Kirkwall - Aberdeen
Ferries to Scotland
Kirkwall - Aberdeen
Ferries to Scotland
Kirkwall Aberdeen ferry prices usually range between €33* and €572*. The average price for ferries from Kirkwall Aberdeen is typically €268*. The cheapest Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry prices start from €33*. The average foot passenger price is €98*. And the average price for a car is €429*.
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.
Kirkwall Aberdeen ferries typically depart at 23:45.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Kirkwall and Aberdeen 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 Kirkwall and Aberdeen with Northlink Ferries. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Kirkwall and Aberdeen.
Whether you can take your campervan on the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen 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 Kirkwall to Aberdeen 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 Kirkwall and Aberdeen with Northlink Ferries.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Kirkwall to Aberdeen with Northlink Ferries. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Kirkwall Aberdeen ferries is €225.
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 Kirkwall and Aberdeen 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 Kirkwall to Aberdeen, 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 Kirkwall to Aberdeen 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 Kirkwall to Aberdeen 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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| Kirkwall - Aberdeen Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €98 | |
| Average Pricewith Car | €429 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | €103 | |
| Average Campervan Price | €341 | |
| Average Cabin Price | €186 | |
| Kirkwall - Aberdeen Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Orkney Islands |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | €268 |
| Average Pet Price | €225 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 3 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 7 h 15 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 15 m |
| First Ferry | 23:45 |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 |
| Distance | 122 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands which are located just off the northern coast of Scotland. St Magnus Cathedral stands in the centre of Kirkwall and was founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney between 1108-1117. Other attractions in the town include the former Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, located adjacent to the cathedral. Also in the town, and containing a number of artefacts of historical importance, are two museums. Shopping in Kirkwall is mainly located on Albert Street and Bridge Street.
The town is located on the main island and is around 10 km from Finstown, 24 km from St Margaret's Hope and 26 km from Stromness. Around 3 km from Kirkwall is the Hatston Ferry Terminal which is operated by NorthLink Ferries. There are places to purchase refreshments a short distance from the terminal. Ferry services operating from the port depart to Aberdeen in Scotland, with a crossing time of around 6 hours. There are also services to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, with a crossing time of roughly 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Located in the north east of Scotland, the city of Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. The city's architecture is famous for its wide use of granite which has led to the city often being referred to as "the Granite City". The city is well known for its floral displays which include 2 million roses, 11 million daffodils and 3 million crocuses. So impressive is the city's floral displays that it was won the RHS's Britain in Bloom 'Best City' award ten times, the overall Scotland in Bloom competition 20 times and the Large City category every year since 1968. It is also known for its parks and gardens, of which it has over 45 throughout the city.
Aberdeen's port has good road, air and rail connections and passenger facilities at its terminal that includes a cafe and a supermarket. The terminal also has good facilities for disabled passengers. There are regular services from the port to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands with a crossing time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are also three sailings each week to Kirkwall with a crossing time of around 6 hours.
