FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Houton (Orkney Mainland) → Lyness (Hoy)

The car ferry across Scapa Flow to Lyness on Hoy, home of the Scapa Flow naval museum and the road to the Old Man of Hoy and Rackwick, with some sailings calling at Flotta.

⏱ About 35m🚢 1 operator📅 Five to six sailings each way on weekdays, fewer at weekends🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) takes About 35m across the Scapa Flow, operated by Orkney Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: five to six sailings each way on weekdays, fewer at weekends.

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

Return crossing: Lyness (Hoy) to Houton (Orkney Mainland)

Orkney Ferries also sails Lyness (Hoy) to Houton (Orkney Mainland), taking About 35m. The first sailing of the day starts from Longhope/Lyness around 06:25–07:10 so island residents can reach the Mainland.

Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27 weekdays from Houton at 08:00, 10:15, 13:15, 15:15 and 17:30; reduced weekend service

Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027.

Published departure times

  • 08:00
  • 10:15
  • 13:15
  • 15:15
  • 17:30

Return: The first sailing of the day starts from Longhope/Lyness around 06:25–07:10 so island residents can reach the Mainland.

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

Official Orkney Ferries timetable →

Source: Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 South Isles timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Houton (Orkney Mainland) and Lyness (Hoy)

📐 5 Nautical Miles
Houton (Orkney Mainland)⇄Lyness (Hoy)
⏱ About 35m · 📐 5 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy)?

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

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Orkney Ferries35m direct; longer via FlottaMV Hoy Head

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

5 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The timetable is coordinated with Orkney’s Service 2 public bus at Houton

Tips for the Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) Crossing

  • Drivers may be asked to reverse on board
  • Some sailings to Longhope and Flotta run on request, booked by 16:30

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Houton (Orkney Mainland)Stromness → Hoy (Moaness)Short crossing (arrival times not published) · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingScrabster → Stromness (Orkney)1h 30m · NorthLink FerriesNearby alternative crossingGills Bay (Caithness) → St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney)About 1h 10m · Pentland FerriesNearby alternative crossingTingwall (Orkney Mainland) → Rousay (Trumland)About 25m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy)?
The crossing typically takes About 35m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27 weekdays from Houton at 08:00, 10:15, 13:15, 15:15 and 17:30; reduced weekend service. Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027. This is the pattern published in the Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 South Isles timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy)?
Orkney 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 Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) 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 Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) 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 Houton (Orkney Mainland) to Lyness (Hoy) 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 Houton (Orkney Mainland) from Lyness (Hoy) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 5 nautical miles (roughly 9 km).