2023 Timetables
2023 Timetables
Below you can find 2023 timetables for the NorthLink passenger ferries. View 2024 timetables.
Timetables for sailings between
Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick
Lerwick – Kirkwall – Aberdeen
Stromness to Scrabster and
Scrabster to Stromness
Timetables for the freight vessels can be found at https://freight.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables
Check-in opens 120 minutes prior to departure at Aberdeen and Lerwick and 90 minutes prior to departure at Hatston, Stromness and Scrabster.
Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure at all ports and if you have not checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure you will not be allowed on board.
Car drivers are recommended to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure.
Timetables may be subject to weather related or technical delays – please visit Service Update for current sailing information.
Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick (Northbound)
Winter – 1st November 2023 to 31st March 2024
| Dep Aberdeen | Arr Kirkwall | Dep Kirkwall | Arr Lerwick | |
| Mon | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Tue | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Wed | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Thu | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
| Fri | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Sat | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
| Sun | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
Please note, on Tuesday 2nd January 2024 the northbound sailing will make an additional call at Hatston (which departs Aberdeen at 17:00, arrives at Hatston at 23:00, depart Hatston at 23:45 and arrive in Lerwick at 07:00 the following morning.)
Lerwick – Kirkwall – Aberdeen (Southbound)
Winter – 1st November 2023 to 31st March 2024
| Dep Lerwick | Arr Kirkwall | Dep Kirkwall | Arr Aberdeen | |
| Mon | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Tue | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Wed | 17:30 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:00 |
| Thu | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Fri | 17:30 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:00 |
| Sat | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Sun | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick (Northbound)
Summer – 1st April to 31st October 2023
| Dep Aberdeen | Arr Kirkwall | Dep Kirkwall | Arr Lerwick | |
| Mon | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Tue | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
| Wed | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Thu | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
| Fri | 19:00 | - | - | 07:30 |
| Sat | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
| Sun | 17:00 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:30 |
Lerwick – Kirkwall – Aberdeen (Southbound)
Summer – 1st April to 31st October 2023
| Dep Lerwick | Arr Kirkwall | Dep Kirkwall | Arr Aberdeen | |
| Mon | 17:30 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:00 |
| Tue | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Wed | 17:30 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:00 |
| Thu | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Fri | 17:30 | 23:00 | 23:45 | 07:00 |
| Sat | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
| Sun | 19:00 | - | - | 07:00 |
This timetable will be subject to regular review as required.
Bookings for sailings beyond 1st April 2024 are not currently available.
Passengers travelling should at all times be aware that changes may be introduced at short notice.
Stromness to Scrabster / Scrabster to Stromness
1st January to 31st December 2023
Stromness to Scrabster / Scrabster to Stromness
Peak Timetable (dates marked in pink)
| DEPARTURE TIMES Sailing time: 90 minutes | |||
| Stromness to Scrabster | 06:30 | 11:00 | 16:45 |
| Scrabster to Stromness | 08:45 | 13:15 | 19:00 |
Stromness to Scrabster / Scrabster to Stromness
Monday to Saturday Timetable (12th May to 30th June) dates marked in purple
| DEPARTURE TIMES Sailing time: 90 minutes | ||||
| Stromness to Scrabster | 06:30 | 11:00 | 16:45 | 21:15 |
| Scrabster to Stromness | 08:45 | 13:15 | 19:00 | 23:30 |
Please see important information about the Hamnavoe B&B service affected by these sailings.
Stromness to Scrabster / Scrabster to Stromness
Weekend Timetable (dates marked in dark blue)
| DEPARTURE TIMES Sailing time: 90 minutes | ||
| Stromness to Scrabster | 09:00 | 16:45 |
| Scrabster to Stromness | 12:00 | 19:00 |
Stromness to Scrabster / Scrabster to Stromness
Off Peak Timetable (dates marked in light blue)
| DEPARTURE TIMES Sailing time: 90 minutes | ||
| Stromness to Scrabster | 06:30 | 16:45 |
| Scrabster to Stromness | 08:45 | 19:00 |
Christmas, New Year and Dry Dock
There will be no sailings on dates marked in grey. View the NorthLink Ferries Festive Timetable for more information.
Download a printable 2023 Timetables and Visitor Fares sheet
Download a printable 2023 Timetables and Islander Fares sheet