Plan the crossing from Scrabster to Stromness, 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: Scrabster to Stromness. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
NorthLink’s Scrabster–Stromness route is the shortest of its mainland Scotland passenger crossings to the Northern Isles. MV Hamnavoe takes about 90 minutes across the Pentland Firth.
The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head before arriving at Stromness. Peak timetables can offer up to three crossings in each direction per day.
For motorists, Stromness provides straightforward road access across Mainland Orkney toward Kirkwall, the World Heritage archaeological sites and island connections.
For Scrabster to Stromness, the advertised crossing time is only one part of the journey. Allow for port access, check-in, boarding and disembarkation when deciding which departure best fits the day.
Look beyond the headline fare when comparing Scrabster to Stromness. Departure time, ticket flexibility and the transfer after arrival can make a different sailing more convenient overall.
Travelling the other way? Read the Stromness to Scrabster ferry guide.
Compare the dated itinerary, vessel, vehicle rules and accommodation before booking.
NorthLink Ferries
Crossing time: 90 minutes
MV Hamnavoe is purpose-built for the Scrabster–Stromness route and operates the scenic Pentland Firth crossing up to three times a day in the peak timetable.
Follow the terminal and check-in instructions on your booking confirmation. Port arrangements can vary by operator, vessel and departure.
Scrabster Harbour is on Scotland’s north coast near Thurso. NorthLink operates dedicated passenger and vehicle facilities for the Stromness route, with check-in opening before each departure.
Stromness is a compact harbour town on Mainland Orkney. The ferry terminal provides quick road access toward Kirkwall, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and other major island sites.
The 90-minute crossing is short, but MV Hamnavoe provides comfortable passenger areas and practical facilities while the route passes some of Orkney’s best-known sea cliffs.
Meals and refreshments are available during the crossing, with opening arrangements varying by sailing and season.
Indoor passenger areas provide comfortable seating and views during the short Pentland Firth journey.
The ship includes a shop, and bar service is available according to season and operating schedule.
MV Hamnavoe carries cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles when booked in the correct category.
Facilities and vessel assignments can change. Treat the live booking result and NorthLink Ferries information as definitive for your departure.
These are domestic UK ferry services. NorthLink still applies firm check-in cut-offs and route-specific boarding procedures, especially for overnight and vehicle travel.
Keep your booking reference available and follow the check-in opening and closing times shown for the departure port.
Book the correct vehicle size and arrive early enough for vehicle check-in and loading. Deck space can be limited at busy times.
Tell NorthLink about mobility, accessibility or other assistance requirements in advance and follow staff instructions at the terminal.
Stromness is well placed for the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae and the west coast of Mainland Orkney. Kirkwall is also within straightforward driving distance.
If you are connecting to an inter-island ferry or fixed-time tour, allow a sensible margin for disembarkation and road travel.
Compare Ferry RoutesCompare the complete trip: road distance, crossing duration, arrival port, ferry product and onward travel.
NorthLink publishes the crossing time as 90 minutes.
The 2026 timetable offers up to three crossings in each direction on peak dates, with fewer sailings on some off-peak and weekend dates.
MV Hamnavoe is purpose-built for and operates the route.
Yes. MV Hamnavoe is a passenger and vehicle ferry.
Yes. NorthLink promotes this as the only ferry crossing to Orkney that sails past the Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head.
Normal daytime Scrabster–Stromness crossings do not require or offer cabins in the same way as the overnight Aberdeen routes.
NorthLink check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. Vehicle travellers should arrive earlier to allow for check-in and loading.
The ferry arrives in Stromness on Mainland Orkney, with road access toward Kirkwall and the island’s major visitor sites.
Stromness to Scrabster 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 Scrabster 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 Stromness. 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 Scrabster to Stromness 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
Compare current sailings, passenger fares and available travel options, then choose the Scrabster to Stromness departure that works best for your journey.
90 minutes
1 operator
Vehicle ferry
Up to 3 daily
