Getting to Shetland and in and around Shetland
Although remote, Shetland is easily accessible by daily air and ferry services.
By air
Flybe/Loganair operate several direct flights each day from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Kirkwall, also Inverness via Kirkwall. Shetland can be easily reached from all national and international airports. In the summer there are direct flights from Bergen twice weekly. The airport is at Sumburgh in the very south of Mainland, 25 miles from Lerwick. Bus, taxis and car-hire facilities are available at the airport. www.flybe.com
In summer, flights can be disrupted by fog. If you want to minimise the risk, it would be wise to use FlyBe for connecting flights and it may also help to travel through Aberdeen, because there may then be the option of transferring to the ferry which departs at either 1730 or 1900.
By sea
NorthLink Ferries Ltd provide an overnight daily passenger, vehicle and freight service from Aberdeen to Lerwick, they also call in regularly to Kirkwall in Orkney. The ships are equipped to a high standard. It is advisable to book in advance especially during the summer months as there is often a high demand on cabins and space on the car deck. www.northlinkferries.co.uk
On Island Transport
Shetland is an archipelago of over 100 islands, 15 of them inhabited. Once you arrive in Shetland you will find a range of options for getting around our islands. The following Shetland Islands Council website provides a summary and links to the public transport available.
www.shetland.gov.uk/transport/
Inter-Island Ferries
From Mainland Shetland drive–on, drive-off ferries operate between all of the larger inhabited islands (Bressay, Whalsay, Yell, Unst, Fetlar and the Out Skerries). They provide a fast, frequent and inexpensive service.
For inter-island ferry timetables (operated by Shetland Islands Council) check www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries/
Buses
Private bus operators cover most of the country districts of the mainland. Timetables are available from the Viking Bus Station, Commercial Road, Lerwick, where there are left luggage and waiting rooms.
Further information and timetables can also be found here:
www.zettrans.org.uk/bus/BusTimetables.asp
Car Hire
There are several car hire operators who have offices at all arrival points in Shetland.
Bicycle Hire
Bicycles can also be hired from Grantfield Garage or Star Rent a Car:
Taxis
There are several Taxi operators in Lerwick
There is also a Taxi rank that operates on Victoria Pier, Lerwick. You can look out the window at 80 Commercial Street to see if there is a queue or not.
- Allied Taxis – 24 hr service, advance bookings welcome, wheelchair accessible cars 01595690069
- Sinclair’s Taxis Ltd - Toll Clock Shopping Centre, Lerwick 01595694617