Kirkwall
Lerwick
Ferries to Shetland Islands
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Trip Details
Outbound
Round Trip

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Kirkwall Lerwick Ferry

The Kirkwall Lerwick ferry route connects Orkney Islands with Shetland 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 7 hours 45 minutes.

Kirkwall Lerwick 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.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Orkney Islands to Shetland Islands page.
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Kirkwall - Lerwick Route summary
Departure Country UK
Destination Country UK
No. of Operators 1
Operators Northlink Ferries
Average Price $254*
Average Weekly Sailings 3
Average Sailing Duration 7h 45m
First Ferry 23:45
Distance 129 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change pricing is taken from last 30 days last updated 2023-06-22.

Most popular questions

How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

The typical crossing time for ferries from Kirkwall to Lerwick is approximately 7h 45m. However, please keep in mind that sailing duration might change depending on what season you choose to travel.

How much is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

The average price of a ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick is approximately $151. However, please remember that the price of a ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick can differ depending on the season. Price exclusive of booking fees.

Which ferry companies operate between Kirkwall to Lerwick?

There is 1 ferry operator for Kirkwall to Lerwick and this is
  • Northlink Ferries

How can I book ferry tickets from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

Ferries from Kirkwall to Lerwick are available for booking through our deal finder. Please also visit our offers page to stay updated with all the latest ferry offers on this route.

Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

Yes, you can currently travel as a foot passenger onboard the ferries from Kirkwall to Lerwick with
  • Northlink Ferries

Can you take your car on the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

Yes, you can travel with a vehicle from Kirkwall to Lerwick with the following operators
  • Northlink Ferries

Can you bring pets on the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their pets onboard this ferry service. However, you may require a pet passport and other documentation to take your furry companion with you. The following operators currently allow pets on their ferries
  • Northlink Ferries

How far is Lerwick from Kirkwall?

Kirkwall to Lerwick is approximately 129 nautical miles distance apart.

Kirkwall Guide

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.


Lerwick Guide

Lerwick is a town and port, and capital, of the Shetland Islands which are located roughly 160 km off the north coast of Scotland, 340 km to the north of the city of Aberdeen and 370 km to the west of Bergen in Norway. The town takes its name from the Old Norse and its descendent, Norn, which was spoken in Shetland until the middle of the 19th century and means 'bay of clay'. The Norwegian name for the town is Leirvik with 'leir' meaning clay and 'vik' meaning bay or inlet. There are other towns in western Norway with similar names.

The town's port is a busy fishing and ferry port that also services that support the offshore oil industry. There is an overnight passenger ferry service to Aberdeen, that calls at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. Also, the Shetlands Islands Council operate a ferry service to Out Skerries and Bressay from a terminal in the centre of town.


Kirkwall to Lerwick Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 4/29/2024 and 5/5/2024


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Northlink Ferries 23:45 07:30 7 hours 45 minutes Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
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