Kirkwall – Aberdeen

Ferry to Scotland

Kirkwall – Aberdeen

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Ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen

Northlink Ferries provides the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen. Kirkwall Aberdeen ferries cost between £69 and £462, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Kirkwall Aberdeen ferries.

Kirkwall Aberdeen Ferry Times

The first Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry typically departs from Kirkwall at around 22:45. The last ferry usually departs at 23:45.

How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?

The Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry trip can take around 7 hours 15 minutes. The fastest sailings are approximately 7 hours 15 minutes with Northlink Ferries. Sailing times can vary between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.

Kirkwall Aberdeen Ferry Operator Schedules

There are 3 weekly sailings from Kirkwall to Aberdeen provided by Northlink Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.

Kirkwall Aberdeen Ferry Prices

Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry prices typically range between £69* and £462*. The average price is typically £226*. The cheapest Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry prices start from £69*. The average price for a foot passenger is £72*. The average price for a car is £343*.

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 April 25.

How far is it from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?

The distance between Kirkwall to Aberdeen is approximately 140.6 miles (226.3km) or 122 nautical miles.

Can I travel by car on the Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry?

Yes, Northlink Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Kirkwall and Aberdeen.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?

Yes, foot passengers can travel with Northlink Ferries ferries between Kirkwall and Aberdeen.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Kirkwall to Aberdeen 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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Kirkwall - Aberdeen Route summary
Departure Country UK
Destination Country UK
No. of Operators 1
Operators Northlink Ferries
Average Price £143*
Average Weekly Sailings 1
Average Sailing Duration 7h 15m
First Ferry 23:45
Distance 122 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.

Kirkwall to Aberdeen Ferry Most Popular Questions

Kirkwall Guide

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.


Aberdeen Guide

Located in the north east of Scotland, the city of Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. The city's architecture is famous for its wide use of granite which has led to the city often being referred to as "the Granite City". The city is well known for its floral displays which include 2 million roses, 11 million daffodils and 3 million crocuses. So impressive is the city's floral displays that it was won the RHS's Britain in Bloom 'Best City' award ten times, the overall Scotland in Bloom competition 20 times and the Large City category every year since 1968. It is also known for its parks and gardens, of which it has over 45 throughout the city.

Aberdeen's port has good road, air and rail connections and passenger facilities at its terminal that includes a cafe and a supermarket. The terminal also has good facilities for disabled passengers. There are regular services from the port to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands with a crossing time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also three sailings each week to Kirkwall with a crossing time of around 6 hours.

Kirkwall to Aberdeen
Ferry Timetables

Ferry Timetables between 31/03/2025 and 06/04/2025

Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Northlink Ferries 23:45 07:00 7 hours 15 minutes Tue, Thu, Sat

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