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Home / Europe / Orkney Islands / Kirkwall / Aberdeen Kirkwall Ferry

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Ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall

Depending on the season their are about 4 weekly sailings between Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Northlink Ferries provides the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries cost between $169 and $1078, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get tickets, pricing, schedules and availability.

What's the ferry schedule from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries depart at around 17:00.

How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

Ferries from Aberdeen to Kirkwall sail in around 6 hours. Ferry duration can vary by ferry provider and can be impacted by weather conditions.

Aberdeen Kirkwall Ferry Operator Schedules

There is 4 weekly sailings from Aberdeen to Kirkwall provided by Northlink Ferries. Timetables can change from season to season.

How much does the ferry cost from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

The price of a ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall typically range between $166* and $1063*. On average the Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry is $815*. The cheapest Aberdeen Kirkwall ferry prices start from $166*. The average price for a foot passenger is $271*. The average price for a car is $846*.

Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated March 25.

What is the distance from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

The distance between Aberdeen to Kirkwall is approximately 141 miles (226km) or 122 nautical miles.

Can I travel on the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall with a car?

Yes, Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries allow cars onboard with Northlink Ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall. To view car ferry tickets and prices between Aberdeen and Kirkwall use our Deal Finder.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

Northlink Ferries allow foot passengers on Aberdeen Kirkwall ferries.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

Northlink Ferries allow pets on ferries from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Scotland to Orkney Islands page.
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Aberdeen - Kirkwall Ferry Route Summary
Departure CountryScotland
Destination CountryOrkney Islands
No. of Operators1
OperatorsNorthlink Ferries
Average Price$815
Average Daily Sailings1
Average Weekly Sailings4
Average Sailing Duration6 h
Fastest Sailing Duration6 h
First Ferry17:00
Last Ferry17:00
Distance122 Nautical Miles

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

Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry Most Popular Questions

  • How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

    The ferry crossing time from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is approximately 6 hours. 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 Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

    Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry price can differ depending on the season. The average price of a ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is $815. Price exclusive of booking fees.

  • Which ferry companies operate between Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

    Northlink Ferries provide the ferries from Aberdeen to Kirkwall.

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

    Book ferries from Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen to Kirkwall?

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

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

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

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

    The distance from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is 122 nautical miles.

Aberdeen Guide

The Granite City, as Aberdeen is sometimes called is located in the north east of Scotland, and is Scotland's third most populous city. The city's two universities help to make the city a lively place to spend time. The city also plays an important role in the North Sea oil industry with the city's heliport being one of the busiest in the world.

Aberdeen has a long sandy beach located between the River Dee and the River Don. To the south of the River Dee there are steep rocky cliff faces with pebbly beaches and deep inlets. The area is good for rock climbing and a result of some of the granite outcrops having been quarried in the past.

The city's harbour started out as a fishing port and then moved on to steam trawlers and the oil industry. it is now a major port of departure for the Baltic and Scandinavia with major exports including fertiliser, granite, and chemicals.


Kirkwall Guide

The town of Kirkwall is located in the Orkney islands and is the island's largest town and capital. The town's name is taken from the Norse name Kirkjuvage (Church Bay) which was later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and then finally to Kirkwall. The Orkney's are located off the north east coast of Scotland and one of Kirkwall's most popular attractions is the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, regarded as the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. Other sites of interest in one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town include the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace.

Kirkwall is now a thriving market town and has a busy centre with many shops and restaurants. Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation on the island that caters for long and short stays, bed and breakfast or self-catering. Ferry services from Orkney depart to Aberdeen (6 hours), Scrabster (90 minutes) and John O'Groats.

Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 3/3/2025 and 9/3/2025


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Northlink Ferries 17:00 23:00 6 hours Mon, Fri, Sun
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