Ferries from
Scotland to Orkney Islands
Ferries from
Scotland to Orkney Islands
Scotland to Orkney Islands ferries are operated by 2 ferry companies. These include Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries. There are currently 6 daily and 39 weekly sailings. The Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope ferry crossing is the most popular route with a scheduled sailing duration of 1 hour 15 minutes.
Yes, you can get a ferry from Scotland to Orkney Islands. Ferries to Orkney Islands from Scotland sail approximately 39 times per week and are provided by 2 operators including Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries. Just use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Orkney Islands today.
The duration of the ferry from Scotland to Orkney Islands depends on a number of factors including the ferry company you're travelling with and the weather conditions at the time of sail. The duration of the Scotland Orkney Islands ferry also varies between routes.
Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry times vary between 1 hour 15 minutes and 6 hours.
The fastest ferry from Scotland to Orkney Islands is the Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope route. This ferry is provided by Pentland Ferries and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes with an average price of £186.00. There are currently 3 daily and 20 weekly sailings on this ferry route.
Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry times can differ depending on the route you choose and which ferry company you're travelling with. The season you travel in can also affect the times, with more options usually available in the peak summer months. If you're travelling from Scotland to Orkney Islands by boat, it's best to check the latest Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry timetable before you book.
Gills Bay – St Margaret's Hope first ferry: 09:30
Gills Bay – St Margaret's Hope last ferry: 18:45
Scrabster – Stromness first ferry: 08:45
Scrabster – Stromness last ferry: 19:00
There are 2 ferry companies providing this route. Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry operators includeNorthlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.
Scotland to Orkney Islands distance: 19 miles (31km) and 17 nautical miles.
Yes, you can take a day trip on the Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope route. Day trips by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and frequent daily crossings.
There are currently 3 ferry routes operating from Scotland to Orkney Islands;
Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope
The most popular ferry is Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope with up to 3 daily and 20 weekly sailings. The journey usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The second most popular route is the Scrabster to Stromness ferry with up to 2 daily and 17 weekly sailings. The Scrabster to Stromness ferry takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry prices can vary depending on a number of factors including the route, ferry company, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not. The route you choose can also affect the ferry price. The Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope ferry costs £186.00 on average. The Scrabster to Stromness ferry costs £244.00 on average.
Prices on the Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope ferry start from just £46.22. Meanwhile, prices on Scrabster to Stromness start from £53.00. Bear in mind that prices often vary and are usually higher during the peak summer months.
Yes, you can take your car on the ferry to Orkney Islands from Scotland with Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries. Check out our deal finder for more information on routes and to find Scotland to Orkney Islands car ferry prices.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Scotland to Orkney Islands with Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.
Yes, you can travel with your pet on the Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry with Northlink Ferries & Pentland Ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on ferries to Orkney Islands from Scotland.
It's easy to book ferry tickets to Orkney Islands online at Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Enter your departure and arrival ports along the date you'd like to travel to see all available options. You can also compare alternative routes to find the best ferry to suit you.
You're best booking your Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry tickets as soon as you know your travel plans. Ferries can sell out, especially in the summer months so it's best to secure your place on the ferry well in advance. The sooner you book, the cheaper the prices tend to be too.
We recommend booking your Scotland to Orkney Islands ferry tickets in advance to get them at the best price. The cheapest ferries from Scotland to Orkney Islands are usually out of season and at off-peak times.
You can also check out our Special Offers page and sign up to our email for exclusive offers. Discounts for senior citizens and residents are available on some routes. If you're a student, you can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets too.
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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.
