Scrabster - Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
Scrabster - Stromness
Ferries to Orkney Islands
On the Scrabster Stromness route, fares generally fall between $2* and $593*. On average, a Scrabster Stromness ferry ticket costs around $442*, with the lowest Scrabster Stromness fares starting at $2*. Foot passengers pay an average of $103*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $495*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Scrabster Stromness sailings usually begin with a departure from Scrabster at approximately 08:45, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 19:00.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Scrabster to Stromness a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, Northlink Ferries operates car-friendly sailings between Scrabster and Stromness. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Scrabster to Stromness crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Northlink Ferries welcomes bicycles on the Scrabster to Stromness crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Northlink Ferries accepts foot passengers on sailings between Scrabster and Stromness.
Good news for pet owners — Northlink Ferries allows pets on board sailings between Scrabster and Stromness. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $485.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Scrabster to Stromness route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Scrabster to Stromness crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Scrabster to Stromness ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Scrabster - Stromness Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $103 | |
| Average Price with Car | $495 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $201 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $458 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $441 | |
| Scrabster - Stromness Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland |
| Destination | Orkney Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | $442 |
| Average Pet Price | $485 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 16 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 08:45 |
| Last Ferry | 19:00 |
| Distance | 26 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The small town of Scrabster is located on Thurso Bay in Caithness, on the Scottish north east coast. It is situated around 2 km from Thurso, 26 km from Wick and 180 km from Inverness. The town's harbour was the base for a ferry operation that carried military explosives to Scapa Flow during the Second World War. The service continued until 1945 and was operated using a 40 ft King's Lynn pilotcutter, named Mermaid, which was built in 1908. Following the war the harbour has continued to play an important role in the town's growth and prosperity. It is the most northerly port on the Scottish mainland and is an important fishing port. For several decades it was also the port of choice for the Queen and her family when they disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia every August when they visited the Queen Mother at her Highland home, Castle of Mey, 11 miles from Scrabster. Today, visitors can follow in their footsteps, as the Castle is open to visitors.
Ferries from the port depart to Stromness in Orkney.
Located in the south west of Orkney, in Scotland, Stromness is a town and sea port that is centred around its main street which is characterised by houses and shops built from local stone. The town can trace its history back to the 16th century where records show that an inn was located on the site of the current town. During the 17th century the town became increasingly important when England was at war with France. The town's quays and harbour are located to the north of the town and are now accessed by a new coastal road which has alleviated the amount of harbour traffic in the northern parts of the town.
There is a ferry service from Stromness to the Scottish mainland via the port of Scrabster and operates around three times each day with a crossing time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
