What is the cheapest way to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

The cheapest way to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall is to ferry which costs £24 - £45 and takes 9h 25m.

What is the fastest way to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

The fastest way to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall is to ferry which takes 9h 25m and costs £24 - £45.

Is there a direct ferry between Lerwick and Kirkwall?

No, there is no direct ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall. However, there are services departing from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal and arriving at Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal via Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal and Shapinsay Orkney Ferry Terminal. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 9h 25m.

How far is it from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

The distance between Lerwick and Kirkwall is 117 miles.

How do I travel from Lerwick to Kirkwall without a car?

The best way to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall without a car is to ferry which takes 9h 25m and costs £24 - £45.

How long does it take to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall?

It takes approximately 3h 43m to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall, including transfers.

Where can I stay near Kirkwall?

There are 166+ hotels available in Kirkwall.

Lerwick to Kirkwall - 3 ways to travel via bus, plane, and ferry

There are 3 ways to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall by bus, plane, or ferry

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Bus, fly
best
1. Take the bus from Annsbrae Gardens to Terminal
2. Fly from Lerwick (LSI) to Kirkwall (KOI)LSI - KOI
3h 43m
Ferry
cheapest
1. Take the ferry from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry TerminalNl2
2. Take the ferry from Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal to Shapinsay Orkney Ferry TerminalOf4
3. Take the ferry from Shapinsay Orkney Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry TerminalOf4
9h 25m
£24–40
Ferry via Travel Centre
1. Take the ferry from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry TerminalNl2
9h 32m
£26–43

Lerwick (LSI) to Kirkwall (KOI) flights

6Weekly Planes

40 minAverage Duration

£105Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Lerwick to Kirkwall.

Launch map view

Distance: 116.5 mi
Duration: 3h 43m

What companies run services between Lerwick, Scotland and Kirkwall, Scotland?

You can take a ferry from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal to Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal via Kirkwall Orkney Hatston Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall Shapinsay Ferry Terminal, and Shapinsay Orkney Ferry Terminal in around 9h 25m.

Airlines

Bus operators

Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.