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Home / Europe / Orkney Islands / Kirkwall / Lerwick Kirkwall Ferry

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Lerwick Kirkwall Ferry

Connecting the capital town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands with the capital town of Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, this ferry route is the only ferry route to provide a connection between the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. The town of Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland Islands, and home to all the amenities you may expect from a much larger city, such as leisure centres, entertainment facilities, and all the restaurants and shops that you may need, and is the perfect place to visit to see the rich history of the Shetland.

The town of Kirkwall is the largest town in the Orkneys, and is home to the famous St Magnus Cathedral, one of the oldest medieval buildings in Scotland, and has an array of historical sights and places to visit to help understand the Orkneys.

With up to 3 ferries running per week, provided by 1 ferry operator, and with sail times of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, there are plenty of ferries to choose from, so book now with Direct Ferries, to find the best ferry at the best price for you.

Lerwick to Kirkwall sailing durations and frequency may vary from season to season, and from month to month, so we’d advise doing a live check to get the most up to date information.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands page.
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Lerwick - Kirkwall Ferry Route Summary
Departure CountryShetland Islands
Destination CountryOrkney Islands
No. of Operators1
OperatorsNorthlink Ferries
Average Price$171
Average Daily Sailings1
Average Weekly Sailings3
Average Sailing Duration5 h 30 m
Fastest Sailing Duration5 h 30 m
First Ferry17:30
Last Ferry17:30
Distance129 Nautical Miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 March 2025.

Lerwick to Kirkwall Ferry Most Popular Questions

  • How long is the ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    The ferry crossing time from Lerwick to Kirkwall is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. Sailing duration may vary from season to season and by operator, so we would advise doing a live check using our Deal Finder.

  • How much is the ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Lerwick to Kirkwall ferry price can differ depending on the season. The average price of a ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall is $171. Price exclusive of booking fees.

  • Which ferry companies operate between Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Northlink Ferries provide the ferries from Lerwick to Kirkwall.

  • How can I book ferry tickets from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Book ferries from Lerwick to Kirkwall through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers. 

  • Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger from Lerwick to Kirkwall with

  • Can you take your car on the ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Yes, you can travel on the ferry with a car from Lerwick to Kirkwall with

  • Can you bring pets on the ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    Yes, pets are permitted onboard the ferry. You may need a pet passport. Please read the ferry operators pet guidelines. Currently you can bring pets on ferries with:

  • How far is Lerwick to Kirkwall?

    The distance from Lerwick to Kirkwall is 129 nautical miles.

Lerwick to Kirkwall Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule for this ferry route has up to 3 ferries running per week, provided by 1 ferry operator, but be sure to bear in mind that sail times for this route can be affected by many different factors. These can include seasonal changes, changes to the ferry route, changes made by the ferry operator, and so on, but here at Direct Ferries, we will always give you the most up-to-date information regarding ferry sailings, so you can find the best ferry at the best time for you.


How long does the Ferry to Kirkwall from Lerwick take?

Ferry sail durations on this ferry route generally take between 5 hours and 30 minutes, to 7 hours and 45 minutes, and this variation is caused for numerous reasons, such as changes to the ferry route, changes made by the ferry operator, and external factors such as weather conditions at the time of sail. This means that all sail times that are given here are to be taken as estimates only, and be sure to check before you book, what your expected sail time will be.


Lerwick to Kirkwall Ferry Prices

How much the ferry to Kirkwall from Lerwick will cost is defined by many separate factors, such as what time of year you are travelling, which ferry route you are travelling on, which ferry operator you are travelling with, how you are travelling, and other such factors, so there are multiple ferry fares on offer here. Instead, we recommend looking at the above graph, to see our monthly fare averages, check out our useful fare finder tool, to find the best ferry at the best price for you, and be sure to sign up to our email newsletter, to be the first to hear about our latest deals and offers.


Can I take my Car on the Ferry to Kirkwall from Lerwick?

You are currently able to take your car with you on this ferry route.

Lerwick to Kirkwall Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 3/24/2025 and 3/30/2025


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Northlink Ferries 17:30 23:00 5 hours 30 minutes Thu, Sat
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