FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Aberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney)

NorthLink’s evening sailing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, calling at Hatston on its way to Shetland — the only direct ferry to Orkney from north-east Scotland, arriving late the same night.

⏱ About 6h🚢 1 operator📅 Four northbound sailings a week in summer (three in November–December)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) takes About 6h across the North Sea, operated by NorthLink Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: four northbound sailings a week in summer (three in November–December).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: northlinkferries.co.uk · northlinkferries.co.uk · northlinkferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Kirkwall (Orkney) to Aberdeen

NorthLink Ferries also sails Kirkwall (Orkney) to Aberdeen, taking About 6h. Southbound, the ship leaves Kirkwall at 23:45 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer) and reaches Aberdeen at 07:00.

Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

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.

Published departure times

  • 17:00

Return: Southbound, the ship leaves Kirkwall at 23:45 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer) and reaches Aberdeen at 07:00.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official NorthLink Ferries timetable →

Source: NorthLink Ferries 2026 timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Aberdeen and Kirkwall (Orkney)

📐 115 Nautical Miles
Aberdeen⇄Kirkwall (Orkney)
⏱ About 6h · 📐 115 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
NorthLink Ferries6hMV Hjaltland, MV Hrossey

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

115 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is about a 10-minute walk from Aberdeen bus and railway stations
  • Hatston is on the outskirts of Kirkwall; the ship does not stay overnight, so pre-book a taxi on arrival

Tips for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) Crossing

  • Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure; drivers should check in an hour ahead
  • Pets travel in pet-friendly cabins or kennels, not in the public lounges

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from AberdeenAberdeen → Lerwick (Shetland)12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight) · NorthLink FerriesOnward from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)About 7h 45m · NorthLink FerriesOnward from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesOnward from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney FerriesOnward from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)About 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingGills Bay (Caithness) → St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)About 1h 10m · Pentland Ferries
⚓ Aberdeen Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Hatston Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall guide⛴ All ferries from Aberdeen⛴ All ferries from Kirkwall🏝 Ferries to Orkney🌊 North Sea ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney)?
The crossing typically takes About 6h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry sail?
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. This is the pattern published in the NorthLink Ferries 2026 timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney)?
NorthLink Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall (Orkney) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Aberdeen from Kirkwall (Orkney) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 115 nautical miles (roughly 213 km).