To get cheap aberdeen kirkwall ferry tickets, you should book well in advance, travel outside of peak season, and be flexible with your dates. Prices are lowest when booked early and for mid-week, off-season sailings, especially if you travel as a foot passenger.
This journey is a vital link between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands, offering a scenic and comfortable way to travel. By following a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of your trip, making the stunning landscapes of Orkney more accessible. Finding cheap aberdeen kirkwall ferry tickets is achievable with a little forward planning.
Key takeaways
- Book tickets well in advance to secure the lowest prices, as fares increase with demand.
- Travel during the off-peak winter season or on mid-week sailings for significant savings.
- The most affordable way to travel is as a foot passenger; bringing a vehicle increases the cost.
- NorthLink Ferries is the sole operator for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall route, with a journey time of around 6 hours.
- Being flexible with your travel dates by even a day or two can often result in finding cheaper fares.
Who Operates the Aberdeen to Kirkwall Ferry Route?
The Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry route is operated exclusively by NorthLink Ferries. This company runs the lifeline services to the Northern Isles, providing modern and well-equipped vessels for passengers and vehicles travelling between mainland Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland.
NorthLink Ferries is the only operator offering a direct service from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Their ships are designed to handle the conditions of the North Sea, ensuring a safe and reliable crossing. You can learn more about the operator in our complete guide to NorthLink Ferries on this route.
How to Find the Cheapest Ferry Tickets
Finding the best value on your ferry crossing involves a combination of timing, flexibility, and forward planning. The most significant savings are typically found by booking early and avoiding popular travel times.
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Booking your ferry tickets as far in advance as possible is the single most effective way to secure a lower price. Ferry operators use a dynamic pricing model, similar to airlines, where fares start low and increase as the travel date approaches and the vessel fills up. By booking months ahead, you lock in the best available rate.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Travelling during off-peak periods will result in substantial savings. The highest demand and most expensive fares are during the summer school holidays (July and August) and around major events or festivals in Orkney. Conversely, the cheapest fares are found in the winter months (November to March), excluding the festive period. Mid-week sailings (Tuesday to Thursday) are also generally cheaper than weekend crossings.
Here is a simple breakdown of how seasonality affects pricing:
| Travel Period | Demand Level | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) & Festivals | Peak | £££ |
| Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) | High | ££ |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Low | £ |
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If your travel plans allow, being flexible can unlock cheaper fares. Use the ferry operator’s booking calendar to compare prices across different days of the week. Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can sometimes lead to a noticeable price drop, especially if it means avoiding a Friday or Sunday sailing.
Consider Different Ticket Types
Standard foot passenger tickets are the most economical option. The price increases significantly when you add a vehicle like a car, campervan, or motorhome. If you don’t need your own vehicle in Orkney, you can save money by travelling as a foot passenger and using public transport or local car hire upon arrival.
Look for Special Offers and Discounts
While not always available, it’s worth checking the NorthLink Ferries website for any special offers or promotions before you book. They may also offer discounts for seniors, students, or children. Island residents are often eligible for discounted fares, though this requires proof of residency.
Understanding Ferry Ticket Prices
The price of your Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry ticket is determined by several key factors. The base fare is for a single foot passenger, with costs added for vehicles, onboard accommodation, and the time of travel.
The main variables include the season, the day of the week, whether you’re taking a vehicle, and the type of onboard accommodation you choose. Cabins, for example, add a significant cost but provide comfort and privacy on the overnight parts of the journey. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry prices.
What is the Journey Like?
The ferry journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall is a comfortable and scenic experience, taking you across the North Sea to the Orkney Islands.
How Long is the Ferry Crossing?
The crossing from Aberdeen to Kirkwall typically takes around 6 hours. The exact Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry duration can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and the specific schedule, as some sailings continue on to Lerwick in Shetland.
Onboard Facilities and Accommodation
NorthLink Ferries’ vessels are modern and well-appointed, offering a range of facilities to ensure a pleasant journey. These include a restaurant serving meals made with local produce, a bar, a coffee shop, and a cinema showing recent film releases. For comfort, you can book a reclining seat in a lounge, or for more privacy, a private cabin. Cabins range from standard two-berth rooms to premium options, all with en-suite facilities. This makes it easy to relax during your search for cheap aberdeen kirkwall ferry tickets.
Foot Passenger vs. With a Vehicle
Travelling as a foot passenger is the most budget-friendly way to get to Orkney. This is an excellent option if you plan to explore Kirkwall on foot or use local buses and taxis. However, if you wish to explore the wider Orkney mainland and its many ancient historical sites, bringing your own car provides much more freedom and flexibility.
Taking a car, motorhome, or caravan involves a significant extra cost, which is calculated based on the vehicle’s length and height. When deciding, weigh the cost of bringing your vehicle against the price and convenience of hiring one on the islands. For many, the ability to pack everything they need and explore at their own pace makes the extra cost worthwhile.
Alternatives to the Aberdeen-Kirkwall Ferry
While the Aberdeen-Kirkwall ferry is a primary route, it is not the only way to reach Orkney by sea. Travellers driving through the north of Scotland have other options that may be more convenient or cost-effective depending on their itinerary.
- Scrabster to Stromness: Also operated by NorthLink Ferries, this is the shortest and quickest ferry crossing to Orkney, taking just 90 minutes. The port of Scrabster is near Thurso on the north coast of Scotland.
- Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope: Operated by Pentland Ferries, this route offers another relatively short crossing of around one hour. Gills Bay is located further east along the coast from Scrabster.
These routes are ideal for those on a road trip around the North Coast 500, but for travellers starting from Aberdeen or further south without a car, the direct ferry from Aberdeen often remains the most practical choice. Securing cheap aberdeen kirkwall ferry tickets on the main route is often the most direct path to the islands.
Arriving at Kirkwall Ferry Terminal
The NorthLink ferry terminal in Kirkwall is known as Hatston Ferry Terminal. It is located approximately 3 miles (5 km) outside of Kirkwall’s town centre.
From the terminal, you can get a taxi into town, or if you have brought your car, the drive is straightforward. A shuttle bus service often meets the ferry to take foot passengers into the Kirkwall Travel Centre. This convenient service makes it easy to continue your journey, whether you’re heading to your accommodation or beginning to explore the historic capital of Orkney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry?
For the best prices, you should book your Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry several months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak summer season or with a vehicle. Fares operate on a dynamic pricing system and increase as the travel date gets closer.
Is it cheaper to fly or get the ferry to Orkney?
Generally, the ferry is cheaper than flying to Orkney, particularly if you book in advance and travel as a foot passenger. While flying is much faster, the ferry allows you to bring a vehicle and offers a more relaxed travel experience with no luggage restrictions.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Kirkwall?
Yes, you can take a car, motorhome, or caravan on the NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. You must book a vehicle space in advance, and the cost will depend on the size of your vehicle. It is a popular option for visitors wanting to explore the islands.
What is the quickest ferry crossing to Orkney?
The quickest ferry crossing to Orkney is not from Aberdeen. It is the Scrabster to Stromness route, also operated by NorthLink Ferries, which takes only 90 minutes. The Aberdeen to Kirkwall sailing is much longer, taking approximately 6 hours.
Are there cabins on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall ferry?
Yes, the NorthLink Ferries vessels on the Aberdeen-Kirkwall route are equipped with a range of private cabins. These include standard two and four-berth cabins as well as premium options, all with en-suite facilities. Booking a cabin is recommended for comfort, especially on overnight sailings.
How long is the ferry journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall?
The ferry journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall typically takes around six hours. This duration can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and the specific schedule of the sailing, as some services continue onward to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.