Travelling from Kirkwall to Lerwick? Then the Ferry Kirkwall ⇄ Lerwick offers you a fast and affordable option for your trip. The ferry takes you up to 4 times a week in 7 hours 45 minutes from Kirkwall (Orkney Islands, Great Britain) to Lerwick (Shetland Islands, Great Britain).
Table of contents
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Kirkwall - Lerwick zu prüfen.
Ferry Kirkwall ⇄ Lerwick Map
We are loading the ferry map between Kirkwall and Lerwick for you.
Information about the ferry connection Kirkwall - Lerwick
| Ferry connection: | Kirkwall ⇄ Lerwick |
| Ports of the ferry connection: |
|
| Number of crossings: | up to 4 times a week |
| Travel time / journey time: | 7 hours 45 minutes |
| Distance: | 190 Kilometers (ca. 102,6 Nautical miles) |
| Season: | All year round (January - December) |
| Check-in: | until 30 minutes before departure |
| Operator of the ferry connection: |
Northlink Ferries |
Information about the ferry connection Lerwick - Kirkwall
| Ferry connection: | Lerwick ⇄ Kirkwall |
| Häfen der Verbindung (Rückreise): |
|
| Number of crossings: | up to 4 times a week |
| Travel time / journey time: | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Distance: | 190 Kilometers (ca. 102,6 Nautical miles) |
| Season: | All year round (January - December) |
| Check-in: | until 30 minutes before departure |
| Operator of the ferry connection: |
Northlink Ferries |
Port information for the ferry connection between Kirkwall and Lerwick
Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is located in the north of Scotland and impresses with its rich history. The city was founded in the 11th century and impresses ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Kirkwall.
Port address
| Ferry port Kirkwall | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Hatston Pier Road |
| Postcode & city: | KW15 1ZL Kirkwall |
| Country: | Orkney Islands, Great Britain |
| GPS: | 58.999127, -2.983514 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
As you are already in Orkney, getting to Kirkwall ferry port (Hatston Pier Road) is relatively easy. The Orkney Islands have a well-developed road network connecting the main towns and villages.
- From Kirkwall: Ferry north on the A960. After about 3 kilometers you will reach Hatston Pier.
- From other places on Mainland (the main island of Orkney): Use the A960, A961 or A965 to get to Kirkwall. Then follow the above directions from Kirkwall to Hatston Pier.
Arrival by bus
Stagecoach operates the public bus service in Orkney. There is a bus service from Kirkwall that runs to Hatston Pier and coordinates with Ferries departures. The bus station in Kirkwall is located in the town center, about 2 kilometers from the ferry terminal.
If you are in another Orkney town, first take a bus to Kirkwall and then change to the bus to Hatston Pier.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Kirkwall Airport, about 5.5 kilometers from Hatston Pier. After landing, you have the following options for getting to the ferry port:
- Cab: Taxis are available at the airport. The ferry ride to Hatston Pier takes about 10 minutes.
- Bus: Stagecoach bus route 3 connects the airport with Kirkwall town center. From there you can take the bus to Hatston Pier.
- Rental car: There are rental car stations at the airport. A rental car will ferry you to Hatston Pier in about 10 minutes.
Note that the Kirkwall ferry terminal (Hatston Pier) is about 3 kilometers outside of Kirkwall town center. Allow plenty of time for your journey, especially if you need to reach Ferry.
Lerwick
The largest town of the Shetland Islands offers its visitors a worth seeing old town with narrow streets and small shops. Fort Charlotte was built in 1665 to protect the ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Lerwick.
Port address
| Ferry port Lerwick | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Holmsgarth ferry terminal |
| Postcode & city: | ZE1 0PR Lerwick, Holmsgarth, Shetland |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| GPS: | 60.162711, -1.158780 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
If you are traveling on the main island of Shetland, follow the well-signposted roads to Lerwick. Once you arrive in Lerwick, follow the signs leading to Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal. The roads on Shetland are mostly country roads where you can easily get to your destination.
Arrival by bus
Shetland has a bus network that connects different parts of the island with Lerwick. Check the local bus timetable to find a connection to Lerwick ferry terminal. The bus stops are well signposted and easy to find.
Arrival by plane
Sumburgh Airport is located in the south of Shetland. From there you can either hire a car or take the bus to Lerwick. The bus ride takes about an hour. Information on bus connections and times is available at the airport.
Itinerary
The ferry service between Kirkwall and Lerwick operates all year round, making it a flexible option for travel between Orkney and Shetland.
Check-in & departure at the ports
In Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands and in Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, you can start your journey in a relaxed manner. Check-in desks close 30 minutes before departure, so you have enough time to arrive without rushing. Both ports are easy to reach and offer good orientation options.
On board the Ferry
A comfortable crossing awaits you on board Northlink Ferries. Depending on the weather and route, the crossing takes between 5 hours 30 minutes and 7 hours 45 minutes. There are comfortable seats, a selection of food and drink and well-equipped facilities. During the crossing you can enjoy the impressive scenery of the North Atlantic.
Arrival at the ports
In Lerwick and Kirkwall, you will arrive at centrally located ports that allow quick connections to local destinations. Both places offer you a good infrastructure so that you can continue your journey in comfort.
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Kirkwall ↔ Lerwick zu prüfen.
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to various questions about travelling from Kirkwall to Lerwick.
Which Ferries buses travel from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
The ferry service between Kirkwall and Lerwick is currently operated by Northlink Ferries.
How much does Ferry cost from Kirkwall to Lerwick by car, caravan or motorhome?
The price of a ferry crossing from Kirkwall to Lerwick depends on various factors, such as the capacity of the Ferry, the time of the crossing, whether you are traveling with or without a vehicle and other factors.
You can search for the current price from our travel search.
What is the latest time I have to check in at Ferry Kirkwall-Lerwick?
You must check in at the port at least 30 minutes before departure. But you should allow a little more time.
What happens if I don't reach the port in time?
That can happen, of course. However, the Ferry will not wait for you, as the timetable must be adhered to.
As soon as you realize that you will not make it to check-in at the port on time, you should contact the shipping company by telephone. You will find the telephone number on your booking confirmation.
How often does the Ferry run from Kirkwall to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands?
The Kirkwall-Lerwick ferry service is currently offered up to 4 times a week.
How long is the ferry crossing from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
The journey time (duration of the crossing) is between 5 hours 30 minutes and 7 hours 45 minutes.
Can I take my dog with me to Ferry?
Yes, that’s not a problem. Dogs and smaller pets such as cats travel as normal on Ferry.
Please note that pets must remain in the car during the crossing.
Can I take my car with me on Ferry?
Yes, NorthLink Ferries allows the carriage of vehicles on this route.
Are there cabins for passengers on board the Ferry?
Yes, the Ferries are equipped with cabins that are available to passengers during the crossing.
How far in advance should I book my ferry crossing?
It is recommended to book the crossing as early as possible, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability and best prices.
What facilities does Ferries offer during the crossing?
The Ferries have restaurants, lounges, stores and often also offer entertainment programs.
Can I travel as a foot passenger without a vehicle?
Yes, foot passengers can use Ferry without a vehicle.
Are Ferries accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the Ferries are equipped with facilities for people with reduced mobility.
Can I go on deck during the crossing?
Yes, passengers can move freely on deck during the crossing and enjoy the view.
The car deck is closed during the crossing for safety reasons.
Are there catering options on board the Ferry?
Yes, there are restaurants and cafés that offer meals and drinks.
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Kirkwall ↔ Lerwick zu prüfen.