NorthLink Ferries
Check prices & times »NorthLink Ferries is the lifeline ferry service to Scotland's Northern Isles, sailing from the Scottish mainland to Orkney and Shetland. Operated by Serco under a Scottish Government contract, it runs 363 days a year, carrying islanders, visitors, cars and freight to some of the most remote communities in the UK.
Unlike the short island hops of the west coast, NorthLink's crossings are longer and more comfortable — its overnight ships to Shetland are almost like small cruise liners, with en-suite cabins, a restaurant, bars and even a cinema. This guide covers the routes, the ships, fares and how to book.
NorthLink routes
| Route | Duration | Frequency | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabster–Stromness (Orkney) | ~1h 30m | up to 6 daily | Check Prices » |
| Aberdeen–Kirkwall (Orkney) | ~6 hours | evening sailing | Check Prices » |
| Aberdeen–Lerwick (Shetland) | ~12–14h 30m | nightly, overnight | Check Prices » |
| Kirkwall–Lerwick | ~5h 30m–7h 45m | several weekly | Check Prices » |
The Aberdeen to Lerwick crossing is the longest internal ferry route in the UK, at 216 miles by sea.
The Scrabster to Stromness crossing
The quickest way to Orkney with NorthLink is the Scrabster to Stromness crossing, at around 90 minutes with up to six sailings a day. It's run by MV Hamnavoe, and the route passes the Old Man of Hoy — the famous 137-metre sea stack — making it one of the more scenic short crossings in Scotland.
Scrabster is near Thurso on the north coast, at the end of the A9 and on the North Coast 500 route.
Sailing to Shetland: the overnight crossing
The Aberdeen to Lerwick route is the main link to Shetland, and at 216 miles by sea it's the longest internal ferry route in the UK. Sailings are overnight, leaving Aberdeen in the early evening and arriving in Lerwick around 07:30 the next morning, run by the sister ships MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey.
On certain days the sailing calls at Kirkwall in Orkney (at Hatston) on the way. Because it's an overnight crossing, booking somewhere to sleep is strongly recommended — see the accommodation options below.
Cabins, pods and onboard facilities
The overnight ships offer a range of ways to travel in comfort:
- Cabins: en-suite 2, 3 and 4-berth cabins, including accessible and pet-friendly options
- Lie-flat pods: electrically powered seats that recline to a 180-degree flat position, around £30 per person
- Reclining seats: a comfortable budget option for the overnight crossing
- Dog lounge: a dedicated space to sit with your pet — over 6,400 dogs used MV Hamnavoe's dog lounge in 2024
- Onboard: restaurant, bars, gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and a cinema and Games Zone on MV Hjaltland
- For children: the Vikling's Den play area, with NorthLink's cartoon Viking family
Fares and how to book
NorthLink runs two fare types and booking is straightforward.
- Fare types: Visitor fares for tourists, and reduced Islander fares for residents
- Vehicles: charged separately from passengers; book ahead in summer as space is limited
- Overnight sailings: a reclining seat, pod or cabin should be added to your booking
- Check-in: opens 120 minutes before departure at Aberdeen and Lerwick, 90 minutes at Scrabster, Stromness and Hatston; closes 30 minutes before departure
- Booking: online, by phone, or via the NorthLink app
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates NorthLink Ferries?
Serco, under a Scottish Government contract. NorthLink is the lifeline ferry service to Orkney and Shetland.
How long is the ferry from Aberdeen to Shetland?
The overnight Aberdeen to Lerwick crossing takes around 12 to 14 and a half hours — at 216 miles by sea, it's the longest internal ferry route in the UK.
What's the quickest ferry to Orkney?
The Scrabster to Stromness crossing, at around 90 minutes, with up to six sailings a day.
Do NorthLink ferries have cabins?
Yes — the overnight ships have en-suite 2, 3 and 4-berth cabins, plus lie-flat pods and reclining seats.
Can I take my dog on NorthLink Ferries?
Yes. There are pet-friendly cabins and a dedicated dog lounge on board.
Do I need to book NorthLink ferries in advance?
For vehicles and for cabins on overnight sailings, yes — especially in summer. Foot passengers have more flexibility.