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United Kingdom (Scotland)

Gills Bay (Caithness) → St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)

The shortest car-ferry crossing to Orkney, running across the Pentland Firth from Gills Bay near John o’ Groats to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay, linked to Kirkwall by the Churchill Barriers.

⏱ About 1h 10m🚢 1 operator📅 Three return sailings every day🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) takes About 1h 10m across the Pentland Firth, operated by Pentland Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: three return sailings every day.

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: pentlandferries.co.uk · pentlandferries.co.uk · pentlandferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) to Gills Bay (Caithness)

Pentland Ferries also sails St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) to Gills Bay (Caithness), taking About 1h 10m. From St Margaret’s Hope the ferry sails at 07:45, 11:30 and 17:00 daily.

Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Three sailings each way, seven days a week: from Gills Bay at 09:30, 13:30 and 18:45

Published departure times

  • 09:30
  • 13:30
  • 18:45

Return: From St Margaret’s Hope the ferry sails at 07:45, 11:30 and 17:00 daily.

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

Official Pentland Ferries timetable →

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

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Gills Bay (Caithness) and St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)

📐 13 Nautical Miles
Gills Bay (Caithness)⇄St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)
⏱ About 1h 10m · 📐 13 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with Direct Ferries.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Pentland Ferries1h 10mMV Pentalina

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

13 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • St Margaret’s Hope is on South Ronaldsay, connected to Orkney Mainland by road across the Churchill Barriers

Tips for the Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) Crossing

  • Latest check-in is 30 minutes before departure
  • Cash is no longer accepted for travel; card payments only

Related Ferry Crossings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my dog on Pentland Ferries?
Yes. Pentland Ferries says its ships have dog-friendly indoor areas, or dogs can stay in vehicles on the car deck.
How long is the ferry from Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)?
The crossing typically takes About 1h 10m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) ferry sail?
Three sailings each way, seven days a week: from Gills Bay at 09:30, 13:30 and 18:45. This is the pattern published in the Pentland Ferries timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)?
Pentland 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 Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (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 Gills Bay (Caithness) to St Margaret’s Hope (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.
How far is Gills Bay (Caithness) from St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 13 nautical miles (roughly 24 km).