Ferries from
Scotland to Orkney Islands
Ferries from
Scotland to Orkney Islands
Ferries from Scotland to Orkney Islands sail approximately 25 times per week. Northlink Ferries service the ferries with 2 ferry routes to choose from. Ferries from Scotland sail from Aberdeen and Scrabster to the Orkney Islands and arrive at Kirkwall and Stromness.
Timetables can differ depending on the season. Check the latest ferry timetables between Scotland and Orkney Islands with just a few clicks using our deal finder.
Ferry duration from Scotland to Orkney Islands ranges from 1 hour to 6 hours 30 minutes depending on the ferry route. The distance between Scotland and Orkney Islands is around 157 nautical miles.
The fastest ferry from Scotland to Orkney Islands is on the Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferry route in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes with 3 daily sailings.
Prices can vary by operator, season and whether you’re sailing on a high-speed ferry or conventional ferry.
You can travel on the ferry with a car from Scotland to Orkney Islands on Northlink Ferries and Pentland Ferries. You can also travel as a foot passenger.
Ferry discounts vary throughout the year. Visit our offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.
Book and compare ferry operators, timetables and prices using our deal finder for all the most up to date sailing information.
Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom, occupying the Northern third of the land, sharing a border with England to the South. Scotland is a beautiful country well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and rugged coastlines, with the natural scenes of the Highlands as a top winner.
The Scottish climate tends to be very changeable, but even though the sun might not always shine, the warm welcome from the wonderful diversity of landscapes attracts many visitors. If you’re heading away from Scotland by ferry then Northern Ireland is easily accessible with a choice of routes and ferry companies. Travelling from the Scottish mainland to the Orkney, Shetland or any of the destinations off Scotland’s west coast is more convenient than ever before and you’ll get to take in some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in the UK while you sail too.
The direct route to the continent is no longer available, but there are numerous routes from Northern England to use instead.
The Orkney archipelago encompasses seventy islands within the Northern Isles of Scotland, roughly sixteen kilometres north of the mainland.
Unique as they are picturesque, the Orkney Islands are one of Scotland’s greatest feats. Mostly flat in appearance, they’re steeped in millennia-old history, with the island of Rousay nicknamed ‘the Egypt of the north’, owing to the sheer number - over a hundred a fifty - of archaeological sites, including a five thousand year old chambered tomb. A heavy Viking influence is another hallmark of Orkney’s identity, apparent in the architecture of the Kirkwall Cathedral and almost every place name Norse in origin.
Orkney is also one of the best places in Britain to watch the marvellous Northern Lights, and to spot tens of thousands of migratory bird species, dolphins, whales, and seals basking on white-sandy beaches.
Sandwiched between northern Scotland and the Shetland Islands, it’s easy to sail to Orkney from both locations. From a few ports on the mainland’s north coast, there are fast and regular crossings to a couple of towns in Orkney, while the routes from Aberdeen and Shetland run three times a week.
| From | To | Average price | |
|---|---|---|---|
From Gills BayScotland |
To St Margaret's HopeOrkney Islands |
Average price£186.00 | |
From ScrabsterScotland |
To StromnessOrkney Islands |
Average price£237.00 | |
From AberdeenScotland |
To KirkwallOrkney Islands |
Average price£411.00 |
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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.
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.
