Kirkwall - Lerwick
Ferry to Shetland Islands
Kirkwall - Lerwick
Ferry to Shetland Islands
There are currently ferries sailing between Kirkwall and Lerwick. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Lerwick today.
We offer a quick and easy way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide to help you find the best option. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and availability!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be applied automatically if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Whether you can bring your vehicle on the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick depends on factors such as the ship and operator of your chosen crossing. To find out, simply enter your details and we’ll show you which operators on that route allow vehicles.
For practical tips and for inspiration when travelling with a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog.
The regulations for foot passengers can vary between ferry operators and ships. For more information, just enter your details and preferred route to find out if you can travel on the ferry by foot.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
It's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing, as travel requirements can vary depending on the route. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Kirkwall to Lerwick, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
To book your ferry tickets and to see all available options and prices, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be done easily via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Kirkwall to Lerwick for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Kirkwall to Lerwick is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Kirkwall - Lerwick Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £54 | |
| Average Price with Car | £284 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | £129 | |
| Average Campervan Price | £302 | |
| Average Cabin Price | £233 | |
| Kirkwall - Lerwick Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Orkney Islands |
| Destination | Shetland Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | £240 |
| Average Pet Price | £192 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 4 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 7 h 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 45 m |
| First Ferry | 23:45 |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 |
| Distance | 129 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2026.
Kirkwall Port is situated on what’s known as the ‘mainland’ of the Orkney archipelago, with the city of Kirkwall the capital of the Orkney Islands. Once a quiet town renowned for the peaceful atmosphere among historical landmarks, Kirkwall has quickly transformed itself into a bustling market town boasting a shopping centre and copious restaurants. The city does still provide satisfaction for those that enjoy history and cultural landmarks – the St. Magnus Cathedral is widely recognised as the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. Despite its recent revival, the town still owes much of its income to the port, which is regarded as the gateway between Scotland and the Orkney Islands. Ferry routes to Aberdeen and Lerwick run a few times a week by Northlink Ferries, the only company operating in the area. The port is only 1.5km from the city centre, so is easily within walking distance, especially considering the picturesque streets leading to the harbour. The port facilities are found towards the north of Harbour Street, the road that runs from east to west across the waterfront. Walking around the small, narrow streets is regarded as the best way to get around the city, although there is a bus service that runs to the main sites in the town. Taxis are also readily available at the pier, though it is advised to negotiate a price before entering.
Regarded by some as ‘Britain’s Top Port’ Lerwick is one of the most northerly ports belonging to the UK, laying around 160 km off the north coast of mainland Scotland. The only ferry routes operating from Lerwick are to other coastal cities in Scotland, with daily sailings to Aberdeen and three sailings per week to Kirkwall. Due to the relatively small area and its geographical location, Lerwick harbour is the main industry for the region. There is a maritime feel to the entire town; fishing and the ferry industry bring in much of the revenue, and the port holds many boating events per year which attract tourists who have an active interest in maritime. Away from the port, the mountains and hills surrounding Lerwick are prime for embarking on an afternoon stroll; the views are stunning and the sea breeze makes for a refreshing change of pace. There are a couple of museums that are worth a visit, and of course the restaurants serve excellent seafood at reasonable prices. The town is so small that most places are within walking distance; the town centre itself is particularly compact. There are also taxis available for quicker and more convenient transport.
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