Ferries from
Scotland to Shetland Islands
Ferries from
Scotland to Shetland Islands
The Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry is the main ferry route from Scotland to Shetland Islands. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Ferries from Scotland to Shetland Islands sail approximately 6 times per week and are operated by Northlink Ferries.
Scotland to Shetland Islands ferry sail durations can take between 12 hours 30 minutes and 14 hours 30 minutes depending on the ferry operator, the route taken and weather conditions.
The fastest ferry from Scotland to Shetland Islands takes around 12 hours 30 minutes on the Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry with Northlink Ferries.
Yes, you can travel by car on the ferry from Scotland to Shetland Islands with Northlink Ferries.
The distance between Scotland and Shetland Islands is 218 miles (351km) and 190 nautical miles.
Scotland to Shetland Islands ferry prices can vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry ferry sails approximately 7 times weekly with a crossing time of 14 hours 30 minutes.
We recommend booking in advance for the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Visit our Special Offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.
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Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom, occupying the Northern third of the land, sharing a border with England to the South. Scotland is a beautiful country well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and rugged coastlines, with the natural scenes of the Highlands as a top winner. The Scottish climate tends to be very changeable, but even though the sun might not always shine, the warm welcome from the wonderful diversity of landscapes attracts many visitors. If you’re heading away from Scotland by ferry then Northern Ireland is easily accessible with a choice of routes and ferry companies. Travelling from the Scottish mainland to the Orkney, Shetland or any of the destinations off Scotland’s west coast is more convenient than ever before and you’ll get to take in some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in the UK while you sail too. The direct route to the continent is no longer available, but there are numerous routes from Northern England to use instead.
Shetland encompasses over a hundred islands to the north of Scotland, forming a subarctic archipelago in the North Sea. Britain’s northernmost point; where Scandinavia meets Scotland, the Shetland Islands captivate visitors with their unique heritage, striking coastlines and beguiling countryside. While the human population is warm and friendly, the animals inhabiting these shores are just as memorable, ranging from puffins and dolphins to the famous namesake pony. They also have plenty to keep history-lovers occupied, with numerous well-preserved archaeological sites. Many have been dated further back than the Vikings, who left their mark on everything from place names to local dialects, including Iron Age brochs and mystical standing stones. Ferries make the overnight journey from Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, seven times a week, while there are less frequent, but shorter, routes available from the Orkney Islands, an archipelago to the southwest of Shetland.
