Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry

The Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry route connects Scotland with Orkney Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 4 times each week with sailing durations from around 6 hours.

Aberdeen Kirkwall sailing durations and frequency may vary from season to season so we’d advise doing a live check to get the most up to date information.

Aberdeen - Kirkwall Ferry Operators

Aberdeen Kirkwall Average Prices

Prices shown represent the average one way price paid by our customers. The most common booking on the Aberdeen Kirkwall route is a car and 2 passengers.

Aberdeen Kirkwall Ferry reviews

  • "Sailing through the night"

    I didn't have much of a chance to appreciate the sailing as I was asleep in my pod from 15 minutes after boarding at Kirkwall to 15 minutes before arriving in Aberdeen

    'Tim' travelled Aberdeen Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries

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  • "Great service"

    I was not intending to use passenger assistance when I booked the trip but I’d had surgery so needed some help. The crew on both port and ferry were above and beyond. I’d trave with you every time I come up to Scotland in the future. Well done and thank you for making my trip so special.

    'Cathy' travelled Aberdeen Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries

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  • "Very straightforward "

    Our journey was fine- calm and comfortable. The cabin was good and we both slept very well. Couldn't have gone any better

    'Jennifer' travelled Aberdeen Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries

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  • "Ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall "

    Was given very good instructions at time of booking, knew when and where to board and that was helpful. The crossing was comfortable, would highly recommend paying the extra for the tip back seats, so comfy. The on board meal and services were great. Our ship was late in arriving but we were advised right from the beginning and appreciated that.

    'Joy-marie' travelled Aberdeen Kirkwall with Northlink Ferries

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Aberdeen Guide

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.

Kirkwall Guide

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.