Scrabster – Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Scrabster – Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Depending on the season their are usually 2 daily and 17 weekly sailings between Scrabster and Stromness. Northlink Ferries provides the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness. Scrabster Stromness ferries cost between $106 and $637, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get tickets, pricing, schedules and availability.
The earliest Scrabster Stromness ferry typically departs Scrabster at about 08:45 and the last ferry usually leaves at 20:00.
Ferries from Scrabster to Stromness sail in around 1 hour 30 minutes. Ferry duration can vary by ferry provider and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There is 17 weekly sailings from Scrabster to Stromness provided by Northlink Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.
The price of a ferry from Scrabster to Stromness typically range between $106* and $635*. On average the Scrabster Stromness ferry is $496*. The cheapest Scrabster Stromness ferry prices start from $106*. The average price for a foot passenger is $199*. The average price for a car is $526*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated July 25.
The distance between Scrabster to Stromness is approximately 30 miles (48km) or 26 nautical miles.
Yes, Scrabster Stromness ferries allow cars onboard with Northlink Ferries between Scrabster and Stromness. To view car ferry tickets and prices between Scrabster and Stromness use our Deal Finder.
Northlink Ferries allow foot passengers on Scrabster Stromness ferries.
Northlink Ferries allow pets on ferries from Scrabster to Stromness. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey.
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| Scrabster - Stromness Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Scotland | |
| Destination Country | Orkney Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries | |
| Average Price | $496 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 17 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m | |
| First Ferry | 08:45 | |
| Last Ferry | 20:00 | |
| Distance | 26 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
The small town of Scrabster is located on Thurso Bay in Caithness, on the Scottish north east coast. It is situated around 2 km from Thurso, 26 km from Wick and 180 km from Inverness. The town's harbour was the base for a ferry operation that carried military explosives to Scapa Flow during the Second World War. The service continued until 1945 and was operated using a 40 ft King's Lynn pilotcutter, named Mermaid, which was built in 1908. Following the war the harbour has continued to play an important role in the town's growth and prosperity. It is the most northerly port on the Scottish mainland and is an important fishing port. For several decades it was also the port of choice for the Queen and her family when they disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia every August when they visited the Queen Mother at her Highland home, Castle of Mey, 11 miles from Scrabster. Today, visitors can follow in their footsteps, as the Castle is open to visitors.
Ferries from the port depart to Stromness in Orkney.
Located in the south west of Orkney, in Scotland, Stromness is a town and sea port that is centred around its main street which is characterised by houses and shops built from local stone. The town can trace its history back to the 16th century where records show that an inn was located on the site of the current town. During the 17th century the town became increasingly important when England was at war with France. The town's quays and harbour are located to the north of the town and are now accessed by a new coastal road which has alleviated the amount of harbour traffic in the northern parts of the town.
There is a ferry service from Stromness to the Scottish mainland via the port of Scrabster and operates around three times each day with a crossing time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
