Compare Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry tickets for NorthLink Ferries’ nightly overnight route from mainland Scotland to Shetland.
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NorthLink Ferries sails from Aberdeen to Lerwick every night. Current 2026 schedules typically arrive in Lerwick at 07:30 the following morning, with some departures running direct and others calling at Kirkwall in Orkney.
The direct evening departure is roughly 12½ hours, while itineraries that include the Kirkwall call are longer. For an overnight journey, booking a cabin, sleeping pod, reclining seat or lie-flat option can make a major difference to comfort.
Vehicle space and cabins are popular, so booking ahead is sensible. Check the live service update before travelling because North Sea weather can affect the timetable.
Even on Aberdeen to Lerwick, fares and vessel assignments can vary by departure, so compare the live options rather than relying only on a typical journey time.
For Aberdeen to Lerwick, the advertised crossing time is only one part of the journey. Allow for port access, check-in, boarding and disembarkation when deciding which departure best fits the day.
Travelling the other way? Read the Lerwick to Aberdeen ferry guide.
Compare the dated itinerary, vessel, vehicle rules and accommodation before booking.
NorthLink Ferries
Crossing time: about 12½–14½ hours depending on itinerary
MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland operate the overnight Aberdeen–Lerwick service. One sailing pattern runs direct while another can call at Kirkwall, so journey time varies by day.
Follow the terminal and check-in instructions on your booking confirmation. Port arrangements can vary by operator, vessel and departure.
NorthLink’s Aberdeen terminal is at Jamieson’s Quay in the city centre, close to Union Square, the railway station and the bus station. Vehicle travellers should allow time for city traffic and check-in.
Lerwick is Shetland’s main ferry gateway and the arrival point for overnight NorthLink services from Aberdeen. The terminal connects with local roads and onward island travel.
MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland are designed for overnight passenger travel, with accommodation and facilities that make the long North Sea crossing more comfortable.
Choose from cabins, sleeping pods, reclining seats and newly available lie-flat seating, subject to availability.
Onboard food and drink options provide dinner, breakfast and refreshments around the overnight sailing.
The passenger ships include a shop and cinema programme, with facilities varying by sailing.
Cars and other eligible vehicles travel on the overnight ferries when vehicle space is reserved.
Facilities and vessel assignments can change. Treat the live booking result and NorthLink Ferries information as definitive for your departure.
These are domestic UK ferry services. NorthLink still applies firm check-in cut-offs and route-specific boarding procedures, especially for overnight and vehicle travel.
Keep your booking reference available and follow the check-in opening and closing times shown for the departure port.
Book the correct vehicle size and arrive early enough for vehicle check-in and loading. Deck space can be limited at busy times.
Tell NorthLink about mobility, accessibility or other assistance requirements in advance and follow staff instructions at the terminal.
Lerwick is a practical base for exploring Mainland Shetland, including Scalloway, Sumburgh, archaeological sites and the islands’ dramatic coastlines. Vehicle travellers can begin touring soon after the morning arrival.
Allow time for disembarkation and remember that weather can affect both ferry and local inter-island transport if you are continuing beyond Mainland Shetland.
Compare Ferry RoutesCompare the complete trip: road distance, crossing duration, arrival port, ferry product and onward travel.
Direct sailings are about 12½ hours, while departures calling at Kirkwall take longer; current 2026 patterns are roughly 12½–14½ hours.
NorthLink describes the route as a nightly service, with one ship travelling in each direction each evening.
MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland operate the passenger route.
No. One pattern can sail direct while another calls at Kirkwall, so check the itinerary for your chosen date.
Yes. NorthLink carries cars and other eligible vehicles, but vehicle space should be booked in advance.
A cabin is not compulsory, but the route is overnight. Cabins, sleeping pods, reclining seats and lie-flat options can be booked for more comfortable rest.
NorthLink opens Aberdeen check-in two hours before departure and recommends car drivers check in at least one hour before sailing. Final check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
The NorthLink terminal is at Jamieson’s Quay, close to Union Square and Aberdeen’s rail and bus stations.
Compare current sailings, passenger fares and available travel options, then choose the Aberdeen to Lerwick departure that works best for your journey.
overnight
1 operator
Vehicle ferry
Cabins & lie-flats
