Ferry to Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Ferry Times

With approximately 7 daily sailings and up to 41 weekly trips to the Orkney Islands, you have numerous travel options. As ferry schedules may vary by season, we recommend using our deal finder to check the latest sailing times and compare ticket prices.

Popular Ferry routes to Orkney Islands

Ferries from Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hope sail with a crossing time of 1h 15m. The average price of a Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hope ferry is about £149.73. The Scrabster - Stromness ferry runs with a duration of 1h 30m. The average price of a Scrabster - Stromness ferry is around £190.50.

Orkney Islands Ferry Operators

The Orkney Islands are currently served by 2 ferry operators, Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.

Ferry Ports in Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands are served by three ferry ports: Kirkwall, St Margaret's Hope & Stromness, with 7 daily and 41 weekly sailings. Among these, St Margaret's Hope stands out as the most popular port, offering an average of 3 daily and 20 weekly sailings. This ensures travellers have ample flexibility for planning their journeys to and from the islands.

How do I get from UK to Orkney Islands?

Yes, you can take a ferry from the UK to the Orkney Islands. Ferries are available from the port of Scrabster in Scotland to Stromness in the Orkney Islands.

Can I take a car on the ferry to Orkney Islands?

There are multiple car ferries to the Orkney Islands, however this may vary by route. Northlink Ferries and Pentland Ferries allow passengers to bring their own vehicles onboard most of their ferry crossings to the islands. However, please check the availability before booking your ferry ticket.

Orkney Islands Ferry Prices and Offers

The price of a ferry to Orkney Islands can vary by route, operator and season. The 2 most popular routes have an average price of £149.73 (Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope) and £190.50 (Scrabster to Stromness). We recommend booking in advance to get the best ferry deals and availability.

How to book ferry tickets to Orkney Islands

Book a ferry to the Orkney Islands online with Direct Ferries, using our Deal Finder and compare tickets.

Orkney Islands Guide

The Orkney Islands, a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, beckon travellers with their rugged coastline and ancient heritage. St Margaret's Hope ferry port, one of the primary gateways, offers convenient access to the islands' wonders. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. Kirkwall, home to the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, is a hub of activity and culture. Regular buses from the port make it easy to reach Kirkwall and other key locations across the islands. The Orkney Folk Festival, held annually, celebrates traditional music and attracts visitors from far and wide.