There is currently just the 1 ferry route running between Scotland and Shetland Islands operated by 1 ferry company – Northlink Ferries. The Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry crossing operates weekly with a scheduled sailing duration from about 12 hours 30 minutes.
Whilst we’ve taken great care to ensure the information on this page is correct, as the frequency and duration of crossings on all routes can vary from time to time we’d advise that you get a live quote for current availability on this Scotland Shetland Islands crossing between Aberdeen and Lerwick.
Scotland is the northernmost country in the United Kingdom, occupying the Northern third of the land, sharing a border with England to the South.
Scotland is a beautiful country well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and rugged coastlines, with the natural scenes of the Highlands as a top winner.
The Scottish climate tends to be very changeable, but even though the sun might not always shine, the warm welcome from the wonderful diversity of landscapes attracts many visitors.
If you’re heading away from Scotland by ferry then Northern Ireland is easily accessible with a choice of routes and ferry companies. Travelling from the Scottish mainland to the Orkney, Shetland or any of the destinations off Scotland’s west coast is more convenient than ever before and you’ll get to take in some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in the UK while you sail too.
The direct route to the continent is no longer available, but there are numerous routes from Northern England to use instead.
Shetland encompasses over a hundred islands to the north of Scotland, forming a subarctic archipelago in the North Sea.
Britain’s northernmost point; where Scandinavia meets Scotland, the Shetland Islands captivate visitors with their unique heritage, striking coastlines and beguiling countryside. While the human population is warm and friendly, the animals inhabiting these shores are just as memorable, ranging from puffins and dolphins to the famous namesake pony. They also have plenty to keep history-lovers occupied, with numerous well-preserved archaeological sites. Many have been dated further back than the Vikings, who left their mark on everything from place names to local dialects, including Iron Age brochs and mystical standing stones.
Ferries make the overnight journey from Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, seven times a week, while there are less frequent, but shorter, routes available from the Orkney Islands, an archipelago to the southwest of Shetland.