Sail from mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland with passenger and vehicle services linking Aberdeen, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Scrabster and Stromness.
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NorthLink Ferries provides the principal passenger ferry connections from mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland. The network combines overnight North Sea crossings from Aberdeen with the shorter Pentland Firth route from Scrabster to Stromness.
For Shetland, the Aberdeen–Lerwick service is an overnight journey and often calls at Kirkwall in Orkney. For Orkney travellers driving through northern Scotland, Scrabster–Stromness offers a scenic 90-minute alternative with views towards Hoy and the Old Man of Hoy.
These are lifeline island services as well as visitor routes, so schedules run throughout the year. Weather in northern waters can still affect sailings, making the operator's current service updates particularly important when flights, accommodation or onward travel are tightly timed.
FerryEU planning note: choose between Aberdeen and Scrabster by comparing the complete road and sea journey, not only the crossing time.
NorthLink's passenger network has two distinct journey styles: overnight sailings from Aberdeen to the islands and a short vehicle-friendly crossing from Scrabster to Stromness.
Aberdeen–Lerwick is the principal passenger route to Shetland. Direct 2026 sailings are scheduled at about 12 hours 30 minutes, with longer journeys on nights when the ferry calls at Kirkwall.
The Pentland Firth route takes about 90 minutes and operates several times a day on many dates. It is especially attractive for road travellers approaching Orkney through the far north of mainland Scotland.
On scheduled Kirkwall-call nights, the Aberdeen ferry reaches Hatston outside Kirkwall late in the evening. In the 2026 summer timetable, a 17:00 Aberdeen departure reaches Kirkwall at 23:00.
The FerryEU route map shows the relationship between Aberdeen, Scrabster, Kirkwall, Stromness and Lerwick. NorthLink also sells the Kirkwall–Lerwick island-to-island sector when the Aberdeen–Shetland service calls in Orkney.
The map is for orientation only. Calls at Kirkwall vary by day and season, and weather-related alterations are possible in northern waters.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live NorthLink Ferries sailing for departure time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline fare.
Check the live itinerary carefully: an Aberdeen–Lerwick sailing may be direct or may include a late-evening Kirkwall call, changing the total journey time.
Aberdeen gives direct access from eastern Scotland, Stromness puts you close to western Orkney's major historic sites, and Lerwick is the transport hub for exploring Shetland.
NorthLink's Aberdeen terminal connects the city directly with Orkney and Shetland. It is well positioned for travellers arriving from the Central Belt, Dundee, the Highlands and north-east Scotland.
Explore Scottish ferry destinations
Stromness is a historic harbour town and a convenient arrival point for Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and much of Orkney's West Mainland.
Plan an Orkney trip
Lerwick is Shetland's main town and the natural starting point for road trips across Mainland, onward island ferries, archaeology, wildlife and coastal scenery.
Explore Shetland travel ideasAberdeen–Kirkwall can suit travellers coming from eastern Scotland, while Scrabster–Stromness is much shorter at sea but requires the drive to Scotland's far north. Compare the entire journey.
NorthLink's accommodation choices reflect the very different route lengths. Scrabster–Stromness needs little more than comfortable seating, while Aberdeen–Lerwick benefits from proper overnight accommodation.
Standard lounges are entirely suitable for the 90-minute Pentland Firth crossing and remain available on the longer ships outside reserved overnight accommodation.
Best considered for Scrabster–Stromness and daytime relaxationReserved reclining seats offer a defined place to rest overnight at a lower price than a cabin. NorthLink's accommodation range includes premium reclining options.
Best considered for Budget-conscious overnight passengersSleeping pods provide a more sleep-oriented alternative to ordinary seating on the Aberdeen route. Some current pod seats convert to a lie-flat position.
Best considered for Solo passengers who do not need a full cabinPrivate cabins are available in several berth configurations on the longer services. They provide proper beds and private facilities for a much more comfortable overnight arrival.
Best considered for Couples, families and overnight Shetland travelDesignated cabins allow passengers to keep a pet with them and include easy-clean flooring and an en-suite bathroom. An additional pet supplement applies.
Best considered for Longer journeys with dogs or other permitted petsAccessible cabins are available across the passenger ships, including options with wider electrically operated doors, adapted bathrooms and hoist-equipped rooms.
Best considered for Passengers requiring adapted overnight accommodationNorthLink does not permit sleeping on deck or ordinary bench seating. If you are travelling overnight, reserve a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining seat rather than leaving rest arrangements until boarding.
NorthLink's passenger ferries are designed for both short island journeys and overnight travel, with locally focused food, comfortable lounges and useful facilities for a night at sea.
NorthLink promotes freshly prepared meals and local ingredients, with dining available on the overnight ships and throughout MV Hamnavoe's daily crossings.
The premium Magnus Lounge provides a quieter passenger environment. Premium and Executive cabin passengers receive access on applicable sailings.
Bars and café-style options give passengers somewhere to have a drink, snack or coffee while watching the sea or waiting for an overnight departure to settle down.
Selected shops sell island gifts, local products, books, toys and useful travel items, helping promote Orkney and Shetland producers.
NorthLink's current passenger guide lists free Wi-Fi onboard. As with any maritime connection, speed and availability can vary with location and demand.
MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey include cinema facilities, giving overnight passengers another way to spend time during the North Sea crossing.
Images in this section are from FerryEU's general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility types. The operator-specific hero and overview images show NorthLink ferry imagery.
Taking your own transport is particularly useful in Orkney and Shetland, where many archaeological sites, beaches, wildlife locations and smaller communities are easiest to reach by road.
Vehicle passengers check in through the vehicle lanes and are directed onboard by staff. Once parked, take everything needed because normal access to the car deck is restricted during the voyage.
Touring vehicles and trailers can be booked subject to their category and available space. Bicycles travel free of charge but must still be added to the booking.
NorthLink offers pet-friendly cabins, kennels and other permitted arrangements. MV Hamnavoe also has an indoor dog lounge with limited reservable capacity.
Accessible walkways, lifts, adapted cabins and Changing Places toilets support a wide range of travel needs. Advance notice helps NorthLink prepare the most suitable assistance.
NorthLink's current rules are clear: check-in closes 30 minutes before departure at every passenger port. Arrive earlier, particularly with a vehicle, accessibility request or a long drive to the terminal.
Northern weather can affect operations. Review the current sailing status and confirm whether your Orkney booking uses Kirkwall (Hatston) or Stromness.
These overnight-route terminals open check-in 120 minutes before departure, allowing plenty of time for passenger and vehicle processing.
Check-in normally opens 90 minutes before departure at these ports. The 06:30 Stromness sailing is the exception, opening 60 minutes beforehand.
NorthLink recommends that car drivers check in at least one hour before departure. Earlier arrival is sensible in peak periods or when assistance is required.
Passengers who have not checked in by the 30-minute cut-off will not be permitted to board the sailing.
For Shetland, the overnight ferry offers something flying cannot: you can take your own car, motorhome, bicycle and significantly more luggage, sleep while travelling and arrive with immediate access to your own transport.
For Orkney, the decision is more nuanced. Aberdeen–Kirkwall avoids the long drive to Caithness but reaches Orkney late at night on applicable sailings. Scrabster–Stromness requires more road travel on the mainland but gives a short scenic crossing and a convenient arrival in western Orkney.
Accommodation is part of the route decision. A private cabin can turn Aberdeen–Lerwick into a productive overnight journey, while the 90-minute Scrabster route rarely justifies anything beyond a comfortable lounge and a meal.
NorthLink Ferries connect mainland Scotland with Orkney and Shetland. The passenger routes are Aberdeen–Lerwick, Aberdeen–Kirkwall, Kirkwall–Lerwick and Scrabster–Stromness.
The Scrabster–Stromness crossing takes about 90 minutes. It is NorthLink's short Pentland Firth route and passes the Old Man of Hoy.
Aberdeen–Lerwick is an overnight crossing. Direct 2026 sailings are scheduled at about 12 hours 30 minutes, while sailings calling at Kirkwall take longer.
Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure at every NorthLink passenger port. Car drivers are recommended to check in at least one hour before departure. Check-in opens two hours before departure at Aberdeen and Lerwick and 90 minutes before departure at Hatston, Stromness and Scrabster, except the 06:30 Stromness sailing where it opens 60 minutes before departure.
Yes. NorthLink carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans, trailers and other suitable vehicles subject to the booked category and available vehicle-deck space.
Yes. Foot passengers are accepted on NorthLink passenger ferries. At the terminal, larger luggage can be checked onto secure luggage trailers while hand luggage is carried onboard.
Yes. Pet options include pet-friendly cabins, kennels and designated arrangements. MV Hamnavoe also has a reservable dog lounge. Only assistance dogs are permitted in ordinary internal public areas.
A cabin is not compulsory, but NorthLink does not permit passengers to sleep on deck or on bench seating. Cabins, sleeping pods and reclining seats are available, so reserving suitable overnight accommodation is strongly recommended.
NorthLink's 2026 passenger guide lists free Wi-Fi among onboard facilities. Performance can vary at sea with coverage and demand.
Yes. NorthLink offers accessible cabins, lifts, Changing Places toilets and boarding assistance. Passengers who need specific help are encouraged to notify NorthLink in advance, ideally at least 48 hours before travel where possible.
Check current Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster and Stromness departures, cabin availability and vehicle space for your travel dates.
Scottish mainland
Orkney & Shetland
Overnight accommodation
