Our Booking System

Booking and Tickets

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    Do I need to book?

    We would advise all customers to book to avoid disappointment. If you have a booking and there is a disruption to the service, we will be in touch with you to make alternative arrangements. Bookings must be made at least 1 hour before departure.

    All bookings for non-account holders must be paid for prior to departure, payment can be taken online if you make an online booking, or by calling the team on 01856 872 044

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    Do you offer online bookings?

    Bookings can be made on our website for passengers, cars & pick-up trucks up to 5.5m and motorbikes. For all other bookings, please call 01856 872044

    Please do not use our online booking system for commercial vehicles, as vehicles may be refused travel if deck space is not available.

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    Do I get a paper ticket?

    From the 14th of October we will issue tickets in the form of a QR code sent by email. Customers will receive a confirmation once they have booked which will include this QR code. Passengers should have the QR code ready on a mobile device or printed out to show our pursers to check-in. Alternatively, passengers can take a note of their booking reference number to check-in.

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    Do you sell 'island hopper' tickets?

    We do not offer an island hopper service. During the summer months, we provide excursion sailings – these will be advertised on our website and via social media channels.

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    Am I entitled to a discount?

    The following groups receive discounted travel:

    Island Residents – Discounted 50 multi journey travel cards are available for residents who live permanently on Islands off the Orkney mainland. Tickets on these cards must be used within 365 days of the date of purchase.

    Island Residents over the age 65+ or with a disability can apply for a smart card via the Orkney Island Council transport team on 01856 873636

    Registered disabled passengers in possession of a blue badge and vehicles being used to carry registered disabled passengers qualify for concessionary rates.

    Juniors up to the age of 22 and in possession of a Young Scot card or other government issued ID, students in possession of a valid student card and senior citizens (63+) qualify for discounted passenger fares.

    Passengers in possession of a Scottish National Entitlement card with 'Eye' endorsement travel at the same rate as Registered Disabled Passengers.

    Infants under the age of 5 travel free of charge.

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    Can I get a refund?

    Refunds are available for travel cancelled at least 1 hour before the sailing time. When the office is closed, cancellation requests can be sent to info@orkneyferries.co.uk

    Refunds are not available for books of 50 tickets, these are sold on a non-refundable basis.

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    Can I amend my booking?

    Bookings can be amended online. To amend a booking, please log in to your customer account and select the booking that you wish to change. Amendments will not be available within the first hour of making a booking.

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    Do I need photo ID?

    No, there is currently no requirement for this.

Arriving and Boarding

Onboard

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    Unaccompanied Young Persons

    Any person under the age of twelve years must be accompanied by an adult whilst travelling on our vessels, an adult for these purposes being any person at least sixteen years old.

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    Can I smoke or vape onboard the vessels?

    No. Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted on any of Orkney Ferries' vessels or in any of our premises.

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    Carriage of Unaccompanied Vehicles

    Should you wish to transport an unaccompanied vehicle on board Orkney Ferries vessels, you can do so provided yourself or another individual is available to board/discharge the vehicle as soon as the vessel arrives in port. Where Orkney Ferries staff are required to board/discharge your vehicle, you will be required to complete a disclaimer.

    Payment for travel can be made via your account where an account is held, or by making direct payment with the office staff at the time of booking. Multi-journey vouchers cannot be used as a method of payment as unaccompanied vehicles incur VAT charges.

    Please note, that should you wish to travel on a different sailing to your vehicle, you will need to make our customer service team aware, as the vehicle will need to be booked as unaccompanied.

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    What refreshment facilities are onboard the vessels?

    We have cafeteria facilities on our Outer North Isles Vessels, and we can take cash or card payments on board.

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    Can I take my dog onboard?

    Advice on travelling with dogs

    The welfare and safety of our passengers and crew is important, and we ask that you read the below information before you travel with your dog. These points apply to both foot and vehicle passengers travelling with dogs. We would like to make journeys as safe and comfortable as possible for all our passengers. Please take due care and show consideration for everyone on board.

    Travelling in a vehicle

    Ferries can be unfamiliar places for dogs. Space is often limited and can be noisy. When travelling with a vehicle it is recommended that, where possible they remain inside the vehicle for the duration of the journey. Passengers leaving their dogs in cars will not be able to return to the vehicle deck during sailing.

    Behaviour on board

    • Always use designated dog areas (please note that dogs with the exception of assistance dogs are not permitted on the Nordic Sea unless they are in a pet carrier - this is due to their being no separate seating area).
    • Dogs must be kept on leads and under control whilst on board.
    • Dogs must be kept off seats and clear of emergency exits.
    • Dogs must not be left unattended in passenger areas.
    • If your dog is unsociable or nervous when in an unfamiliar or busy environment, we strongly advise that owners fit a muzzle.
    • Where it is deemed that a dog presents a risk to passengers or crew, we will request that for any future travel the pet either remains in a vehicle or is muzzled/contained within a pet carrier provided by the dog owner. A failure to comply with such a request will result in a refusal of travel on our vessels and services.
    • Please note that if any damage is made to a vessel or premises, you will be liable for any losses, costs, or expenses incurred.
    • We know that most pet owners are responsible and always clear up after their dogs. We request that this is also the case when travelling on board.
    • Assistance dogs are permitted to all passenger areas. Please click here to see our assistance dogs policy.
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    Can I remain in my vehicle during the journey?

    Passengers are not permitted to remain in their vehicles during sailings. In exceptional circumstances a request can be made to remain in the vehicle, however permission to do so will only be granted at the discretion of the Master of the Vessel.

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    Do you have facilities for disabled passengers?

    Our vessels have facilities for disabled customers, this will vary depending on the route and vessel. Please contact our team for further information.

Cargo and Dangerous Goods

Service UpdateArrow-right
About Orkney FerriesArrow-right
The FleetArrow-right
Sailings for Special EventsArrow-right
Ship PlotterArrow-right
Isles Residents Concessionary TravelArrow-right
CareersArrow-right
Dangerous GoodsArrow-right
Route StatisticsArrow-right