing lists NorthLink Ferries. Search the Lerwick to Kirkwall direction and your travel date to confirm which operators and departures are available.
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.
Check the travel categories offered for the selected Lerwick to Kirkwall 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.
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 Kirkwall. Prices depend on the sailing and available capacity.
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. Allow time to disembark and reach your onward transport before a timed connection.
Use the return-trip option in the search and check both directions and dates before booking. The Kirkwall to Lerwick guide covers the opposite departure port. Availability and sailing times can differ between the two legs.
Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
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.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Kirkwall. 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.
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.
Select the correct passenger category before comparing Lerwick to Kirkwall 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
Check the sailing from Lerwick, arrival in Kirkwall and travel options before confirming your reservation.
Lerwick → Kirkwall
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