FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Kirkwall → Westray (Rapness)

Orkney Ferries’ car ferry from Kirkwall to Rapness on Westray, the “Queen o’ the Isles” with puffins at Castle o’ Burrian, Noltland Castle and a feeder boat onward to Papa Westray.

⏱ About 1h 25m🚢 1 operator📅 Two return sailings most days🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness) takes About 1h 25m across the Westray Firth, operated by Orkney Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two return sailings most days.

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 · orkneyferries.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Westray (Rapness) to Kirkwall

Orkney Ferries also sails Westray (Rapness) to Kirkwall, taking About 1h 25m. Return sailings leave Rapness about 15 minutes after arrival, at 09:00 and 17:55 on most days.

Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Winter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:20 and 16:20 most days, with some midday sailings via Papa Westray

Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027; a separate refit timetable runs early January – 6 March 2027.

Published departure times

  • 07:20
  • 16:20

Return: Return sailings leave Rapness about 15 minutes after arrival, at 09:00 and 17:55 on most days.

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 Westray timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Kirkwall and Westray (Rapness)

📐 16 Nautical Miles
Kirkwall⇄Westray (Rapness)
⏱ About 1h 25m · 📐 16 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Ready to cross from Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness)?

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

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Orkney Ferries1h 25mMV 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

16 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • A private minibus runs on request between Rapness and Pierowall, Westray’s main village
  • A foot-passenger feeder ferry links Pierowall with Papa Westray

Tips for the Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness) Crossing

  • Vehicles must be ready 20 minutes and foot passengers 10 minutes before departure
  • Book vehicles at least an hour before departure

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 → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · 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 Westray (Rapness)?
The crossing typically takes About 1h 25m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness) ferry sail?
Winter 2026/27: from Kirkwall at 07:20 and 16:20 most days, with some midday sailings via Papa Westray. Winter timetable 28 September 2026 – 1 May 2027; a separate refit timetable runs early January – 6 March 2027. This is the pattern published in the Orkney Ferries winter 2026/27 Westray timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Kirkwall to Westray (Rapness)?
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 Westray (Rapness) 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 Westray (Rapness) 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 Westray (Rapness) 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 Westray (Rapness) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 16 nautical miles (roughly 30 km).