Aberdeen – Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Aberdeen – Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
There are approximately 2 weekly sailings from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. This ferry crossing is available with
The Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry typically departs from Aberdeen at around 17:00.
The average duration of a Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry is around 6h 0m. The fastest sailings are approximately 6h 0m. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators, type of ship and can be impacted by weather conditions.
On average, there are around 2 weekly ferry sailings from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. These sailings are provided by Northlink Ferries. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables may differ by season.
Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices typically range between $93.63* and $654.07*. The average price is typically $551.05*. The cheapest Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices start from $50.36*. The average price for a foot passenger is $95.22*. The average price for a car is $556.57*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Aberdeen and Kirkwall is approximately 140.6 miles (226.2km) or 122.1 nautical miles.
Foot passengers are allowed on ferries between between Aberdeen and Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries. Please note that the availability of foot passenger services may vary between ferry operators. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for foot passenger ferries.
Pets are welcome on board Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries with Northlink Ferries. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
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| Aberdeen - Kirkwall Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | UK | |
| Destination Country | UK | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries | |
| Average Price | A$561* | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 6h 0m | |
| First Ferry | 17:00 | |
| Distance | 122 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
Found in the centre of Scotland's third largest city, Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is a world class facility and welcomes a wide diversity of traffic. Aberdeen ferry port serves as the main hub for connections between the mainland and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Being located in a city of Aberdeen's statue and positioning, Aberdeen ferry port is very well connected to the rest of the UK.
Kirkwall Port is situated on what’s known as the ‘mainland’ of the Orkney archipelago, with the city of Kirkwall the capital of the Orkney Islands. Once a quiet town renowned for the peaceful atmosphere among historical landmarks, Kirkwall has quickly transformed itself into a bustling market town boasting a shopping centre and copious restaurants. The city does still provide satisfaction for those that enjoy history and cultural landmarks – the St. Magnus Cathedral is widely recognised as the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. Despite its recent revival, the town still owes much of its income to the port, which is regarded as the gateway between Scotland and the Orkney Islands. Ferry routes to Aberdeen and Lerwick run a few times a week by Northlink Ferries, the only company operating in the area. The port is only 1.5km from the city centre, so is easily within walking distance, especially considering the picturesque streets leading to the harbour. The port facilities are found towards the north of Harbour Street, the road that runs from east to west across the waterfront. Walking around the small, narrow streets is regarded as the best way to get around the city, although there is a bus service that runs to the main sites in the town. Taxis are also readily available at the pier, though it is advised to negotiate a price before entering.
