Travelling by ferry to Kirkwall

Need to get to Kirkwall by ferry? Looking for information and ferry tickets to Kirkwall? Vivanoda helps you find the best deals on ferries to Kirkwall from all 3 ports including Aberdeen and Lerwick. There are a total of 2 ferry routes operated by NorthLink Ferries.

The NorthLink Ferries lines to Kirkwall have a frequency of around 7 crossings a week.

Statistics of Kirkwall ferry port

Countries
United Kingdom
Number of crossings
7 crossings a week
Number of ports
3
Number of ferry connections
2
Number of ferry companies
1
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Tips for cheaper and better ferry travel to Kirkwall

You will make the right choice by choosing the ferry to Kirkwall. This means of transport has undeniable advantages: comfortable, relaxing, economical... Here are some tips to save money on your ferry crossing to Kirkwall and travel in the best conditions:

Don't forget to take all your necessary personal belongings on board
Throughout the crossing, you cannot return to your vehicle. So you should remember to bring everything you need when you board in Lerwick or Aberdeen.
Avoid booking at the last minute
It's never a good idea to wait too long to book. NorthLink Ferries fares often increase over time.
Fight seasickness to enjoy the crossing
Bad weather or your sensitivity to the movements of the boat can make your crossing a very bad time. Getting some fresh air on deck, looking at the horizon, taking a cabin to lie down...

All crossings to Kirkwall ferry port

What better way to start your trip to Kirkwall than with a ferry crossing? NorthLink Ferries ferries to Kirkwall offer a comfortable and affordable alternative for travellers who want to avoid the long queues and tedious boarding procedures at airports. Moreover, you can take your car or motorbike on board, allowing you to explore Kirkwall and its surroundings in complete freedom as soon as you arrive.

With a wide choice of ferry companies and routes from Aberdeen or Lerwick to Kirkwall, use our fare comparison platform to find the best deals on ferries to Kirkwall for your budget and preferences. All you have to do is search!

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Where is the ferry terminal in Kirkwall?

Kirkwall Aberdeen Terminal
Kirkwall Aberdeen Terminal is located 1.8 mi from Kirkwall city centre.
Map

FAQs about ferries to Kirkwall

To travel to Kirkwall by ferry, you can depart from 3 ports in 1 countries: Aberdeen and Lerwick.

Ferry services to Kirkwall are operated by 1 ferry companies: NorthLink Ferries

Ferry timetables to Kirkwall can vary significantly depending on the time of year and ferry company (NorthLink Ferries). We strongly recommend you search for timetables on Vivanoda.

It depends on the route you want to take. The shortest crossing on the Lerwick - Kirkwall route takes 5 hours 30 min, while the longest crossing from Aberdeen - Kirkwall takes almost 6 hours.

The price of a ferry to Kirkwall varies greatly, depending on whether you travel by car, on foot or by bike and the time of year. Vivanoda helps you find the best deals from NorthLink Ferries to Kirkwall.

Kirkwall ferry - Compare prices and book cheap tickets

Ferry to Kirkwall: Travel Guide

When to take the ferry to Kirkwall?

The best time to travel to the UK is generally in summer, from June to August. During this period, temperatures average between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions in which to explore the many tourist sites and enjoy the country's magnificent landscapes. The days are also longer, which means more time to explore the bustling cities of London, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as the magnificent national parks, coastlines and castles.

However, even in summer, it's important to be prepared for sudden showers and unexpected temperature changes. It is advisable to bring waterproof clothing to deal with any unforeseen weather conditions.

Discover the country from Kirkwall port

Ports served
The UK has several major ports served by ferry companies. The main ferry ports in the UK are Portsmouth, Plymouth, Poole, Southampton, Dover, Newhaven, Harwich and Liverpool. You can find ferry crossings from these ports to various destinations in Europe, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and many more.

Ferry companies
There are several ferry companies serving British ports. The best known are Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Corsica Linea. Each of these companies offers different fares and timetables, so it's important to compare before booking your ferry journey.

Discover the region from Kirkwall

The first town you'll discover when you step off the ferry is Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. It's a charming town, with cobbled streets and grey stone buildings. Be sure to visit St Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Take advantage of the local market to sample fresh local produce, such as the famous Scottish salmon and artisan cheese.

A few kilometres from Kirkwall is the neolithic site of Skara Brae, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. It's hard not to be fascinated by these stone houses, over 5,000 years old. Take a stroll along the beach and imagine the daily life of our prehistoric ancestors.

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