Orkney Ferries
Check prices & times »Orkney Ferries runs the inter-island services within Orkney — the local ferries that connect the Orkney Mainland with the smaller islands of the archipelago. It's important to know that it does not run the crossings from the Scottish mainland; those are operated by NorthLink and Pentland Ferries.
Owned by Orkney Islands Council, it's a lifeline network for island communities and a rewarding way for visitors to explore beyond the Orkney Mainland. This guide covers how the network works and how to use it.
Orkney Ferries services
| Island / Route | Departure Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shapinsay | from Kirkwall | northern isle, short crossing |
| North Isles | from Kirkwall | Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday, North Ronaldsay |
| Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre | from Tingwall | western isles |
| South Isles (Hoy & Flotta) | from Houton | Hoy, South Walls, Flotta |
| Graemsay & North Hoy | from Stromness | Graemsay and Moaness (Hoy) |
| Westray–Papa Westray | between the isles | inter-island feeder |
Orkney Ferries connects the Orkney Mainland with the smaller islands. These are local services, separate from the mainland crossings.
Table of Contents
How the network works
Rather than one continuous system, Orkney's inter-island ferries are grouped by region, with most services running from hubs on the Orkney Mainland — Kirkwall, Stromness, Tingwall and Houton.
Each route runs its own timetable, so services vary by island, day and season. Some islands have only limited sailings, so it's essential to check both outbound and return times when planning a visit.
Getting to Orkney first
Orkney Ferries only runs services within Orkney. To reach Orkney from the Scottish mainland in the first place, you'll use one of the other operators.
NorthLink runs the Scrabster–Stromness and Aberdeen–Kirkwall crossings, while Pentland Ferries runs the short Gills Bay–St Margaret's Hope route. Once you're on the Orkney Mainland, Orkney Ferries takes you onward to the smaller islands.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
- Check timetables carefully: services are limited and vary by island and season
- Plan return sailings: some islands don't have a same-day return, so you may need to stay over
- Book vehicles early: car space is limited on these small ferries
- Day trips: Shapinsay and Rousay are among the easiest islands to visit in a day
- Foot passengers: the network is well suited to island-hopping on foot
Orkney Ferries and the wider network
Orkney Ferries is one part of getting around the far north of Scotland. It handles the inter-island hops, NorthLink and Pentland handle the mainland crossings, and together they open up Orkney and its islands.
For the full picture of ferries to and around Scotland's islands, see our Scotland ferry guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Orkney Ferries operate?
Orkney's inter-island ferry services, connecting the Orkney Mainland with 13 smaller islands. It does not run crossings from the Scottish mainland.
How do I get to Orkney from the Scottish mainland?
With NorthLink (Scrabster–Stromness or Aberdeen–Kirkwall) or Pentland Ferries (Gills Bay–St Margaret's Hope) — not Orkney Ferries.
Who owns Orkney Ferries?
Orkney Islands Council — it's a council-owned lifeline service for the island communities.
Can I take a car on Orkney Ferries?
Yes, on most routes, but car space is limited on these small vessels, so book early.
Which islands are easiest to visit?
Shapinsay and Rousay are among the most accessible for day trips from the Orkney Mainland.