The NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall service provides a vital overnight link between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours. This popular route is operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries and is designed to accommodate both vehicle and foot passengers in comfort.
Key takeaways
- The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is an overnight journey operated by NorthLink Ferries, taking approximately 6 hours.
- Vessels are equipped with restaurants, bars, a cinema, and various accommodation options including private cabins and seated areas.
- The service accommodates vehicles such as cars, motorhomes, and caravans, as well as foot passengers.
- Booking your travel and accommodation in advance is crucial, particularly during peak seasons like summer and school holidays.
- Ferries depart from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal and arrive at Hatston Ferry Terminal, located a short distance outside Kirkwall town centre.
How Long is the Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry Journey?
The ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney, typically takes around 6 hours. This journey is almost always an overnight sailing. The ship departs from Aberdeen in the early evening, sails north, and arrives in Kirkwall late the same evening. It’s important to note that this stop is part of a longer route, as the same vessel continues on to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands after its short stop in Orkney. The total Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry duration can be minimally affected by weather and tidal conditions in the North Sea, but the modern ships are stable and built to handle the route efficiently.
The NorthLink Aberdeen to Kirkwall Timetable
NorthLink Ferries operates a regular, year-round schedule for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall route, though the exact timings can vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the season. Generally, the ferry departs from Aberdeen daily at 17:00. After its 6-hour journey, it docks in Kirkwall at approximately 23:00. The ship then continues its journey to Shetland. For the return journey from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, the ferry typically departs very late, around 23:45, arriving back in Aberdeen at 07:00 the next morning. Because the schedule can be adjusted, passengers should always confirm specific sailing times on the official NorthLink Ferries website when planning their trip.
Aberdeen & Kirkwall Ferry Terminals Guide
Your journey begins at the NorthLink Ferry Terminal, located at Jamieson’s Quay in Aberdeen (AB11 5NP). The terminal is well-signposted and accessible from the city centre. Inside, you will find a check-in desk, a comfortable waiting area, and toilet facilities. Vehicle check-in usually closes 30 minutes before departure, and foot passenger check-in closes at the same time. The arrival port in Orkney is Hatston Ferry Terminal (KW15 1FL), which is situated about 3 miles outside of Kirkwall’s main town centre. A dedicated bus service often meets the ferry to transport foot passengers into town, and taxis are also available. Hatston is a modern terminal designed to handle the large ferries that serve the Northern Isles.
Onboard Experience: Facilities & Services
The ferries on the NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall route are modern, comfortable vessels designed for long crossings. You are not simply on a mode of transport but a floating hotel. Onboard, you will find a wide range of facilities to make the journey enjoyable. This includes a full restaurant serving meals made with local Scottish and Orcadian produce, a more casual cafe, and a stylish bar and lounge area where you can relax with a drink. For entertainment, there is a small cinema showing recent films, multiple TV lounges, and a children’s play area for families. A shop is also available, selling newspapers, gifts, and local crafts.
Accommodation: Cabins vs. Reserved Seating
Passengers on the overnight sailing have several accommodation options to ensure a restful night. Private cabins are the most comfortable choice, ranging from standard two or four-berth cabins (with and without windows) to more premium options. All cabins are en-suite with a shower, toilet, and include bedding and towels. For those travelling with pets, dedicated pet-friendly cabins are available. A more economical alternative is the reserved seating in the ship’s “sleep pods.” These are comfortable, reclining seats in a quiet lounge, allowing you to rest without the cost of a full cabin. It is highly recommended to book some form of accommodation, as resting in the main lounges is not typically encouraged for the full duration of the overnight trip.
Travelling with a Car, Motorhome, or as a Foot Passenger
The Aberdeen to Kirkwall service is a roll-on, roll-off ferry, making it simple to travel with a vehicle. Cars, motorcycles, caravans, and motorhomes can all be accommodated. When booking, you will need to provide the dimensions of your vehicle to ensure an appropriate space is allocated. On arrival at the terminal, you follow the dedicated lanes for vehicles to check in and are then directed onto the car deck by the ship’s crew. Foot passengers check in separately at the main terminal building and board via a covered walkway. The process is efficient and well-organised for all passenger types. While the journey to Orkney is unique, understanding ferry travel in general can be helpful; you can compare it with other major UK routes like the popular ferry to Ireland from the UK.
Booking Your Ferry: Essential Tips
Booking your NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall ticket well in advance is crucial. This is especially true if you require a cabin or are travelling with a vehicle during the peak summer months (June to August), school holidays, or during major Orkney festivals like the St Magnus Festival. Cabins often sell out months ahead of time. Pricing is dynamic and tends to be lower when you book further in advance. You can find a complete overview of what to expect in our guide to Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry prices. Be sure to check the NorthLink Ferries website for any special offers or islander discounts if applicable. Flexibility with your travel dates can also sometimes lead to lower fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?
The ferry journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney, takes approximately 6 hours. NorthLink Ferries operates this route as an overnight service, typically departing Aberdeen in the early evening and arriving in Kirkwall late the same night.
Is the ferry from Aberdeen to Orkney a rough crossing?
The journey crosses the North Sea, which can sometimes be choppy, particularly in winter. However, the NorthLink ferries are large, modern ships with stabilisers designed for these waters, providing a safe and comfortable crossing for most passengers.
Can you sleep on the ferry to Orkney?
Yes, you can sleep comfortably on the ferry to Orkney. The overnight service offers private en-suite cabins for a fee, or you can book a more affordable reclining ‘sleep pod’ seat in a quiet lounge for the duration of the journey.
Do you need a cabin on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry?
A cabin is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for comfort on the 6-hour overnight journey. The alternative is a reserved reclining seat, known as a ‘sleep pod.’ Simply sitting in the public lounges for the entire trip is generally not permitted.
How far is the Kirkwall ferry terminal from the town?
The ferry arrives at Hatston Ferry Terminal, which is approximately 3 miles (about 5 km) from the centre of Kirkwall. A dedicated shuttle bus service usually meets the arriving ferry to take passengers into town, and taxis are also available.
Can I take my dog on the NorthLink ferry to Orkney?
Yes, you can travel with your dog. NorthLink Ferries provides onboard kennels that must be booked in advance. A limited number of pet-friendly cabins are also available. Pets are not permitted in the ship’s main passenger lounges or restaurants.
The NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall service provides a vital overnight link between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours. This popular route is operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries and is designed to accommodate both vehicle and foot passengers in comfort.
Key takeaways
- The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is an overnight journey operated by NorthLink Ferries, taking approximately 6 hours.
- Vessels are equipped with restaurants, bars, a cinema, and various accommodation options including private cabins and seated areas.
- The service accommodates vehicles such as cars, motorhomes, and caravans, as well as foot passengers.
- Booking your travel and accommodation in advance is crucial, particularly during peak seasons like summer and school holidays.
- Ferries depart from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal and arrive at Hatston Ferry Terminal, located a short distance outside Kirkwall town centre.
How Long is the Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry Journey?
The ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney, typically takes around 6 hours. This journey is almost always an overnight sailing. The ship departs from Aberdeen in the early evening, sails north, and arrives in Kirkwall late the same evening. It’s important to note that this stop is part of a longer route, as the same vessel continues on to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands after its short stop in Orkney. The total Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry duration can be minimally affected by weather and tidal conditions in the North Sea, but the modern ships are stable and built to handle the route efficiently.
The NorthLink Aberdeen to Kirkwall Timetable
NorthLink Ferries operates a regular, year-round schedule for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall route, though the exact timings can vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the season. Generally, the ferry departs from Aberdeen daily at 17:00. After its 6-hour journey, it docks in Kirkwall at approximately 23:00. The ship then continues its journey to Shetland. For the return journey from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, the ferry typically departs very late, around 23:45, arriving back in Aberdeen at 07:00 the next morning. Because the schedule can be adjusted, passengers should always confirm specific sailing times on the official NorthLink Ferries website when planning their trip.
Aberdeen & Kirkwall Ferry Terminals Guide
Your journey begins at the NorthLink Ferry Terminal, located at Jamieson’s Quay in Aberdeen (AB11 5NP). The terminal is well-signposted and accessible from the city centre. Inside, you will find a check-in desk, a comfortable waiting area, and toilet facilities. Vehicle check-in usually closes 30 minutes before departure, and foot passenger check-in closes at the same time. The arrival port in Orkney is Hatston Ferry Terminal (KW15 1FL), which is situated about 3 miles outside of Kirkwall’s main town centre. A dedicated bus service often meets the ferry to transport foot passengers into town, and taxis are also available. Hatston is a modern terminal designed to handle the large ferries that serve the Northern Isles.
Onboard Experience: Facilities & Services
The ferries on the NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall route are modern, comfortable vessels designed for long crossings. You are not simply on a mode of transport but a floating hotel. Onboard, you will find a wide range of facilities to make the journey enjoyable. This includes a full restaurant serving meals made with local Scottish and Orcadian produce, a more casual cafe, and a stylish bar and lounge area where you can relax with a drink. For entertainment, there is a small cinema showing recent films, multiple TV lounges, and a children’s play area for families. A shop is also available, selling newspapers, gifts, and local crafts.
Accommodation: Cabins vs. Reserved Seating
Passengers on the overnight sailing have several accommodation options to ensure a restful night. Private cabins are the most comfortable choice, ranging from standard two or four-berth cabins (with and without windows) to more premium options. All cabins are en-suite with a shower, toilet, and include bedding and towels. For those travelling with pets, dedicated pet-friendly cabins are available. A more economical alternative is the reserved seating in the ship’s “sleep pods.” These are comfortable, reclining seats in a quiet lounge, allowing you to rest without the cost of a full cabin. It is highly recommended to book some form of accommodation, as resting in the main lounges is not typically encouraged for the full duration of the overnight trip.
Travelling with a Car, Motorhome, or as a Foot Passenger
The Aberdeen to Kirkwall service is a roll-on, roll-off ferry, making it simple to travel with a vehicle. Cars, motorcycles, caravans, and motorhomes can all be accommodated. When booking, you will need to provide the dimensions of your vehicle to ensure an appropriate space is allocated. On arrival at the terminal, you follow the dedicated lanes for vehicles to check in and are then directed onto the car deck by the ship’s crew. Foot passengers check in separately at the main terminal building and board via a covered walkway. The process is efficient and well-organised for all passenger types. While the journey to Orkney is unique, understanding ferry travel in general can be helpful; you can compare it with other major UK routes like the popular ferry to Ireland from the UK.
Booking Your Ferry: Essential Tips
Booking your NorthLink ferry Aberdeen Kirkwall ticket well in advance is crucial. This is especially true if you require a cabin or are travelling with a vehicle during the peak summer months (June to August), school holidays, or during major Orkney festivals like the St Magnus Festival. Cabins often sell out months ahead of time. Pricing is dynamic and tends to be lower when you book further in advance. You can find a complete overview of what to expect in our guide to Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry prices. Be sure to check the NorthLink Ferries website for any special offers or islander discounts if applicable. Flexibility with your travel dates can also sometimes lead to lower fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?
The ferry journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney, takes approximately 6 hours. NorthLink Ferries operates this route as an overnight service, typically departing Aberdeen in the early evening and arriving in Kirkwall late the same night.
Is the ferry from Aberdeen to Orkney a rough crossing?
The journey crosses the North Sea, which can sometimes be choppy, particularly in winter. However, the NorthLink ferries are large, modern ships with stabilisers designed for these waters, providing a safe and comfortable crossing for most passengers.
Can you sleep on the ferry to Orkney?
Yes, you can sleep comfortably on the ferry to Orkney. The overnight service offers private en-suite cabins for a fee, or you can book a more affordable reclining ‘sleep pod’ seat in a quiet lounge for the duration of the journey.
Do you need a cabin on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry?
A cabin is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for comfort on the 6-hour overnight journey. The alternative is a reserved reclining seat, known as a ‘sleep pod.’ Simply sitting in the public lounges for the entire trip is generally not permitted.
How far is the Kirkwall ferry terminal from the town?
The ferry arrives at Hatston Ferry Terminal, which is approximately 3 miles (about 5 km) from the centre of Kirkwall. A dedicated shuttle bus service usually meets the arriving ferry to take passengers into town, and taxis are also available.
Can I take my dog on the NorthLink ferry to Orkney?
Yes, you can travel with your dog. NorthLink Ferries provides onboard kennels that must be booked in advance. A limited number of pet-friendly cabins are also available. Pets are not permitted in the ship’s main passenger lounges or restaurants.