NorthLink Ferries
Check the Stromness departure for your date, passenger category, vehicle space and ticket conditions.
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United Kingdom → United Kingdom
Stromness to Scrabster Ferry Route Guide
Start in Stromness and plan the crossing to Scrabster: choose the departure terminal, compare the dated sailing and arrange the connection after landing. Use the reverse guide for the return journey.
Check the dated return sailingNorthLink FerriesConfirm operator and passenger category
Route guide
Travel from Stromness to Scrabster
This page covers the Stromness to Scrabster direction. Check the departure from Stromness specifically: the return timetable, vessel and intermediate calls can differ from those in the opposite direction.
Departing Stromness. Use the terminal named on your booking when arranging a transfer or planning the drive. Include time to reach check-in, and allow for disembarkation before committing to a bus, train or onward ferry.
On arrival in Scrabster. The crossing takes around 90 minutes on the standard timetable and can operate up to several times a day depending on the season and day. The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy.
Use the dated timetable for the departure and arrival time. Do not calculate this direction from the outward crossing time: daylight, overnight and multi-stop sailings can have different durations.
Corridor context. NorthLink’s Scrabster–Stromness route is the shortest of its mainland Scotland passenger crossings to the Northern Isles. MV Hamnavoe takes about 90 minutes across the Pentland Firth.
For the opposite direction and the original crossing details, see Scrabster → Stromness.
Ferry companies
Ferry operator for Stromness–Scrabster
Compare the exact sailing and the conditions for your passenger and vehicle category.
Ports & terminals
Stromness departure and Scrabster arrival
Stromness
Use the terminal named on your booking when arranging a transfer or planning the drive. Include time to reach check-in, and allow for disembarkation before committing to a bus, train or onward ferry.
Read the Stromness port guide →Scrabster
The crossing takes around 90 minutes on the standard timetable and can operate up to several times a day depending on the season and day. The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy.
Read the Scrabster port guide →On the crossing
Prepare for the vessel and journey booked
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.
Seating and accommodation
Use the dated timetable for the departure and arrival time. Do not calculate this direction from the outward crossing time: daylight, overnight and multi-stop sailings can have different durations.
What to keep with you
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.
Vehicles, bicycles and assistance
Check the passenger and vehicle categories for the selected operator and vessel. Foot-passenger access, car space, bicycle arrangements, luggage and assistance may differ between services on the same corridor.
Before departure
Tickets, identification and check-in
Booking confirmation
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.
Identification
Carry the identification and travel documents required for the countries and territories in your itinerary. Domestic routes can still have operator identification rules.
Arrival time
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.
Onward travel
On arrival in Scrabster
The crossing takes around 90 minutes on the standard timetable and can operate up to several times a day depending on the season and day. The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy.
The crossing takes around 90 minutes on the standard timetable and can operate up to several times a day depending on the season and day. The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy.
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Return travel and alternatives
For the return, use the Scrabster to Stromness 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.
Connect the Stromness to Scrabster crossing with your land journey
Build the itinerary in sailing order: reach the departure terminal at Stromness, complete ferry check-in, then plan the transfer from the arrival terminal at Scrabster. 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: Stromness departure and local travel guide · Scrabster arrival and local travel guide.
For the return, the journey starts at Scrabster. Use the Scrabster to Stromness guide to check that departure separately; the last useful connection and the terminal approach at Scrabster may differ from the outward trip.
Map orientation: Stromness area in Google Maps · Scrabster 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.
Frequently asked questions
Stromness to Scrabster ferry FAQs
Where does the Stromness to Scrabster ferry leave?
Use the terminal named on your booking when arranging a transfer or planning the drive. Include time to reach check-in, and allow for disembarkation before committing to a bus, train or onward ferry.
How long is the crossing?
The planning guide is Check the dated return sailing. Confirm the departure and arrival shown for the exact date, since vessel assignments and intermediate stops can change.
Which operator should I check?
NorthLink Ferries. This page covers the Stromness to Scrabster direction. Check the departure from Stromness specifically: the return timetable, vessel and intermediate calls can differ from those in the opposite direction.
Can I take a vehicle or bicycle?
Check the passenger and vehicle categories for the selected operator and vessel. Foot-passenger access, car space, bicycle arrangements, luggage and assistance may differ between services on the same corridor.
How do I arrange my return?
Check the Scrabster to Stromness timetable before booking the outward journey. A return may use a different vessel, schedule or intermediate-stop pattern.
What if the route is not in the comparison form?
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.
What should I plan after arrival?
The crossing takes around 90 minutes on the standard timetable and can operate up to several times a day depending on the season and day. The route is particularly scenic because it passes the Old Man of Hoy.
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Check Prices & AvailabilityPlan your Stromness to Scrabster crossing
Search the exact date, passengers and vehicle details, then verify the route and operator before booking.