Ferries from
Orkney Islands to Scotland
Ferries from
Orkney Islands to Scotland
Ferries from Orkney Islands to Scotland are available with 2 operators. There are 3 ferry routes. Ferries from St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay and Stromness to Scrabster are popular ferry trips from Orkney Islands to Scotland. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Ferries from Orkney Islands to Scotland sail approximately 38 times per week and are provided by Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.
Orkney Islands to Scotland ferry time ranges between 1 hour and 9 hours depending on the ferry route, operator, and ship.
The fastest ferry from Orkney Islands to Scotland is in 1 hour on the St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay ferry with Pentland Ferries.
Yes, you can travel on a car ferry from Orkney Islands to Scotland with Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.
The distance between Orkney Islands and Scotland is 19 miles (31km) and 17 nautical miles.
Orkney Islands to Scotland ferry prices can vary by route, operator, season, vehicle type and whether you are sailing on a high-speed ferry or conventional ferry.
The St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay ferry ferry sails approximately 21 times weekly with a crossing time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
Stromness to Scrabster ferry ferries sail about 17 times weekly with a sailing time of 1 hour 30 minutes.
For the best ferry offers, we recommend booking in advance for the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.
Book and compare Orkney Islands Scotland ferry tickets, operators, timetables and prices using our Deal Finder.
| From | To | Average price | |
|---|---|---|---|
From StromnessOrkney Islands |
To ScrabsterScotland |
Average price£127.00 | |
From St Margaret's HopeOrkney Islands |
To Gills BayScotland |
Average price£96.76 | |
From KirkwallOrkney Islands |
To AberdeenScotland |
Average price£226.00 |
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The Orkney Islands, an archipelago off Scotland's northeastern coast, offer visitors a unique blend of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant local culture. These windswept islands are home to some of Europe's most impressive prehistoric sites, including the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, the mystical Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar - a UNESCO World Heritage site collectively known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The islands' main town, Kirkwall, features the impressive St. Magnus Cathedral, built by Viking settlers in the 12th century. Nature lovers can spot abundant wildlife including puffins, seals, and occasionally orcas along the spectacular coastal cliffs. Locals celebrate their Norse heritage during the annual Orkney Folk Festival in May and the St. Magnus International Festival in June, showcasing music, arts and island traditions. Regular ferry services connect Orkney to mainland Scotland, with routes from Scrabster to Stromness and Aberdeen to Kirkwall, making these fascinating islands easily accessible for travellers exploring the Scottish Highlands.
Scotland offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, historic castles and vibrant cities. From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the wild Highlands, this northern part of the UK captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich heritage. History enthusiasts can explore iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and the haunting battlefield of Culloden. The country's stunning scenery includes Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and the dramatic Glencoe valley. Throughout the year, Scotland hosts traditional events including the Highland Games in summer and the fiery Hogmanay celebrations at New Year. Edinburgh's world-famous Fringe Festival transforms the capital each August with thousands of performances. Travellers can easily connect to Northern Ireland via ferry from Cairnryan, or venture to the Orkney and Shetland Islands from Aberdeen. With excellent road connections to England, Scotland serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the British Isles.
