DFDS Seaways · 2h 25m
Kirkwall to Lerwick Ferry
Compare every Kirkwall to Lerwick sailing. From £18.09 one way, daily, crossing in about 2h 25m.
- 2h 25m crossing
- 12 sailings a week
- Foot passengers
Kirkwall to Lerwick sailings on Saturday 31 October
2 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
About the Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry
The Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry is operated by DFDS Seaways, sailing daily with a typical crossing time of 2h 25m. Book ahead and you will normally pay closer to the £18.09 end; last-minute summer sailings are where prices climb hardest.
This is a foot-passenger service, so you will need to travel without a vehicle. Foot passengers are welcome on board.
Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry timetable
There are around 12 sailings a week on this route, daily. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Kirkwall and Lerwick are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall – Lerwick | DFDS Seaways | 2h 25m | 12 | £18.09 | £51.02 | Foot only |
| Kirkwall – Aberdeen | CalMac Ferries | 8h 55m | 51 | £56.87 | £252.30 | Yes |
| Aberdeen – Lerwick | CalMac Ferries | 9h 20m | 53 | £59.29 | £268.99 | Yes |
How much is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
One-way fares start at £18.09. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £51.02. 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?
DFDS Seaways operates the Kirkwall – Lerwick crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- DFDS Seaways, 61 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
This service carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a car, check the alternative crossings listed below for a vehicle-carrying route between the same regions.
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 Lerwick guide for the other end.
Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
The Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry takes approximately 2h 25m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
One-way fares start from £18.09. The average booking on this route comes to around £51.02 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
DFDS Seaways operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry run?
There are around 12 sailings a week on this route, which works out at daily. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry?
No, this route carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a vehicle, search nearby ports for a car-carrying alternative.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Kirkwall to Lerwick?
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 Lerwick 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 Aberdeen
from £56.87
Aberdeen to Lerwick
from £59.29
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