Aberdeen - Lerwick
Ferries to Shetland Islands
Aberdeen - Lerwick
Ferries to Shetland Islands
Northlink Ferries provides the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick. Aberdeen Lerwick ferries cost from just $38 vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Aberdeen Lerwick ferries.
Aberdeen Lerwick ferry prices typically range from $38* to $686*. The average ferry price from Aberdeen to Lerwick is around $494*. The cheapest fares usually start from $38*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $124*. The average price when traveling with a car is $623*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated July 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick usually departs at around 17:00, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 19:00.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Aberdeen and Lerwick are generally better suited to weekend breaks or longer stays. If you’re planning a trip and need ideas on what to see and do, visit our blog.
Yes, Northlink Ferries allow cars on ferries traveling between Aberdeen and Lerwick. Use our Deal Finder to see live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog.
Yes, bicycles are allowed on ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick with Northlink Ferries. While most operators permit bicycles on board, we recommend checking individual policies in advance to avoid any surprises at the port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Aberdeen and Lerwick with Northlink Ferries.
Pets are allowed on ferries traveling from Aberdeen to Lerwick with Northlink Ferries. The average price for traveling with a pet is $852.
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated July 26.
When traveling with your pet on a ferry, you’ll usually need:
For more details, read our guide to travelling with pets by ferry.
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you’re traveling with a guide dog or an assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or on board.
Even if standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing with our customer service team. For more information, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Aberdeen and Lerwick depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Aberdeen to Lerwick, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on travelling to Europe for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancelations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Aberdeen to Lerwick on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Aberdeen - Lerwick Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $124 | |
| Average Price with Car | $623 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $287 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $505 | |
| Aberdeen - Lerwick Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland |
| Destination | Shetland Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | $494 |
| Average Pet Price | $852 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 7 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 14 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 12 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 17:00 |
| Last Ferry | 19:00 |
| Distance | 190 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2026.
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.
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.
Wimbledon 2026 Guide
Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
Summer Holidays 2026: The Best Travel Destinations in Europe by Ferry
The Best Coffee Spots in Italy
Take the Scenic Route to Spain with Brittany Ferries
South Korea Ferry Travel Guide
Guide to Booking a Ferry and Bus Combo
Pride Season 2026: Best Pride Parades Worldwide
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Travel Guide
The 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026 Guide
