How to travel from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, United Kingdom
The distance between Kirkwall and Aberdeen is around 216km (135 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 1h 20m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Kirkwall to Aberdeen by ferry, train, bus and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Aberdeen → Kirkwall if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Kirkwall (KOI) to Aberdeen (ABZ).
- Duration1h 20m
- Flight time50min
- Typical cost£205($245)
Loganair
Ferry
Take a ferry to Aberdeen.
- Duration7h 20m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical cost£33($39)
NorthLink Ferries
Ferry and Train
Take a ferry to Gills Bay Ferry Terminal then take the train to Inverness and then to Aberdeen.
- Duration8h 45m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical cost£135($160)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kirkwall and Aberdeen
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kirkwall to Aberdeen by ferry, train, bus and plane. The cheapest option is to take a ferry which costs around £33 ($39) and will take around 7h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 1h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £205 ($245).
The distance between Kirkwall and Aberdeen is around 216km (135 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 210km (131 miles)
It takes around 7h 20m to get from Kirkwall and Aberdeen by ferry.
The quickest way to get from Kirkwall to Aberdeen is to fly which takes around 1h 20m and will set you back approx £205 ($245).
The cheapest way to travel between Kirkwall and Aberdeen is to take a ferry which will typically cost around £33 ($39) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. We recommend that you fly from Kirkwall (KOI) to Aberdeen (ABZ). instead which will take 1h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. We recommend that you fly from Kirkwall (KOI) to Aberdeen (ABZ). instead which will take 1h 20m.
Ferry/Boat travel
Yes there is a ferry service that runs between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. The ferry typically takes around 7h 20m and departs 3 times a week.
NorthLink Ferries run the ferry services between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. Ferries run 3 times a week and take around 7h 20m on average but will vary depending on conditions and travel date.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Kirkwall and Aberdeen. Flights depart from Kirkwall (KOI) and arrive at Aberdeen (ABZ). The flight takes around 50min.
Yes there is a direct flight between Kirkwall and Aberdeen with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 50min.
Loganair fly between Kirkwall and Aberdeen. Flights depart from Kirkwall (KOI) and and arrive into Aberdeen (ABZ). These flights usually take around 50min.
The flight from Kirkwall to Aberdeen typically takes around 50min. Flights depart from Kirkwall (KOI) and and arrive into Aberdeen (ABZ).
The closest major airport to Aberdeen is Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) (ABZ) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Aberdeen. Dundee Airport (DND) (DND) and Inverness Airport (INV) (INV) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Kirkwall to Aberdeen. We recommend that you take a ferry to Aberdeen. instead which will take 7h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kirkwall to Aberdeen is to take a ferry which takes, on average, 7h 20m and will usually cost around £33 ($39).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kirkwall and Aberdeen
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly | 1h 20m | £205($245) | hourly | 216km (135 miles) |
Ferry | 7h 20m | £33($39) | 3 times a week | 268km (166 miles) |
Ferry and Train + 1 similar | 8h 45m | £135($160) | every 20 mins | 528km (328 miles) |
| Ferry, Bus and Train | 8h 30m | £72($85) | once daily | 449km (279 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kirkwall and Aberdeen
Ferry operators
NorthLink Ferries
Pentland Ferries
Train operators
First ScotRail Service
Airlines
Loganair
Airports near Aberdeen
The following major airports near Aberdeen offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Aberdeen
Dundee Airport (DND)
- Distance
- 95km (59 miles) from Aberdeen
Inverness Airport (INV)
- Distance
- 126km (78 miles) from Aberdeen