FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Kirkwall → Sanday (Loth)

The North Isles ferry to Sanday, Orkney’s low-lying island of white beaches and Neolithic sites such as Quoyness chambered cairn, sharing its route with Stronsay and Eday.

⏱ 1h 45m – 2h 5m🚢 1 operator📅 Daily morning and afternoon sailings, some via Stronsay or Eday🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) takes 1h 45m – 2h 5m across the Stronsay Firth, operated by Orkney Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: daily morning and afternoon sailings, some via Stronsay or Eday.

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: Sanday (Loth) to Kirkwall

Orkney Ferries also sails Sanday (Loth) to Kirkwall, taking 1h 45m – 2h 5m. Morning return sailings leave Sanday around 09:15 and reach Kirkwall about 10:40–11:00.

Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27: morning departures from Kirkwall (07:00 or 07:40) and an afternoon departure (15:00–16:40) most days

Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027, with a refit timetable early January – 6 March 2027.

Return: Morning return sailings leave Sanday around 09:15 and reach Kirkwall about 10:40–11:00.

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 North Isles timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kirkwall and Sanday (Loth)

📐 15 Nautical Miles
Kirkwall⇄Sanday (Loth)
⏱ 1h 45m – 2h 5m · 📐 15 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth)?

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

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Orkney Ferries1h 45m direct; about 2h via StronsayMV Earl Sigurd, MV Earl Thorfinn, MV Varagen

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

15 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Kirkwall Pier is in the town centre, close to St Magnus Cathedral

Tips for the Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) Crossing

  • Vehicle bookings must be made at least an hour before departure
  • Cancellations less than an hour before sailing may be charged in full

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from KirkwallAberdeen → Kirkwall (Orkney)About 6h · NorthLink FerriesAlso sails from KirkwallKirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)About 7h 45m · NorthLink FerriesAlso sails from KirkwallKirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesAlso sails from KirkwallKirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)About 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingTingwall (Orkney Mainland) → Rousay (Trumland)About 25m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingStromness → Hoy (Moaness)Short crossing (arrival times not published) · Orkney Ferries
⚓ Kirkwall Pier (Orkney Ferries) guide⛴ All ferries from Kirkwall🏝 Ferries to Orkney🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth)?
The crossing typically takes 1h 45m – 2h 5m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27: morning departures from Kirkwall (07:00 or 07:40) and an afternoon departure (15:00–16:40) most days. Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027, with a refit timetable early January – 6 March 2027. This is the pattern published in the Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 North Isles timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth)?
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 Kirkwall to Sanday (Loth) 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 to Sanday (Loth) 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 to Sanday (Loth) 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 from Sanday (Loth) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 15 nautical miles (roughly 28 km).