FerryConnect

Scotland → Shetland

Aberdeen → Lerwick (Shetland)

The overnight lifeline from mainland Scotland to Shetland. Some sailings call at Kirkwall in Orkney. With cabins, pods and a restaurant, it is the main way to take a car to Shetland.

⏱ 12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight)🚢 1 operator📅 Nightly departures; some sailings call at Kirkwall (Orkney)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) takes 12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight) across the North Sea, operated by NorthLink Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: nightly departures; some sailings call at Kirkwall (Orkney).

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 2026-11-04.

Sources: northlinkferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Lerwick (Shetland) to Aberdeen

NorthLink Ferries also sails Lerwick (Shetland) to Aberdeen, taking 12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight). Southbound sailings leave Lerwick at 19:00 (direct) or 17:30 (via Kirkwall) and arrive in Aberdeen at 07:00. From 1 April to 31 October 2026 they call at Kirkwall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. From 1 November to 31 December 2026 they call on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

One overnight sailing every evening. The direct sailing leaves Aberdeen at 19:00. On sailings that call at Kirkwall (Orkney) it leaves at 17:00. Both arrive in Lerwick at 07:30.

1 April–31 October 2026: northbound sailings call at Kirkwall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 1 November–31 December 2026: they call on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are no sailings on 24, 25 and 31 December 2026 or 1 January 2027.

Published departure times

  • 19:00 (direct, arrives Lerwick 07:30)
  • 17:00 (via Kirkwall, arrives Lerwick 07:30)

Return: Southbound sailings leave Lerwick at 19:00 (direct) or 17:30 (via Kirkwall) and arrive in Aberdeen at 07:00. From 1 April to 31 October 2026 they call at Kirkwall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. From 1 November to 31 December 2026 they call on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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

Official NorthLink Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: NorthLink Ferries timetable page (2026). Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Aberdeen and Lerwick (Shetland)

📐 190 Nautical Miles
Aberdeen⇄Lerwick (Shetland)
⏱ 12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight) · 📐 190 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
NorthLink Ferries12h 30m – 14h 30mMV Hjaltland, MV Hrossey

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

190 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Aberdeen ferry terminal is a short walk from Aberdeen rail and bus stations
  • Holmsgarth terminal is about 1 km from Lerwick town centre, with buses across Shetland

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from AberdeenAberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney)About 6h · NorthLink FerriesOnward from Lerwick (Shetland)Kirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)About 7h 45m · NorthLink FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)About 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingGills Bay (Caithness) → St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)About 1h 10m · Pentland FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney Ferries
⛴ All ferries from Aberdeen⛴ All ferries from Lerwick🌊 North Sea ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick?
Under NorthLink’s 2026 timetable, the direct overnight sailing takes 12 hours 30 minutes (19:00 to 07:30). Sailings via Kirkwall take 14 hours 30 minutes (17:00 to 07:30). Southbound, direct sailings take 12 hours and sailings via Kirkwall 13 hours 30 minutes.
When does check-in close for the Aberdeen–Lerwick ferry?
NorthLink opens check-in 120 minutes before departure at Aberdeen and Lerwick and closes it 30 minutes before departure. It recommends that car drivers check in at least 1 hour before. Anyone not checked in 30 minutes before departure will not be allowed on board.
How often does the Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry sail?
One overnight sailing every evening. The direct sailing leaves Aberdeen at 19:00. On sailings that call at Kirkwall (Orkney) it leaves at 17:00. Both arrive in Lerwick at 07:30. 1 April–31 October 2026: northbound sailings call at Kirkwall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 1 November–31 December 2026: they call on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are no sailings on 24, 25 and 31 December 2026 or 1 January 2027. This is the pattern published in the NorthLink Ferries timetable page (2026) (checked 2026-11-04); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland)?
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 Lerwick (Shetland) 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 Lerwick (Shetland) 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 Lerwick (Shetland) 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 Lerwick (Shetland) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 190 nautical miles (roughly 352 km).