The ferry is the most popular way to bring your car, motorhome or bike to Shetland, and the most rewarding. Go to sleep somewhere on the Scottish mainland and wake up in the Northern Isles. That's a journey worth making.
NorthLink Ferries operates the Aberdeen to Shetland ferry year-round, seven nights a week in both directions. The direct crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick takes around 12 hours; if your sailing calls in at Kirkwall en route, allow around 14 to 15 hours. Note that during annual maintenance periods in January, February and March, ships may operate to an amended timetable. Check the NorthLink website for the latest schedule.
Timetables may also be subject to weather-related or technical delays. See the NorthLink website for current sailing information. Passengers should be aware that changes can be introduced at short notice, and those booked on affected sailings will be contacted directly.
Onboard, you can relax in a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining chair, and make use of the restaurant, bar and onboard entertainment. For those travelling from England or further south, Aberdeen is well connected by rail and road, making it a straightforward staging point for your journey north.
You can take your own car, motorhome or bike, and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels for four-legged travelling companions. For passengers with accessibility requirements, there are accessible cabins, lifts, toilets and wheelchair access throughout public areas.
NorthLink is the only commercial passenger ferry serving Shetland. At busy times of year, cabins and vehicle spaces fill up quickly, so booking early is strongly advisable.
For full details, prices and booking, visit the NorthLink Ferries website.
