The best way to reach the islands is by taking the NorthLink Ferry from mainland Scotland. NorthLink operates luxury ferries from Aberdeen to both Kirkwall (Orkney) and Lerwick (Shetland). These are night ferries, so cabin accommodation is required, saving you an extra night hotel accommodation. Another popular route is from Scrabster in the far north of Scotland to Stromness on Orkney with 3 sailings per day. Please ask our operators for passage prices, cabin rates and optional meals on board.


From Aberdeen to the islands

Northbound	monday	tuesday	wednesday	thursday	friday	saturday	sunday
Dep. Aberdeen	19.00	17.00	19.00	17.00	19.00	17.00	17.00
Arr. Kirkwall	-	23.00*	-	23.00	-	23.00	23.00
Dep. Kirkwall	-	23.45*	-	23.45	-	23.45	23.45
Arr. Lerwick	07.30	07.30	07.30	07.30	07.30	07.30	07.30
* on Tuesdays no Kirkwall call from 1 Jan. – 31 Mar & 1 Nov – 31 Dec.

Southbound	monday	tuesday	wednesday	thursday	friday	saturday	sunday
Dep. Lerwick	17.30	19.00	17.30	19.00	17.30	19.00	19.00
Arr. Kirkwall	23.00	-	23.00	-	23.00	-	-
Dep. Kirkwall	23.45	-	23.45	-	23.45	-	-
Arr. Aberdeen	07.00	07.00	07.00	07.00	07.00	07.00	07.00
* on Mondays no Kirkwall call from 1 Jan. – 31 Mar & 1 Nov – 31 Dec.

From Aberdeen to the islands

Departs	monday	tuesday	wednesday	thursday	friday	saturday*	sunday
Stromness	06.30	06.30	06.30	06.30	06.30	06.30
Scrabster	08.45	08.45	08.45	08.45	08.45	08.45
Stromness	11.00	11.00	11.00	11.00	11.00	11.00	09.00
Scrabster	13.15	13.15	13.15	13.15	13.15	13.15	12.00
Stromness	16.45	16.45	16.45	16.45	16.45	16.45	16.45
Scrabster	19.00	19.00	19.00	19.00	19.00	19.00	19.00
* on Saturday from 1 Jan. – 9 June & 19 June – 31 Dec. Sunday sailing schedual is applicable