Taking a ferry to Orkney.
There are three main ferry routes from mainland Scotland, all carrying cars and foot passengers. The best one for you depends on the drive to the departure port as well as the crossing and the journey to Tingwall afterwards.
Swipe across the table to compare routes, crossing times and operators.
| Route | Crossing | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Scrabster → StromnessScotland’s north coast → Orkney Mainland | Around 90 minutes | NorthLink |
| Gills Bay → St Margaret’s HopeScotland’s north coast → South Ronaldsay, Orkney | Around 70 minutes | Pentland Ferries |
| Aberdeen → KirkwallNorth-east Scotland → Hatston, outside Kirkwall | Around 6 hours northbound | NorthLink |
These crossing times are approximate. The operators’ timetables have the sailings for your dates.
Scrabster to Stromness
Scrabster is near Thurso on Scotland’s north coast. The ferry arrives in Stromness on Orkney Mainland. From there, you’ll travel to Tingwall for the separate crossing to Rousay.
Book with NorthLinkGills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope
Pentland Ferries sails from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay. You’ll then travel through Orkney to Tingwall, taking a different route from arrivals at Stromness.
Book with Pentland FerriesAberdeen to Kirkwall
The northbound ferry normally leaves Aberdeen and arrives at Hatston, outside Kirkwall, late the same evening. If that’s outside Rousay ferry times, a private boat charter can be arranged easily in advance. Staying overnight in Orkney is another option.
Ferry check-in times
NorthLink recommends that drivers check in at least an hour before departure; check-in closes 30 minutes before sailing. Pentland Ferries asks passengers and vehicles to be ready at least 30 minutes before departure. Your booking will have the current requirements. Any assistance needs to be arranged with the operator in advance.
NorthLink check-in and timetables · Pentland travel information
Flying to Kirkwall.
Loganair flies to Kirkwall from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Other routes, including Dundee, can be seasonal. The live schedule shows what’s available for your dates.
You’ll land on Orkney Mainland, then travel to Tingwall for the ferry to Rousay. You can also book a private boat charter outside ferry times. If you’d like a car, you can arrange hire and airport collection before travelling.
Find flights to KirkwallFlight schedules and airport check-in requirements are available from Loganair.
Car hire & airport collection.
You can book a hire car before you fly to Kirkwall. Between landing and your Rousay ferry, you’ll need time to collect your luggage and car, drive to Tingwall and check in.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Drive Orkney
We recommend Drive Orkney, a good local company offering collection and drop-off at Kirkwall Airport. They’ll confirm where to meet, the times and the full price, including any airport surcharge.
Check availability and bookTaking a hire car to Rousay
The hire company needs to know you’re taking the car to Rousay, and can confirm its ferry-use conditions. You’ll book outward and return vehicle spaces separately with Orkney Ferries. There’s plenty of parking at both cottages.
Car-hire information checked 17 September 2026. Drive Orkney’s current hire terms and contact details are on its website.
Travelling without a car.
You can come by plane or as a foot passenger on the ferry. Without a car, you’ll need transport from Rousay pier to the cottage and a way to get around during your stay.
Service 4/4D runs from Kirkwall Airport to Kirkwall Travel Centre, and Service 6 goes to Tingwall. The buses vary by day and season, so the timetable will show whether they connect with your ferry. Airport taxis need to be booked ahead.
Airport bus information · Tingwall bus information · Airport transport and taxis
We can talk through a car-free journey via your cottage’s Airbnb listing before you book.
Connecting with the Rousay ferry.
You’ll book the ferries to Orkney and Rousay separately. The connection includes time to get off the boat, travel to Tingwall and check in. For flights, it also includes collecting luggage and a hire car before the drive.
If you arrive outside Rousay ferry times, a private boat charter can be arranged easily. This needs to be booked ahead, along with transport from the landing point to the cottage. An earlier arrival in Orkney or an overnight stop are other options. Operators post service updates if sailings change.
Continue to the Rousay guide