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Check-in and boarding

What is Priority Boarding?

This service is only available on Stromness to Scrabster sailings. For a small fee you can select priority boarding to be one of the first to board and disembark from the vessel in your car. Passengers selecting this option must arrive at check-in 1 hour before sailing, and being one of the first to disembark is not always guaranteed.

Can I travel without my booking confirmation email?

Yes, your booking confirmation is a reference about your sailing, but is not your ticket. Quoting your booking reference number can help NorthLink staff identify your booking when checking in or amending your sailing. However, staff can also use your details to locate your booking.

Where can I find more information about each port?

To find out more information about each of NorthLink’s ports, including opening times, directions, transport links, facilities and accessibility information, please visit the following webpages: AberdeenKirkwall (Hatston)LerwickScrabsterStromness.

I require special assistance, can you help?

NorthLink Ferries are always happy to make arrangements for anyone who requires help at the ports or onboard ships. If you require any assistance please let us know by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0800 111 4422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles). Alternatively you can let us know about your accessibility requirements in advance using WelcoMe.

When do I need to check in for my sailing from Aberdeen or Lerwick?

Check-in at the Aberdeen and Lerwick Ferry Terminal commences two hours prior to departure. Car drivers are recommended to check in at least one hour prior to departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure.

When do I need to check in for my sailing from Hatston, Stromness and Scrabster?

Check-in at Hatston, Stromness and Scrabster opens 90 minutes prior to departure. Car drivers are recommended to check in at least one hour prior to departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure.

When do I need to check in for the Hamnavoe B&B?

Check-in for the Hamnavoe B&B is between 21:30 to 23:30. Vehicle drivers should park in lane 5 and then collect boarding passes from the terminal.

Do I need to bring any form of ID to check in?

Only if you are claiming the Student 10% discount on passenger and vehicle fares. If so, you will need to show your student card to claim the discounted rate. Failure to present it will result in us requesting that you pay standard fares.

What happens if I miss my sailing?

Please try to keep NorthLink informed by phoning 0800 111 4422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) if you think you may miss check in for your sailing (which closes 30 minutes before departure). NorthLink will endeavour to book you onto the next sailing, subject to availability. You may be charged for any difference in fare. Please note that unused tickets are not refunded.

What if my sailing is cancelled or delayed?

NorthLink Ferries always contact and advise passengers of any delay or cancellation in advance. In the event of delays, if you have a booked sailing, NorthLink will keep you informed and will assist you, but cannot accept liability for any costs or inconvenience caused if the delay is weather related. Always visit the Service Update webpage on the NorthLink Ferries website for the most up-to-date sailing information.

What do I do when travelling by foot?

Please check-in at the desk inside the terminal. You will be instructed by NorthLink Ferries staff when to board. Foot passengers board the ship via a covered walkway. Stairs lead from the ground floor to the walkway, but there is also a lift available for public use in all NorthLink Ferry Terminals.

How do I check-in when travelling with my bicycle?

Please check-in at the desk inside the terminal and when safe to do so, you will be asked to wheel your bike on to the ship’s car deck via the stern ramp. NorthLink Ferries staff on the car deck will instruct you on where to park your bicycle.

How do I check in when travelling by car / van / motorbike?

Please check-in at the vehicle check in. This will be a staffed kiosk visible close to the terminal, but please ask a member of NorthLink staff if you cannot find it. Once you have checked in, you will be instructed on when to drive your vehicle on board.

What happens with luggage?

Passengers should only take hand luggage onto the ship. Other luggage can be left in your vehicle or, if travelling on foot, may be placed on luggage trolleys (which are loaded onto the car deck) prior to boarding. Whilst onboard, please ensure that your hand luggage does not block exits, walkways, or seats.

Is there a left luggage facility?

A left luggage facility is available in Aberdeen and Lerwick to passengers who are booked for the same day’s sailing. Luggage must be labelled for the onward voyage, and it is the responsibility of passengers to transfer their own luggage from the left luggage facility to the luggage trolleys for sailing. All items are left at the owner’s risk.

Is there public transport which connects with the ferry?

Please visit the port webpages: AberdeenKirkwall (Hatston)LerwickScrabsterStromness for information about transport services, including the bus / train to Inverness from Scrabster, the Hatston connecting bus, and the Jet bus from Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to Aberdeen Airport.

Can I park my vehicle at the Port?

Yes. There is car parking available near to NorthLink Ferries terminals. Please be aware that some parking places may be charged at an hourly or daily rate. Visit each port webpage for more specific information about parking: AberdeenKirkwall (Hatston)LerwickScrabsterStromness