Start in Shapinsay and plan the crossing to Kirkwall: choose the departure terminal, compare the dated sailing and arrange the connection after landing. Use the reverse guide for the return journey.
Orkney Ferries operates the local island network within Orkney. It is separate from NorthLink’s mainland Scotland crossings and Pentland Ferries’ Gills Bay service.
Routes include Kirkwall to Shapinsay and the northern islands, Houton to Flotta and Lyness, Tingwall to Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, and Stromness to Graemsay and Moaness. Some itineraries call at more than one island, so passage times and the order of calls vary.
For this direction, start at Shapinsay and check the arrival at Kirkwall. Use the Balfour ferry pier and the booked Orkney Ferries departure. Confirm vehicle space and reporting instructions, and check service updates before leaving your accommodation.
Reviewed 25 October 2026. Orkney Ferries official timetable and booking. The operator’s dated timetable is the reference for running days, intermediate calls and availability.
Reverse journey: Kirkwall to Shapinsay. Compare both directions before arranging a return trip.
Compare the exact sailing and the conditions for your passenger and vehicle category.
Several services carry vehicles, while the Stromness–Graemsay–Moaness route is a passenger service. Reserve the appropriate category and contact the operator about restricted sailings, livestock, larger vehicles or assistance. Do not infer car acceptance from another route in the network.
Read the operator guide →Use the Balfour ferry pier and the booked Orkney Ferries departure. Confirm vehicle space and reporting instructions, and check service updates before leaving your accommodation.
Read the Shapinsay port guide →If you are joining separate ferry journeys, check each leg and leave a practical connection margin.
Read the Kirkwall port guide →Facilities depend on the vessel assigned to the departure. Treat the booking result and operator confirmation as the source for the exact ship and onboard services.
Routes include Kirkwall to Shapinsay and the northern islands, Houton to Flotta and Lyness, Tingwall to Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, and Stromness to Graemsay and Moaness. Some itineraries call at more than one island, so passage times and the order of calls vary.
Keep tickets, medicines, weatherproof layers and essentials with you. On a vehicle ferry, access to the garage is usually restricted once the ship is at sea. Check whether the selected ticket includes a seat, cabin or only passage.
Several services carry vehicles, while the Stromness–Graemsay–Moaness route is a passenger service. Reserve the appropriate category and contact the operator about restricted sailings, livestock, larger vehicles or assistance. Do not infer car acceptance from another route in the network.
Keep the final confirmation accessible and check whether a QR code, printed ticket or exchange at the terminal is required. The supplier’s instructions override general guidance.
Carry the identification and travel documents required for the countries and territories in your itinerary. Domestic routes can still have operator identification rules.
Vehicle check-in often closes earlier than foot-passenger check-in. Use the time on the ticket and allow extra margin for traffic, parking or terminal access.
If you are joining separate ferry journeys, check each leg and leave a practical connection margin.
Select the exact route and date in the official timetable and check the live service updates before leaving for the terminal. Weather can affect both the outward and return sailing. The island arrival pier may be away from the settlement or accommodation, so arrange onward transport in advance.
For the return, use the Kirkwall to Shapinsay guide. Check both directions before choosing accommodation. If no sailing appears, use the official timetable to distinguish a sold-out departure, a seasonal service and an operator absent from the comparison search.
Build the itinerary in sailing order: reach the departure terminal at Shapinsay, complete ferry check-in, then plan the transfer from the arrival terminal at Kirkwall. Compare that full sequence with the route in the booking result; a place name alone does not identify the quay or the passenger entrance.
Plan the two ends of the crossing: Shapinsay departure and local travel guide · Kirkwall arrival and local travel guide.
For the return, the journey starts at Kirkwall. Use the Kirkwall to Shapinsay guide to check that departure separately; the last useful connection and the terminal approach at Kirkwall may differ from the outward trip.
Map orientation: Shapinsay area in Google Maps · Kirkwall area in Google Maps.
The map searches show the named places. Use the terminal address and reporting instructions on your operator confirmation for navigation to check-in.
Use the Balfour ferry pier and the booked Orkney Ferries departure. Confirm vehicle space and reporting instructions, and check service updates before leaving your accommodation.
The planning guide is Check the dated island timetable. Confirm the departure and arrival shown for the exact date, since vessel assignments and intermediate stops can change.
Orkney Ferries. Orkney Ferries operates the local island network within Orkney. It is separate from NorthLink’s mainland Scotland crossings and Pentland Ferries’ Gills Bay service.
Several services carry vehicles, while the Stromness–Graemsay–Moaness route is a passenger service. Reserve the appropriate category and contact the operator about restricted sailings, livestock, larger vehicles or assistance. Do not infer car acceptance from another route in the network.
Check the Kirkwall to Shapinsay timetable before booking the outward journey. A return may use a different vessel, schedule or intermediate-stop pattern.
Use the official operator timetable and booking link on this page. Some local routes and passenger categories are not sold through the comparison provider; a blank result alone does not establish that the route has closed.
If you are joining separate ferry journeys, check each leg and leave a practical connection margin.
Search the exact date, passengers and vehicle details, then verify the route and operator before booking.
