FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Kirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)

The only ferry between Orkney and Shetland: NorthLink’s Aberdeen–Lerwick ship calls at Hatston late at night and arrives in Lerwick the next morning, letting travellers combine both island groups in one trip.

⏱ About 7h 45m🚢 1 operator📅 Four northbound sailings a week in summer🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland) takes About 7h 45m across the North Sea, operated by NorthLink Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: four northbound sailings a week in summer.

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 · How we verify

Return crossing: Lerwick (Shetland) to Kirkwall (Orkney)

NorthLink Ferries also sails Lerwick (Shetland) to Kirkwall (Orkney), taking About 7h 45m. Southbound, the ship leaves Lerwick at 17:30 and reaches Kirkwall at 23:00 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer).

Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

1 April – 31 October 2026: departs Kirkwall 23:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Lerwick 07:30

November–December 2026: Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus festive calls on 22 and 29 December.

Published departure times

  • 23:45

Return: Southbound, the ship leaves Lerwick at 17:30 and reaches Kirkwall at 23:00 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer).

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 Kirkwall (Orkney) and Lerwick (Shetland)

📐 89 Nautical Miles
Kirkwall (Orkney)⇄Lerwick (Shetland)
⏱ About 7h 45m · 📐 89 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
NorthLink Ferries7h 45mMV Hjaltland, MV Hrossey

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

89 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Lerwick Ferry Terminal is on Holmsgarth Road, about a mile from the town centre, with a bus stop outside
  • Hatston is on the edge of Kirkwall; long-stay parking is 500 metres from the terminal

Tips for the Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland) Crossing

  • Book a cabin for this overnight leg
  • Hatston check-in opens 90 minutes before departure and closes 30 minutes before

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Kirkwall (Orkney)Aberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney)About 6h · NorthLink FerriesAlso sails from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesAlso sails from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney FerriesAlso sails from Kirkwall (Orkney)Kirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)About 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesOnward from Lerwick (Shetland)Aberdeen → Lerwick (Shetland)12h 30m – 14h 30m (overnight) · NorthLink FerriesNearby alternative crossingTingwall (Orkney Mainland) → Rousay (Trumland)About 25m · Orkney Ferries
⚓ Hatston Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall guide⚓ Lerwick Ferry Terminal (Holmsgarth) guide⛴ All ferries from Kirkwall⛴ All ferries from Lerwick🏝 Ferries to Orkney🌊 North Sea ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland)?
The crossing typically takes About 7h 45m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kirkwall (Orkney) to Lerwick (Shetland) ferry sail?
1 April – 31 October 2026: departs Kirkwall 23:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving Lerwick 07:30. November–December 2026: Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus festive calls on 22 and 29 December. 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 Kirkwall (Orkney) 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 Kirkwall (Orkney) 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 Kirkwall (Orkney) 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 Kirkwall (Orkney) 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 Kirkwall (Orkney) from Lerwick (Shetland) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 89 nautical miles (roughly 165 km).