Gills Bay – St Margaret's Hope
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Gills Bay – St Margaret's Hope
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Pentland Ferries provides the ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope. Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferries cost between 53€ and 294€, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferries.
The first Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferry typically departs from Gills Bay at around 09:30. The last ferry usually departs at 18:45.
The Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferry trip can take around 1 hour 15 minutes. Sailing times can vary between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There is 21 weekly sailings from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope provided by Pentland Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.
Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferry prices typically range between 53€* and 294€*. The average price is typically 217€*. The cheapest Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferry prices start from 53€*. The average price for a foot passenger is 103€*. The average price for a car is 217€*.
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 Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope is approximately 19.1 miles (30.7km) or 16.6 nautical miles.
Yes, Pentland Ferries ferries allow cars on board ferries between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Pentland Ferries ferries between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope with Pentland 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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| Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hope Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Scotland | |
| Destination | Orkney Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Pentland Ferries | |
| Average Price | €217 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 21 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m | |
| First Ferry | 09:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 18:45 | |
| Distance | 17 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
Most well known locally for the seals that are often found lying on the rocks, Gill’s Bay is found on the north coast of Scotland and serves as a gateway between mainland Scotland and the islands laying to its north. The pier is one of the prominent features of the area, providing the entrance for Pentland Ferries to operate among the docks. In recent times it has become the most commonly used departure point from the mainland across the Short Sea Crossing to the islands of Stroma, Swona and Orkney. The crossing is generally considered the quickest and safest way to get across the waters of Pentland Firth. The sailings on the ferry route run throughout the year and are thought to be a very reliable and comfortable service. Whilst in the area, it is thought to be worthwhile exploring the local wildlife; seals, wild dogs, porpoises are all often spotted among the rocks, whilst even a basking shark has been seen on occasion.
