Ferry to Lerwick Shetland: Essential Information and Travel Tips

The ferry to Lerwick Shetland is a popular mode of transportation for those traveling to the northernmost tip of the British Isles. The ferry ride itself takes around 12 hours.

You can catch the ferry from Aberdeen, which is the largest city in the north-east of Scotland. The ferry terminal is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by car or public transport.

The ferry is operated by NorthLink Ferries, a company with a long history of providing reliable and comfortable services to the Shetland Islands. They offer a range of onboard facilities, including a restaurant, bar, and lounge areas.

One of the highlights of the ferry ride is the stunning scenery, with the North Sea stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Getting to Lerwick is relatively straightforward, with Northlink Ferries operating regular sailings from Lerwick to Kirkwall and Aberdeen.

The Lerwick Terminal Facilities offer a range of amenities, including ticket sales and enquiries, a tourist information stand, and even an accessible entry for visitors with mobility issues.

You can find all-terrain wheelchairs available for use in Shetland by visiting the Disability Shetland website, which also provides information on how to borrow these chairs.

The Lerwick Ferry Port is located just a mile from the town centre, and has two entrances that are open to shipping in all weathers.

If you're planning to visit Lerwick, you'll find that it's a bustling harbour town with a population of around 7,500 people, which is roughly one third of Shetland's total population.

Here are some of the facilities you can expect to find at the Lerwick Terminal:

Traveling to Lerwick is relatively straightforward, with a bus stop right outside the Lerwick Ferry Terminal at Holmsgarth.

You can catch a bus into the town centre and to Lerwick Bus Station, from where you can continue your journey around Shetland. Lerwick Bus Station is less than a mile from the ferry terminal.

Walking into Lerwick town centre takes around 20 minutes, while a taxi will cost around £5, depending on your destination.

If you're traveling to Sumburgh Airport, which is 25 miles south of Lerwick, a taxi will cost around £50.

To get to your destination, you can use the up-to-date bus timetables found on the Shetland Travel Information website or displayed in the bus shelter itself. Bus timetables are also available from the NorthLink Ferries check-in desk in the Lerwick Ferry Terminal.

Here's a rundown of your transportation options from the terminal:

Getting to Lerwick is relatively easy, with a bus stop just outside the ferry terminal at Holmsgarth. The bus goes into the town centre and to Lerwick Bus Station, making it easy to get around Shetland.

If you're arriving by ferry, you can find up-to-date bus timetables on the Shetland Travel Information website or displayed in the bus shelter itself. Bus timetables are also available from the NorthLink Ferries check-in desk in the Lerwick Ferry Terminal.

Walking into Lerwick town centre will take around 20 minutes, or you can take a taxi for about £5, depending on where you need to go.

If you're planning to explore the islands, you can catch an inter-island ferry operated by Shetland Islands Council. Timetables for these ferries are available from the NorthLink Ferries check-in desk in Lerwick.

Sumburgh Airport is located 25 miles south of Lerwick, and a taxi to the airport from the terminal would be about £50.

The Lerwick Terminal itself has a range of facilities, including a ticket sales desk, tourist information stand, payphone, lift, toilet, and accessible toilet.

Disability Shetland offers all-terrain wheelchairs for people to use in Shetland. You can visit their website to learn more about borrowing these chairs, and they can even drop them off at the Lerwick Terminal for collection on arrival.

Here are the terminal facilities you can expect to find:

The Northlink Ferries NL2 ferry serves 3 ferry terminals in the Scotland area, departing from Lerwick Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal and ending at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal.

To find out the next scheduled ferry times, you can scroll down to the terminal list on the Northlink Ferries website. The full NL2 ferry schedule and real-time departures can also be found in the Transit app.

If you're planning to travel from Lerwick, you can catch a bus from the bus stop outside the Lerwick Ferry Terminal at Holmsgarth. The bus goes into the town centre and to Lerwick Bus Station, where you can find onward travel options.

Lerwick Port Information is a must-know for anyone planning to travel to or from the Shetland Isles. The port is located a mile from the town centre on the South Mainland.

The Lerwick Harbour has two entrances open to shipping in all weathers and operates around-the-clock. This means you can expect to see a variety of vessels, from yachts and cruise liners to private yachts and motor cruisers.

During the summer months, the harbour is bustling with activity as visitors from all over the North Atlantic arrive in Shetland. If you're interested in wildlife, the surrounding area is home to seabird cliffs, wildfowl lochs, seal rookeries, and whale-watching viewpoints.

For walkers, there are excellent routes around the coastline and along the ridge of hills that forms the spine of the South Mainland. The area is also rich in archaeological sites, making it a treasure trove for history buffs.

Here are some key facts about Lerwick Port:

The population of Lerwick is around 7,500, approximately one third of Shetland's total population. This gives the town a charming, small-town feel that's perfect for exploring on foot.

Onboard the ferries is a unique experience that's worth getting familiar with before you travel. You can find out what it's like onboard the ferries by reading up on the information available.

The ferries are equipped with a range of amenities, including food and drink options. You can grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee to start your journey.

There's usually a variety of seating options available, from indoor areas to outdoor decks. Some ferries even have designated areas for passengers with disabilities.

Onboard entertainment options can include shops, restaurants, and even live music. It's a great way to pass the time while you're traveling.

Most ferries have a designated area for luggage storage, so you can keep your belongings safe while you're on board. This is especially useful if you have a lot of gear to carry.

Onboard the ferries, you'll find a unique and often unpredictable experience. Ferries to Lerwick, Shetland, can be quite lively, especially during peak season.

The ferries have a variety of onboard facilities, including shops and restaurants. You can stock up on essentials and grab a bite to eat before arrival.

Accommodation options range from reclining seats to cabins, offering a range of comfort levels. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even book a cabin with a sea view.

The ferries are designed to withstand the rough North Sea, but it's still essential to be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. Keep an eye on the ferry's website or social media for updates before and during your journey.

If you're planning a trip to the Shetland Islands, you're likely to have some questions about getting there by ferry. Here are some answers to help you prepare.

The fastest ferry crossing to Shetland Islands is via the Kirkwall to Lerwick route, with a crossing time of approximately 7 hours 45 minutes.

You can travel to the Shetland Islands on ferries departing from various locations, including Lerwick and Kirkwall.

The cheapest ferry to Shetland Islands is $344 on the Kirkwall to Lerwick ferry, although this price is exclusive of booking fees.

If you're traveling with pets, you're in luck - pets are allowed onboard the ferries, although the specific ferry companies that allow pets may vary.

Here are the ferry ports in Shetland Islands where you can catch a ferry to the islands: