FerryConnect

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Toft (Shetland Mainland) → Ulsta (Yell)

The Yell Sound ferry from Toft on Shetland Mainland to Ulsta on Yell — the first of two short hops on the road north to Unst and Britain’s most northerly point.

⏱ About 20m🚢 1 operator📅 About every 30 minutes at busy times, from early morning to late evening🚗 Vehicles accepted

Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) takes About 20m across the Yell Sound, operated by Shetland Islands Council Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about every 30 minutes at busy times, from early morning to late evening.

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: shetland.gov.uk · shetland.gov.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Ulsta (Yell) to Toft (Shetland Mainland)

Shetland Islands Council Ferries also sails Ulsta (Yell) to Toft (Shetland Mainland), taking About 20m. The first sailing of the day leaves Ulsta at 06:15.

Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Tuesday–Friday about 25 departures from Toft, 06:40–23:30; slightly fewer on Mondays and at weekends

Pattern from the council timetable effective 6 October 2025; late-night sailings must be booked.

Published departure times

  • 06:40
  • 07:45
  • 08:15
  • 08:45
  • 09:15
  • 09:45

Return: The first sailing of the day leaves Ulsta at 06:15.

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

Official Shetland Islands Council Ferries timetable →

Source: Shetland Islands Council Yell, Unst & Fetlar timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Toft (Shetland Mainland) and Ulsta (Yell)

📐 2 Nautical Miles
Toft (Shetland Mainland)⇄Ulsta (Yell)
⏱ About 20m · 📐 2 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Shetland Islands Council Ferries20mVehicle ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

2 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • At Ulsta the A968 crosses Yell to Gutcher for the onward ferry to Unst

Tips for the Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) Crossing

  • Booked vehicles should be present when loading starts, 5 minutes before departure
  • The last late-night sailings run only if booked before the booking office closes

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingGutcher (Yell) → Belmont (Unst)About 10m · Shetland Islands Council FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall (Orkney) → Lerwick (Shetland)About 7h 45m · NorthLink FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Westray (Rapness)About 1h 25m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Sanday (Loth)1h 45m – 2h 5m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingKirkwall → Stronsay (Whitehall)About 1h 40m · Orkney FerriesNearby alternative crossingTingwall (Orkney Mainland) → Rousay (Trumland)About 25m · Orkney Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell)?
The crossing typically takes About 20m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) ferry sail?
Tuesday–Friday about 25 departures from Toft, 06:40–23:30; slightly fewer on Mondays and at weekends. Pattern from the council timetable effective 6 October 2025; late-night sailings must be booked. This is the pattern published in the Shetland Islands Council Yell, Unst & Fetlar timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell)?
Shetland Islands Council 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 Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) 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 Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) 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 Toft (Shetland Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Toft (Shetland Mainland) from Ulsta (Yell) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 2 nautical miles (roughly 4 km).