DISCOVER THE FREEDOM OF ORKNEY WITH PENTLAND FERRIES

Whether you’re staying for a week, or looking to visit for a day trip, there’s plenty to see, do, eat and drink in Orkney. Our crossing takes just over an hour from Gills Bay in the north of Scotland to St Margaret’s Hope on the island of South Ronaldsay. From there you can drive across the iconic Churchill Barriers, past the famous Italian Chapel and on to mainland Orkney – then onwards to explore everything the archipelago has to offer.

Whether you want to spend time: wildlife watching – walking – beach combing – relaxing – exploring archaeology – discovering history – bird watching – browsing craft makers or visiting historical sites. Orkney has it all.

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We can get you to Orkney in just over one hour

About the journey

Discover what to see and do

Around Orkney

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Our FAQs

What can I do in Orkney?

Whether you’re interested in bird watching, historical sites, beach combing, walking or crafts there’s plenty to do in Orkney.

View our guide to Orkney

Can I call into Orkney whilst doing the NC500?

Why not add a trip to Orkney to your NC500 itinerary? We sail from Gills Bay in Caithness to St Margaret’s Hope in Orkney – the crossing is just over an hour.

If you took our 9:30 sailing from Gills Bay across to Orkney, you’d have all day to explore, before taking the 17:00 back across to the Scottish mainland to resume the NC500.

The village of St Margaret’s Hope is a 20-minute car journey across the famous Churchill Barriers to Mainland Orkney. On the way, be sure to stop off at the ornate Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, which was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war. Continuing north, the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral dominates Kirkwall. From here, the UNESCO World Heritage sites known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which consist of the large chambered tomb of Maes Howe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the ancient settlement of Skara Brae, are all within easy reach.

View our guide to Orkney

Where do you sail from?

We sail from Gills Bay in the north of Scotland to St Margaret’s Hope in South Ronaldsay. From there you can drive across the iconic Churchill Barriers, past the famous Italian Chapel and on to mainland Orkney

When do you sail?

We sail every day from St Margaret’s Hope (Orkney) at 07:45, 11:30 and 17:00 and from Gills Bay (mainland Scotland) at 09:30, 13:30 and 18:45.

View our timetable

What are the costs?

The low fuel consumption and efficient operation keeps our running costs down and that is reflected in our fares. We want to make travel as accessible as possible for both islanders and visitors.

View our fares

Can I sail with my dog?

There is a dog-friendly indoor sun deck lounge on MV Alfred. On MV Pentalina there is an inside dog-friendly area. Alternatively, you may wish to sit outside, or dogs can be left inside vehicles on the car deck.

What are your cancellation policies?

Please contact us by phone or email to cancel your booking. To grant a full refund, cancellation requests must be made before 4pm the day prior to travel. Refunds can be given in the form of vouchers or a refund to the card used to purchase the tickets. Refunds due to sailings that are cancelled by Pentland Ferries will be negotiated with customers at time of cancellation. We aim to process refunds within 7 working days.

What facilities are onboard?

This efficient service is on board one of our purpose-built car and passenger ferries, MV Alfred or MV Pentalina. The accommodation includes spacious seating areas and a café.

Our customers in 2026 said:

First class service, on time and all staff very pleasant and polite… Would definitely use again.

5 stars – Google Review August 2026

Good way to get to Orkney. Shorter more affordable crossing.

5 stars – Google Review June 2026

Love this crossing. The service is quick, efficient and very helpful. Price is good as well. Very dog friendly.

5 stars, Google Review May 2026

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