Compare selected NorthLink Ferries sailings from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, with a typical six-hour passage on departures that call at Orkney.
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NorthLink Ferries serves Kirkwall from Aberdeen on selected northbound sailings that continue onward to Lerwick. In the main 2026 timetable, the typical calling service leaves Aberdeen at 17:00 and reaches Kirkwall at 23:00, a passage of about six hours.
Not every Aberdeen–Lerwick departure calls at Kirkwall. During the main summer timetable, selected Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday sailings make the Orkney call, while other departures sail direct toward Shetland.
The route carries foot passengers and vehicles and offers a more cruise-ferry-style experience than the shorter Scrabster–Stromness crossing. Cabins, sleeping pods, restaurants and lounges can be useful for evening travel, but availability depends on the sailing.
For Aberdeen to Kirkwall, the advertised crossing time is only one part of the journey. Allow for port access, check-in, boarding and disembarkation when deciding which departure best fits the day.
Look beyond the headline fare when comparing Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Departure time, ticket flexibility and the transfer after arrival can make a different sailing more convenient overall.
Compare the dated itinerary, vessel, vehicle rules and accommodation before booking.
NorthLink Ferries
Crossing time: about six hours on calling sailings
NorthLink’s Aberdeen–Kirkwall journey forms part of the longer Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick timetable. The evening sailing gives Orkney-bound passengers a direct mainland connection without driving north to Scrabster.
Follow the terminal and check-in instructions on your booking confirmation. Port arrangements can vary by operator, vessel and departure.
Aberdeen is NorthLink’s mainland gateway for the longer Orkney and Shetland passenger services. Allow time for city traffic, vehicle check-in and terminal marshalling before the evening departure.
Kirkwall is Orkney’s principal town and a key call on the Aberdeen–Lerwick route. From the terminal, road links reach the Mainland’s archaeological sites, Stromness and island accommodation.
NorthLink’s large passenger ships provide a fuller onboard product than short Pentland Firth ferries, with food, lounges and bookable accommodation on suitable sailings.
Private cabins and sleeping pods can be useful on evening and overnight NorthLink journeys. Availability is limited, so book early.
The Aberdeen route offers onboard dining and refreshments, with the precise outlets depending on the vessel.
Passenger lounges and seating give foot passengers and motorists places to rest during the six-hour crossing.
Pet accommodation and accessibility support are available subject to advance arrangements and the facilities on the assigned ship.
Kirkwall is not called at by every Aberdeen departure. Confirm the dated itinerary before booking travel or accommodation around the arrival.
Aberdeen–Kirkwall is a domestic Scottish journey. Carry the identification and booking information requested by NorthLink and arrive in time for the appropriate foot-passenger or vehicle check-in.
Keep the booking reference and recognised identification available for terminal check-in.
Enter accurate dimensions and vehicle type, and follow NorthLink’s loading instructions at Aberdeen.
Reserve pet accommodation and accessibility support in advance so suitable arrangements can be made.
Kirkwall is a practical base for Orkney, with shops, accommodation and local transport. By road you can reach Stromness, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and other major sites across the Mainland.
Late-evening arrivals make advance accommodation and transfer planning useful, especially if you are not collecting a vehicle at the terminal.
Compare Ferry RoutesCompare the complete trip: road distance, crossing duration, arrival port, ferry product and onward travel.
On main 2026 sailings that call at Kirkwall, the timetable commonly shows Aberdeen 17:00 to Kirkwall 23:00, about six hours.
No. Some Aberdeen–Lerwick departures run direct to Shetland. Check the exact dated timetable for a Kirkwall call.
NorthLink Ferries operates the passenger and vehicle route as part of its Orkney and Shetland network.
Yes on the vehicle-carrying NorthLink sailings. Vehicle space should be booked in advance.
Yes. Foot passengers are accepted on passenger sailings that call at Kirkwall.
Cabins and other sleeping options are available on suitable NorthLink vessels, subject to availability.
In the main 2026 timetable, selected northbound sailings depart Aberdeen at 17:00 and arrive at Kirkwall at 23:00. Check your specific date.
Yes, subject to NorthLink’s pet-booking rules and the accommodation available on the vessel.
Compare current sailings, passenger fares, vehicle prices and accommodation, then choose the crossing that works best for your journey.
about 6 hours
Selected sailings
Cars & foot passengers
Cabins available
