Aberdeen - Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Aberdeen - Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices usually range between €1* and €643*. The average price for ferries from Aberdeen Kirkwall is typically €458*. The cheapest Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry prices start from €1*. The average foot passenger price is €103*. And the average price for a car is €545*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated August 26.
We offer a quick way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, making your choice smooth sailing. Visit our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early to secure the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts throughout the year. When searching for ferries, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied. Simply select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries typically depart at 17:00.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall are more suited to weekend trips or longer stays to really make the most of the journey.
Yes, you can take your car with you on ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
Whether you can take your campervan on the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall depends on factors such as the ship and operator of your chosen crossing. To find out if you can bring your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we’ll compare the available operators on your chosen route for you.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries. Although most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, it's always best to check the policies on bringing bicycles on the ferry to avoid any bad surprises at the departure port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries from Aberdeen and Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Aberdeen to Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries is €355.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated August 26.
In general, you’ll need the following when travelling with your pet:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing, while others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the available options, helping you choose the ferry crossing that best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with a guide or assistance dog. We recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company when booking to let them know you’ll be travelling with a guide or assistance dog.
You should also make sure you have any required certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or during the crossing.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available between Aberdeen and Kirkwall depends on several factors. To check if an overnight ferry is available, simply enter your details and our search results will show whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. You can also find current ferry timetables and crossing times, along with alternative options for daytime sailings.
Please note that overnight ferry crossings can sometimes take slightly longer than daytime crossings.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so make sure to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to see all available options and prices. You can also view alternative routes and sailing times, helping you find the best deal for your needs.
Keep an eye out for early booking discounts and special ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that let you change or cancel your booking. To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you enter all the required details correctly, including the number of passengers and your vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued and collected depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some ferry operators issue your boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, while others require you to check in at the port. Some may also offer online check-in, which can be completed easily via the Direct Ferries app, where available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be several reasons why there are no departures from Aberdeen to Kirkwall on your chosen date. This could be due to a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal timetable variations. We recommend checking alternative dates and routes to find a suitable crossing.
The best time to book a ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance can help you secure the best available prices, as well as a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of the best offers. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Aberdeen - Kirkwall Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €103 | |
| Average Pricewith Car | €545 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | €112 | |
| Average Campervan Price | €296 | |
| Average Cabin Price | €220 | |
| Aberdeen - Kirkwall Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland |
| Destination | Orkney Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | €458 |
| Average Pet Price | €355 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 6 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 6 h |
| First Ferry | 17:00 |
| Last Ferry | 17:00 |
| Distance | 122 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The Granite City, as Aberdeen is sometimes called is located in the north east of Scotland, and is Scotland's third most populous city. The city's two universities help to make the city a lively place to spend time. The city also plays an important role in the North Sea oil industry with the city's heliport being one of the busiest in the world.
Aberdeen has a long sandy beach located between the River Dee and the River Don. To the south of the River Dee there are steep rocky cliff faces with pebbly beaches and deep inlets. The area is good for rock climbing and a result of some of the granite outcrops having been quarried in the past.
The city's harbour started out as a fishing port and then moved on to steam trawlers and the oil industry. it is now a major port of departure for the Baltic and Scandinavia with major exports including fertiliser, granite, and chemicals.
The town of Kirkwall is located in the Orkney islands and is the island's largest town and capital. The town's name is taken from the Norse name Kirkjuvage (Church Bay) which was later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and then finally to Kirkwall. The Orkney's are located off the north east coast of Scotland and one of Kirkwall's most popular attractions is the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, regarded as the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. Other sites of interest in one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town include the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace.
Kirkwall is now a thriving market town and has a busy centre with many shops and restaurants. Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation on the island that caters for long and short stays, bed and breakfast or self-catering. Ferry services from Orkney depart to Aberdeen (6 hours), Scrabster (90 minutes) and John O'Groats.
