Stromness - Scrabster
Ferries to Scotland
Stromness - Scrabster
Ferries to Scotland
On the Stromness Scrabster route, fares generally fall between $43* and $520*. On average, a Stromness Scrabster ferry ticket costs around $248*, with the lowest Stromness Scrabster fares starting at $43*. Foot passengers pay an average of $98*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $397*.
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.
Stromness Scrabster sailings usually begin with a departure from Stromness at approximately 06:30, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 17:45.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Stromness to Scrabster 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 Stromness and Scrabster. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Stromness to Scrabster 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 Stromness to Scrabster 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 Stromness and Scrabster.
Good news for pet owners — Northlink Ferries allows pets on board sailings between Stromness and Scrabster. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $272.
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 Stromness to Scrabster 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 Stromness to Scrabster 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 Stromness to Scrabster 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.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Stromness - Scrabster Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $98 | |
| Average Price with Car | $397 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $130 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $271 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $262 | |
| Stromness - Scrabster Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Orkney Islands |
| Destination | Scotland |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Northlink Ferries |
| Average Price | $248 |
| Average Pet Price | $272 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 16 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 06:30 |
| Last Ferry | 17:45 |
| Distance | 26 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Stromness is a town in Orkney, Scotland, and is located in the south west of the island. The town is home to a well established port and at its heart is the main street which is lined with shops and houses. The town is made up of narrow lanes and alleys which lead off the main street, and is definitely full of charm. Records show that the town can trace its history back to the 16th century where an inn was located at the site of the current town. However, the town grew in importance during the 17th century when England was at war with France.
Located in the north part of the town are the harbour and quays that are now services by a new access road. facilities at the port include a tourist information office, vending machines, lockers and facilities for disabled passengers. A ferry service from Stromness to the Scottish mainland via the port of Scrabster operates as many as three times a day with the journey taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Scottish town of Scrabster is located around 11 miles from the Castle of Mey and is within walking distance of Thurso, the second largest town in the Highlands. The Scottish Highlands are widely regarded as Europe's last remaining wilderness and is full of flora and fauna and has been a popular destination with the British royal family for decades. Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland have plenty of things to see and do which includes a number of historic buildings and a beautiful coastline. Scrabster is the most northerly port on the Scottish mainland and has been a popular port of choice for the Queen and her family when they disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia every August to visit the Queen Mother at her Highland holiday 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.
