CalMac Ferries · 8h 55m
Kirkwall to Aberdeen Ferry
Compare every Kirkwall to Aberdeen sailing. From £56.87 one way, 7 times a day, crossing in about 8h 55m.
- 8h 55m crossing
- 51 sailings a week
- Cars carried
Kirkwall to Aberdeen sailings on Saturday 31 October
7 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
★ Cheapest
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
⚡ Fastest
Only 12 spaces left at this price on the 13:15 sailing.
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
About the Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry
CalMac Ferries operates the Kirkwall – Aberdeen crossing 7 times a day. Expect to be at sea for about 8h 55m, with one-way tickets from £56.87. We compare every operator on the route in one search, so you can see the cheapest and the fastest side by side before you commit.
Vehicles are carried on this route, so you can take a car, campervan or motorbike across and keep your luggage with you. Foot passengers are welcome on board.
Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry timetable
There are around 51 sailings a week on this route, 7 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Kirkwall and Aberdeen are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall – Aberdeen | CalMac Ferries | 8h 55m | 51 | £56.87 | £252.30 | Yes |
| Kirkwall – Lerwick | DFDS Seaways | 2h 25m | 12 | £18.09 | £51.02 | Foot only |
| Lerwick – Aberdeen | P&O Ferries | 45m | 2 | £8.02 | £19.25 | Foot only |
How much is the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?
One-way fares start at £56.87. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £252.30. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.
Which operators sail this route?
CalMac Ferries operates the Kirkwall – Aberdeen crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- CalMac Ferries, 22 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
Cars, campervans, motorhomes and motorbikes are all carried on the Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry. Add your vehicle when you search and every price shown will include it, and no vehicle surcharge appears later in the booking.
Getting to Kirkwall
Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Kirkwall port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Aberdeen guide for the other end.
Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?
The Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry takes approximately 8h 55m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?
One-way fares start from £56.87. The average booking on this route comes to around £252.30 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?
CalMac Ferries operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry run?
There are around 51 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 7 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry?
Yes. Cars, campervans and motorbikes are carried on this route. Add your vehicle at the search stage so the price you see includes it.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Kirkwall to Aberdeen?
Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.
How far in advance should I book?
Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.
Do I need a passport for the Kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry?
Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.
Alternative crossings
Other ways to make the same journey, and nearby routes worth comparing.
Kirkwall to Lerwick
from £18.09
Lerwick to Aberdeen
from £8.02
Cairnryan to Belfast
from £13.60
Cairnryan to Larne
from £27.74
Ardrossan to Brodick
from £67.35
Castlebay to Lochboisdale
from £65.68
Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope
from £65.05
Port Askaig to Oban
from £64.11