Scrabster – Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Scrabster – Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
There are around 2 daily and 13 weekly sailings from Scrabster to Stromness. This ferry crossing is available with
The earliest Scrabster Stromness ferry sailings typically depart Scrabster at around 08:45. The last ferry usually departs at 19:00.
The average duration of a Scrabster Stromness ferry is around 1h 30m. The fastest sailings are approximately 1h 30m. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators, type of ship and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There are an average of 2 daily sailings and up to 13 weekly ferry sailings from Scrabster to Stromness. These sailings are provided by Northlink Ferries. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
Scrabster Stromness ferry prices typically range between $80.17* and $469.18*. The average price is typically $393.62*. The cheapest Scrabster Stromness ferry prices start from $42.61*. The average price for a foot passenger is $83.43*. The average price for a car is $398.91*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Scrabster and Stromness is approximately 29.9 miles (48.1km) or 26.0 nautical miles.
Foot passengers are allowed on ferries between between Scrabster and Stromness 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 Scrabster Stromness 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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| Scrabster - Stromness Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | UK | |
| Destination Country | UK | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries | |
| Average Price | A$400* | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 13 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1h 30m | |
| First Ferry | 08:45 | |
| Last Ferry | 19:00 | |
| Distance | 26 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
Thurso/Scrabster is mainland Scotland's most northerly town, and home to the country's most northerly railway station. Located on the north coast of Caithness, its seaward views are dominated by the distant cliffs of Dunnet Head to the north east, and those of the island of Hoy to the north. It's origins are revealed in its name, which comes from the Norse for Thor's River. The Vikings were well established here from as early as the 900s, using the river mouth as a port and fishing base. After the Viking's eviction, the town continued to grow around its fishing and trade. Little remains from its early days, though the now roofless Old St Peter's Church was first established in 1220. In 1798, Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster built the New Town to the south and west of the Old Town with wide streets laid out on a regular grid. Today much of the original pattern of both towns remains on view. In the 1850s Scrabster developed into an important harbour.
Stromness has to be one of the most enchanting ports at which to arrive by boat, its picturesque waterfront a procession of tiny sandstone jetties and slate roofs nestling below the green hill of Brinkies Brae. Its natural sheltered harbour (known as Hamnavoe) must have been used in Viking times, but the town itself only really took off in the eighteenth century. The old town of Stromness still hugs the shoreline, its one and only street, a narrow winding affair, built long before the advent of the motor car, still paved with great flagstones and fed by a tight network of alleyways or closes. The central section, which begins at the Stromness Hotel, is known as Victoria Street. On the east side of the street the houses are gable-end-on to the waterfront, and originally each one would have had its own pier, from which merchants would trade with passing ships.
