Ferries from
Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands
Ferries from
Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands
Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands ferries are operated by Northlink Ferries. There are currently 1 daily and 2 weekly sailings. The Lerwick to Kirkwall ferry crossing is the most popular route with a scheduled sailing duration of 5 hours 30 minutes.
Yes, you can get a ferry from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands. Ferries from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands sail approximately 2 times per week and are provided by Northlink 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 Shetland Islands 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 Shetland Islands Orkney Islands ferry also varies between routes.
The fastest ferry from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands is the Lerwick to Kirkwall route. This ferry is provided by Northlink Ferries and takes around 5 hours 30 minutes with an average price of £134.82. There are currently 1 daily and 3 weekly sailings on this ferry route.
Shetland Islands 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 Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands by boat, it's best to check the latest Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands ferry timetable before you book.
Lerwick – Kirkwall first ferry: 17:30
Lerwick – Kirkwall last ferry: 17:30
There is 1 ferry company providing this route. Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands ferries are provided by Northlink Ferries.
Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands distance: 149 miles (239km) and 129 nautical miles.
Unfortunately, due to the crossing time, you cannot do a day trip from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands.
There is currently just 1 ferry route operating from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands:
There are up to 1 daily and 3 weekly sailings on this ferry route. The journey usually takes about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Shetland Islands 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 Lerwick to Kirkwall ferry costs £134.82 on average.
Prices on the Lerwick to Kirkwall ferry start from just £28.36. 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 Shetland Islands with Northlink Ferries. Check out our deal finder for more information on routes and to find Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands car ferry prices.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands with Northlink Ferries.
Yes, you can travel with your pet on the Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands ferry with Northlink Ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on ferries to Orkney Islands from Shetland Islands.
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 Shetland Islands 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 Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands ferry tickets in advance to get them at the best price. The cheapest ferries from Shetland Islands 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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The Shetland Islands offer a distinctive blend of Scottish and Norse heritage, creating a cultural experience unlike any other in the UK. These remote islands, located closer to Norway than mainland Scotland, boast dramatic landscapes with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and rolling moorlands. History enthusiasts will appreciate the prehistoric archaeological sites like Jarlshof and the well-preserved Broch of Mousa. Wildlife spotting is exceptional here, with opportunities to see puffins, otters, and even orcas in their natural habitat. The islands come alive during the annual Up Helly Aa fire festival in January, when locals celebrate their Viking heritage with torch-lit processions and boat burning ceremonies. The Shetland Folk Festival in May showcases traditional music from around the world. Regular ferry services connect the Shetlands to Aberdeen on mainland Scotland, making it an accessible yet off-the-beaten-path destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.
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.
