FAQs

Yes, you will still be able to travel without a booking and pay on board as before, however please be aware that on some popular routes, once all passenger or vehicle spaces are full we will not be able to take any show and go passengers. We would always recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Yes, you will be able to present your tickets for travel as before, providing they are still within the valid dates.

Yes, you can still book online but you will need to re-register with us on the new booking system, your old login and password will no longer work.

Yes, you must pay for reservations made online or in our offices.

Reservations can be made over the phone and online using payment cards and OIC issued concessionary travel cards. We are working with our web provider to develop the ability to book online using a multi-journey card.

Over the phone reservations can be made using a payment card, concessionary travel cards, multi-journey cards and business travel cards, as well as any bookings for those who hold a credit account with Orkney Ferries.

We can accept cash payments in person at our offices for any reservations, as well as all above mentioned means of payment.

On board our vessels, we will accept cash payment, card payment, payment with multi-journey and concession cards, business travel cards and pre-registered account payments for passengers who wish to travel without a reservation.

Yes - if you are logged into your account you can amend reservations made with a payment card, for payments made using a concession card you will need to contact our team on 01856 872 044.

Yes, if you are logged into your account on our booking system, you will be able to cancel your booking online and receive a refund.

Vouchers provided to cover the period up until the 31st March 2025 are no longer valid. All OIC concessionary card holders will have had new cards issued which were valid from 1st April 2025. These photo cards must be presented when requested by the crew and will allow the user 12 return journeys per year.

Yes you can, they are available for permanent residents of isles connected by ferry to the Orkney Mainland and they are now sold on a card in place of the paper tickets.

Multi Journey Travel Cards are provided upon first purchase of a 50 book of multi journey vouchers when a customer does not have one already. Once the card is provided on the first book of vouchers, you will only need to call us to purchase the vouchers and we can upload them directly to your card.

If you card becomes lost or damaged, there is a £10 admin fee to replace it.

When you make your booking online or through our offices you will be emailed a booking confirmation with a QR code and your booking number, this should then be presented on board when you travel.

Yes, our No Shows Policy states any space booked onto our vessels that is not cancelled up to one hour prior to departure, as per our Terms and Condition of Carriage will be charged for.

At present you can book online and pay by card only. We are developing the payment options online and hope to be able to provide this in the future.

Our new booking system requires phone numbers to include the international dial code format i.e. +447123456789

We require you to re-enter your details as we have implemented a new booking system. This allows us to ensure your information is updated and we will only ask for this once.

You can phone our offices in Kirkwall (01856872044), Houton (01856811397) and Tingwall (01856751360) or email us at info@orkneyferries.co.uk

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

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.

From the 14^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, there is currently no requirement for this.

Yes, for details please see use the link to view timetables Bus Services (orkney.gov.uk).

Please do not arrive at your departure port more than 1 hour before your scheduled sailing time.

Vehicles must be available for boarding 20 minutes before departure, whilst foot passengers should be available to board at least 10 minutes before departure.

We have no facilities for left luggage.

Please be aware that on some services there will be a requirement to reverse onto the vehicle deck.

A requirement to reverse will always be the case for services to Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre. Please follow the crews instructions when boarding.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

All firearms must be declared at the time of booking and when boarding the vessel.

Please see our Dangerous Goods information

All unaccompanied cargo (with the exception of Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Graemsay and North Hoy) must be delivered to the Menzies (JBT) depot at Hatston Pier in Kirkwall for transportation by the local hauliers. For more information please contact the local haulier/s for the relevant island.

Goods for delivery to North Ronaldsay will be accepted at Kirkwall Pier during the following times:-
Winter Timetable - Tuesday 0800 - 1000 & Friday 0800 - 1200
Refit Timetable - Tuesday 0800 - 1000 & Friday 0800 - 1200
Summer Timetable - Tuesday 0800 - 1000 & Friday 0800 - 1200

Please click on this link for further information about carriage of trailers and mobile homes

Goods for delivery to Papa Westray will be accepted at Kirkwall Pier during the following times:-
Winter Timetable - Tuesday 0800 - 1200 & Friday 0800 - 1000
Summer Timetable - Tuesday 0800 - 1000 & Friday 0800 – 1000

Please click on this link for further information about carriage of trailers and mobile homes

Goods for delivery to Graemsay and North Hoy will be accepted at the Stromness (Graemsay) Pier before 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The document available through the link below provides guidance for the ship and shipper on lashing points, methods of lashing and general good practice when preparing and shipping vehicles that require lashing.

Failure to provide appropriate lashing points may result in a refusal to ship.

Roll-on/Roll-off Ships - Guidance for the Stowage and Securing of Vehicles MGN_621