FerryConnect

United Kingdom

Where can I go by ferry from Kirkwall?

5 ferry destinations from Kirkwall: Aberdeen, Lerwick, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray.

All Ferries from Kirkwall

Kirkwall → AberdeenAbout 6h · NorthLink Ferries1 April – 31 October 2026: departs Aberdeen 17:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Kirkwall 23:00🚗 CarsRoute guide written for the Aberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney) direction; sailings run both ways.Kirkwall → LerwickAbout 7h 45m · NorthLink Ferries1 November – 31 December 2026: departs Kirkwall 23:45 on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Lerwick 07:30🚗 CarsKirkwall → Sanday1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney FerriesWinter 2026/27: morning departures from Kirkwall (07:00 or 07:40) and an afternoon departure (15:00–16:40) most days🚗 CarsKirkwall → StronsayAbout 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesWinter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:00 on most mornings (arriving 08:40) and in the afternoon🚗 CarsKirkwall → WestrayAbout 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesWinter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:20 and 16:20 most days, with some midday sailings via Papa Westray🚗 Cars
⚓ Hatston Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall guide⚓ Kirkwall Pier (Orkney Ferries) guide🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom

Plan your crossing from Kirkwall

  • Aberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney)

    1 April – 31 October 2026: departs Aberdeen 17:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Kirkwall 23:00

    1 November – 31 December 2026: Kirkwall calls northbound on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. No sailings 24–25 and 31 December or 1 January.

    Source: NorthLink Ferries 2026 timetable page, checked 2026-09-29

  • Kirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)

    1 November – 31 December 2026: departs Kirkwall 23:45 on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Lerwick 07:30

    NorthLink’s winter timetable for 1 November – 31 December 2026; the ship sails Aberdeen–Lerwick direct on the other nights. Extra festive calls are listed for 22 and 29 December.

    Source: NorthLink Ferries 2026 timetable page, checked 2026-11-04

  • Kirkwall → Sanday (Loth)

    Winter 2026/27: morning departures from Kirkwall (07:00 or 07:40) and an afternoon departure (15:00–16:40) most days

    Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027, with a refit timetable early January – 6 March 2027.

    Source: Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 North Isles timetable, checked 2026-09-29

  • Kirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)

    Winter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:00 on most mornings (arriving 08:40) and in the afternoon

    Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027.

    Source: Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 North Isles timetable, checked 2026-09-29

  • Kirkwall → Westray (Rapness)

    Winter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:20 and 16:20 most days, with some midday sailings via Papa Westray

    Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027; a separate refit timetable runs early January – 6 March 2027.

    Source: Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 Westray timetable, checked 2026-09-29

Getting to the ferry in Kirkwall

  • Lerwick Ferry Terminal is on Holmsgarth Road, about a mile from the town centre, with a bus stop outside
  • Kirkwall Pier is in the town centre, close to St Magnus Cathedral
  • Kirkwall Pier is in the centre of Kirkwall
  • A private minibus runs on request between Rapness and Pierowall, Westray’s main village

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I go by ferry from Kirkwall?
FerryConnect lists ferries from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, Lerwick, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray. Each route page has crossing times, operators and booking options.
Can I take my car on a ferry from Kirkwall?
Yes, car ferries run from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, Lerwick, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray.
How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
About 7h 45m with NorthLink Ferries.
How often is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
1 November – 31 December 2026: departs Kirkwall 23:45 on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Lerwick 07:30 (operator timetable, checked 2026-11-04).
How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Sanday?
1h 45m – 2h 5m with Orkney Ferries.
How often is the ferry from Kirkwall to Sanday?
Winter 2026/27: morning departures from Kirkwall (07:00 or 07:40) and an afternoon departure (15:00–16:40) most days (operator timetable, checked 2026-09-29).
How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay?
About 1h 40m with Orkney Ferries.
How often is the ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay?
Winter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:00 on most mornings (arriving 08:40) and in the afternoon (operator timetable, checked 2026-09-29).