Kirkwall - Lerwick
Ferries to Shetland Islands
Kirkwall - Lerwick
Ferries to Shetland Islands
Last Updated: 23/10/2026
Kirkwall Lerwick ferry prices tend to range between $36* and $558*. The average price for ferries from Kirkwall Lerwick is typically $271*. The cheapest Kirkwall Lerwick ferry prices start from $36*. The average foot passenger price is $85*. And the average price for a car is $481*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated October 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year round. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Kirkwall Lerwick ferries typically depart at 23:45.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Kirkwall and Lerwick are more suited to weekend trips or longer stays to really make the most of the journey - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
Yes, Northlink Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Kirkwall and Lerwick. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Kirkwall and Lerwick.
Whether you can bring your campervan on the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick depends on factors like the ship & operator of your preferred crossing. To find out whether you can take your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we will compare operators on the specified route for you.
For more practical tips and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan & caravan, visit our blog.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick with Northlink Ferries. In general, most ferry companies allow bicycles on board. Still, it is always best to check the policies on bringing bicycles on the ferry to avoid any bad surprises at the departure port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Northlink Ferries ferries between Kirkwall and Lerwick.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Kirkwall to Lerwick with Northlink Ferries. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Kirkwall Lerwick ferries is $367.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated October 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We also recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Kirkwall and Lerwick depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available, simply enter your details; our search results will then provide you with the information on whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Kirkwall to Lerwick, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as the number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Kirkwall to Lerwick for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Kirkwall to Lerwick is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Kirkwall - Lerwick Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $85 | |
| Average Price with Car | $481 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $245 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $565 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $462 | |
| Kirkwall - Lerwick Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Orkney Islands |
| Destination | Shetland Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | $271 |
| Average Pet Price | $367 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 7 h 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 45 m |
| First Ferry | 23:45 |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 |
| Distance | 129 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 23 October 2026.
Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands which are located just off the northern coast of Scotland. St Magnus Cathedral stands in the centre of Kirkwall and was founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney between 1108-1117. Other attractions in the town include the former Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, located adjacent to the cathedral. Also in the town, and containing a number of artefacts of historical importance, are two museums. Shopping in Kirkwall is mainly located on Albert Street and Bridge Street.
The town is located on the main island and is around 10 km from Finstown, 24 km from St Margaret's Hope and 26 km from Stromness. Around 3 km from Kirkwall is the Hatston Ferry Terminal which is operated by NorthLink Ferries. There are places to purchase refreshments a short distance from the terminal. Ferry services operating from the port depart to Aberdeen in Scotland, with a crossing time of around 6 hours. There are also services to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, with a crossing time of roughly 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Lerwick is a town and port, and capital, of the Shetland Islands which are located roughly 160 km off the north coast of Scotland, 340 km to the north of the city of Aberdeen and 370 km to the west of Bergen in Norway. The town takes its name from the Old Norse and its descendent, Norn, which was spoken in Shetland until the middle of the 19th century and means 'bay of clay'. The Norwegian name for the town is Leirvik with 'leir' meaning clay and 'vik' meaning bay or inlet. There are other towns in western Norway with similar names.
The town's port is a busy fishing and ferry port that also services that support the offshore oil industry. There is an overnight passenger ferry service to Aberdeen, that calls at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. Also, the Shetlands Islands Council operate a ferry service to Out Skerries and Bressay from a terminal in the centre of town.
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