Aberdeen – Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Aberdeen – Kirkwall
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Northlink Ferries provides the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries cost between 96€ and 620€, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries.
Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries typically depart at 17:00.
The Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry trip can take around 6 hours. Sailing times can vary between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There is 4 weekly sailings from Aberdeen to Kirkwall provided by Northlink Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.
Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices typically range between 96€* and 620€*. The average price is typically 479€*. The cheapest Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices start from 96€*. The average price for a foot passenger is 160€*. The average price for a car is 525€*.
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 1 July 2025.
The distance between Aberdeen to Kirkwall is approximately 140.6 miles (226.3km) or 122.2 nautical miles.
Yes, Northlink Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Northlink Ferries ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Aberdeen to Kirkwall 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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| Aberdeen - Kirkwall Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Scotland | |
| Destination | Orkney Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries | |
| Average Price | €479 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 4 | |
| 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 July 2025.
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.
