Aberdeen - Lerwick
Ferry to Shetland Islands
Aberdeen - Lerwick
Ferry to Shetland Islands
Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick are operated by 1 ferry company; Northlink Ferries. The journey usually takes around 14 hours 30 minutes. There are currently 7 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £78.76. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Lerwick today.
You can get a ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick. Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick are available all year round. This ferry route is operated by Northlink Ferries. With around 1 daily and 7 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Lerwick today.
Aberdeen to Lerwick first ferry: departs Aberdeen at 17:00.
Aberdeen to Lerwick last ferry: departs Aberdeen at around 19:00.
Bear in mind that Aberdeen Lerwick ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry timetable before you book.
The duration of the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry depends whether you’re travelling on a Aberdeen Lerwick fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry duration is usually around 14 hours 30 minutes on average.
Average Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry time: 14 hours 30 minutes
Fastest ferry: 12 hours 30 minutes
Longest ferry: 14 hours 30 minutes
The fastest ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick take 12 hours 30 minutes.
Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick are provided by 1 ferry company; Northlink Ferries with 1 daily and 7 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Aberdeen Lerwick ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Aberdeen ferry to Lerwick runs all year round
Northlink Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 7 weekly sailings
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Aberdeen and Lerwick are currently not suitable for a day trip.
Aberdeen to Lerwick distance: approximately 218.2 miles (351.2km) or 190 nautical miles.
Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. The price of the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick varies between £78.76 to £521.00.
Average Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry cost: £373.00
The cheapest Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry costs £78.76.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Aberdeen Lerwick ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry booking.
We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick. Lerwick to Lerwick ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in.
Most Lerwick to Aberdeen ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Aberdeen to Lerwick by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry booking in advance.
Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick with a car.
Car operators:
Northlink Ferries
Average car price: £447.00
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry.
Foot operators:
Northlink Ferries
Average foot passenger price: £149.00
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Lerwick from Aberdeen.
Average camper price: £628.79
Pets are allowed on Aberdeen ferries to Lerwick. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Northlink Ferries
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on a ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick.
NorthLink Ferries:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Aberdeen to Lerwick. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Yes, cabins are available on the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick.
Cabin operators: Northlink Ferries
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're taking luggage on board the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Aberdeen and Lerwick. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Aberdeen to Lerwick boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Yes, the ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Aberdeen port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Aberdeen to Lerwick tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
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| Aberdeen - Lerwick Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland | |
| Destination | Shetland Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries | |
| Average Price | £373 | |
| 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 March 2026.
Fancy exploring Scotland's beautiful Shetland Islands? With great ferry connections to the mainland, Lerwick is the perfect place to start. The Shetland's only town may be small but its got plenty to offer, from its rich Viking heritage to its charming streets, historical attractions and beautiful scenery.
Lerwick port connects the Shetland Islands with Aberdeen in mainland Scotland and Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, with regular services by operators including NorthLink Ferries.
Lerwick port is located around 1 mile from the town centre. You can either walk to the port in around 20 minutes or get a local bus or taxi.
Limited parking is available at the terminal.
Amenities include toilets and tourist information. There are many more amenities within walking distance of the terminal.
Lerwick Ferry Terminal, Holmsgarth Road, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PR, United Kingdom
Nestled on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is the country's third-largest city. Often referred to as the 'Granite City' due to its architecture, Aberdeen offers heaps of attractions. From beaches to parks, art galleries, museums and plenty of restaurants, pubs and bars, there's more than enough to keep you busy.
Aberdeen ferry port connects mainland Scotland with the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. The port is used for both passenger and freight services. NorthLink Ferries are the main ferry operator serving the port.
Parking options are available near to the ferry port at locations including Commercial Quay parking and Union Square.
Amenities at the ferry port including tourist information, vending machines, left luggage and toilets.
Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, Jamieson’s Quay, Aberdeen, AB11 5NP, United Kingdom
