Quick Answer
The best way to get from Sumburgh Airport (LSI) into Shetland depends on your priorities. For most independent travellers, hiring a car at the airport is the top recommendation for flexibility, despite being the most costly option (£40-£100+/day). The cheapest method is the public bus (Service 6) to Lerwick (£3-4, ~1 hour). For direct, door-to-door service, pre-booking a taxi is essential (£25-£40 to Lerwick, ~30 mins). For a unique adventure, consider cycling from the airport if you are suitably equipped.
Car Hire at Sumburgh Airport: The Ultimate Guide for Shetland Exploration
Hiring a car is the most popular and practical choice for visitors wanting to explore Shetland at their own pace. The freedom to visit remote beaches, archaeological sites, and bird cliffs on your schedule is invaluable. Major and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall of Sumburgh Airport.
Deep Dive: Advantages, Costs, and Vital Tips
Key Advantages:
- Unmatched Flexibility: Access remote locations like Esha Ness, St Ninian's Isle, or the South Mainland lighthouse loop, which have minimal or no public transport.
- Time Efficiency: Maximise your holiday time. A 30-minute drive can replace a 2-hour bus journey with connections.
- Weather Buffer: Shetland weather changes rapidly. A car provides shelter and allows you to adapt plans easily.
- Luggage & Shopping: No need to haul luggage on/off buses; perfect for stocking up on supplies from supermarkets in Lerwick or Scalloway.
Cost Analysis & Booking Strategy:
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Daily Rate (Low Season) | Approx. Daily Rate (High Season - Summer) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Car (e.g., VW Polo) | £40 - £55 | £60 - £90+ | Couples or solo travellers with light luggage. |
| Medium Estate/Saloon | £50 - £70 | £75 - £110+ | Families or small groups needing more space and comfort. |
| People Carrier/4x4 | £70 - £100+ | £100 - £150+ | Large groups, photographers with heavy gear, or for extra comfort on single-track roads. |
Critical Tip: Book your rental car the moment you confirm your flights, especially for travel between May and September. Shetland's fleet is limited, and vehicles sell out months in advance. Always check the policy on mileage (look for unlimited), insurance excess, and fueling (usually full-to-full).
Driving in Shetland: What You MUST Know
- Single-Track Roads: These are common. Use passing places to let faster traffic overtake from behind, or to give way to oncoming traffic. The rule is: the closest passing place on your left, or the one the oncoming driver has already pulled into.
- Livestock: Sheep roam freely. Drive cautiously, especially at night. Wind: Can be severe. Hold the door firmly when opening, and be prepared for gusts when driving, particularly on exposed bridges and moorland.
- Fuel: Fill up in Lerwick, Scalloway, or Brae before exploring remote areas. Petrol stations in small villages may have limited hours.
Public Bus from Sumburgh Airport: A Comprehensive Budget Guide
Operated by ZetTrans, the public bus service offers a reliable and very affordable connection from Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick and other parts of the South Mainland. It's an excellent way to travel if your accommodation is in Lerwick and you plan day tours from there.
Service Details & Route Analysis
The primary service is Bus 6 (Sumburgh Airport - Lerwick). The route travels north along the A970, passing key points:
- Jarlshof & Sumburgh Head: (Request stop) For these major historical and nature attractions right by the airport.
- Toab: A residential area.
- Sandwick: Access point for the beautiful West Sandwick beach.
- Bigton: Jump-off point for St Ninian's Isle (requires a walk).
- Scalloway: Shetland's ancient capital. A useful stop if staying here.
- Lerwick (Viking Bus Station): The terminus and main transport hub.
Journey Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes to Lerwick.
Frequency: Roughly every 1-2 hours during daytime, with reduced service in the evening and a very limited Sunday service. Schedules are designed to meet flight arrivals, but always verify the current timetable on the ZetTrans website.
Fares, Tickets, and Practicalities
- Fare to Lerwick: A single adult ticket is around £3-4. Exact change is appreciated but not always mandatory.
- Payment: Cash is accepted. Some services may accept contactless card payments, but do not rely on it.
- Luggage: Buses have standard luggage racks. While sufficient for most, space can be tight during peak flight times or if the bus is busy. Large suitcases or multiple bags per person may be problematic.
- From Lerwick Onwards: The Viking Bus Station is the hub for buses to other parts of Mainland (like Hillswick, Brae, Voe) and the ferry terminals for the North Isles.
The Verdict: The bus is unbeatable for value and is perfectly adequate if you are based in Lerwick without heavy luggage. For true island-wide exploration, you will likely need to book day tours or consider a short-term car rental in Lerwick.
Taxis & Private Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct transport to your final destination, especially with luggage, a taxi is ideal. However, in Shetland, hailing a cab is not the norm—advance booking is standard and strongly recommended.
Cost Structure and Booking Process
Taxi fares are metered but for airport transfers, most firms offer fixed prices. Sample fares (one-way):
- To Lerwick: £25 - £40
- To Scalloway: £20 - £35
- To Sandwick/Bigton: £10 - £20
- To the North (Brae/Voe): £60 - £90+
How to Book: Search for "Shetland taxi" or "Sumburgh Airport taxi" online and contact a firm directly via phone or email, providing your flight details, destination, and number of passengers/luggage. They will confirm a price and be waiting for you in arrivals. Popular local firms include DJ Craigie Taxis, Grantfield Taxis, and Shetland Taxi Company.
When is a Taxi the Best Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Flights: When public transport is not running.
- Groups of 3-4: The per-person cost can rival the bus fare, with added convenience.
- First/Last Leg of Journey: If you have a lot of luggage or are staying outside Lerwick.
- Special Needs or Reduced Mobility: Provides direct, assisted transport.
Cycling and Walking: The Adventurous Options
For the intrepid traveller, active transport is a fantastic way to experience Shetland's landscapes intimately.
Cycling from Sumburgh Airport
Feasibility: The A970 from the airport to Lerwick is a main road but has a reasonable shoulder in most parts. Traffic is generally light but can be fast-moving. Wind is your biggest challenge.
For Touring Cyclists: Shetland is a superb cycling destination. You can cycle directly from the airport to nearby campsites (e.g., at Levenwick) or to Lerwick (~1.5-2 hours cycling). Ensure your bike is well-equipped for wind and rain.
Bike Hire: While there is no bike hire at the airport, you can hire bikes in Lerwick from outlets like Shetland Cycle Hub. You would need to take the bus into town first.
Walking from Sumburgh Airport
Not Recommended for Transport: Walking along the A970 to Lerwick is not safe or practical due to road layout and distance (over 25 miles).
For Exploration: However, you can walk from the airport terminal to major attractions:
- Jarlshof Prehistoric Site: A 10-15 minute walk.
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse (RSPB reserve): A more strenuous 45-60 minute walk up the headland, with spectacular cliff and puffin views (seasonal).
Connecting to the North Isles: Yell, Unst, and Fetlar
If your final destination is the stunning North Isles (Unst, Yell, Fetlar), your journey from Sumburgh Airport involves a road and ferry combination.
The Standard Route:
- Airport to Toft Ferry Terminal: This is a 45-60 minute drive north on the A970. You must accomplish this leg by rental car, pre-booked taxi, or a combination of buses (Bus 6 to Lerwick, then Bus 21/23 to Toft – infrequent, requires planning).
- Ferry (Toft to Ulsta, Yell): Operated by Shetland Islands Council Ferries. The crossing takes 20 minutes and is very frequent (often every 30 mins). No need to book for standard cars or foot passengers; just turn up and pay.
- Across Yell to Gutcher: A 20-minute drive on the B9081.
- Ferry (Gutcher to Belmont, Unst): A 10-minute crossing, also frequent and turn-up-and-go.
- To Fetlar: A ferry runs from Gutcher, Yell, to Hamar Ness, Fetlar (schedule is less frequent).
Key Advice: Attempting this journey on public transport alone in one day is challenging and time-consuming. The most practical method is to rent a car at Sumburgh Airport and drive the entire chain. This gives you freedom on the islands. Alternatively, book accommodation on Mainland for your first night, then travel to the isles the next day with a clearer schedule.
Sample Itineraries & Trip Ideas Based on Your Transport
Your choice of transport defines your Shetland experience. Here are tailored ideas:
With a Rental Car (The Explorer):
- Day 1 (South Mainland): Land, pick up car. Visit Jarlshof & Sumburgh Head (1-2 hrs). Drive to St Ninian's Isle for a walk. Overnight in Sandwick or Lerwick.
- Day 2 (Central & North): Drive to Scalloway Castle, then north through Weisdale and Voe. Hike at Muckle Roe or visit the Bonhoga Gallery. Overnight in Brae.
- Day 3 (North Isles Expedition): Early start to ferries for Yell & Unst. Visit Hermaness NNR for gannets, Unst Heritage Centre, and the famous bus shelter. Return to Mainland for overnight.
Using Public Bus & Day Tours (The Settler):
- Base: Lerwick.
- Day 1: Bus to Sumburgh Airport area, walk to Jarlshof/Sumburgh Head. Bus back.
- Day 2: Book a guided minibus day tour to Esha Ness or the North Isles (operators like Shetland Wildlife or Rabbie's offer these).
- Day 3: Explore Lerwick on foot (Clickimin Broch, Shetland Museum, boat trip with Sea Adventures for wildlife).
FAQs: Your Sumburgh Airport Transport Questions Answered
Is there a direct bus from Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick?
Yes, there is a direct public bus service (Service 6) operated by ZetTrans that runs from Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick's Viking Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Schedules align with most flight arrivals, but it's crucial to check the current timetable as frequency reduces in the evenings and on Sundays.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sumburgh Airport to Shetland?
The cheapest way is to take the public bus (Service 6). A single adult ticket costs around £3-4. For groups or families, sharing a pre-booked taxi can sometimes be comparable per person and offers door-to-door convenience. Cycling is virtually free if you bring your own bike.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Sumburgh Airport?
Daily rates for a small car typically start from £40-£60, but this can vary significantly based on season, demand, and rental duration. In peak summer (June-August), prices can rise to £70-£100 per day. Booking several months in advance is essential to secure the best rates and availability. Always check for inclusive mileage and insurance.
Is it difficult to drive in Shetland for tourists?
Driving in Shetland is generally straightforward for confident drivers. Traffic is light outside Lerwick. Key challenges are: 1) Single-track roads with passing places (learn the etiquette), 2) Strong winds, especially on exposed routes, 3) Farm animals (sheep) on the roads, and 4) Driving on the left (if you're used to the right). It's highly recommended for exploring remote areas.
Can I get a taxi at Sumburgh Airport without booking?
While there is often a taxi rank at the airport, it cannot be guaranteed, especially for late-night or early-morning flights. During peak tourist season or bad weather, taxis may be in high demand. We strongly advise pre-booking your taxi, which is a common and expected practice in Shetland. This ensures a driver will be waiting for you.
How do I get to the outer islands (like Yell or Unst) from Sumburgh Airport?
To reach the North Isles, you will need a multi-stage journey: 1) Travel from the airport to Toft on Mainland (by car, bus, or taxi, approx. 45 mins). 2) Take a NorthLink ferry from Toft to Ulsta on Yell (20-min crossing, frequent service). 3) Drive across Yell to Gutcher (20 mins). 4) Take another ferry from Gutcher to Belmont on Unst (10-min crossing). Public bus connections on this route are very limited; a car is highly recommended.
What is the best transport option for a family with lots of luggage?
For families with substantial luggage, the two most convenient options are: 1) Hiring a car directly at the airport, providing maximum flexibility and space. 2) Pre-booking a large taxi or private transfer for a direct, stress-free journey to your accommodation. The public bus has limited luggage space, which can be problematic during busy times.
When should I book car hire or taxis for a summer trip to Shetland?
Book as early as possible, ideally 4-6 months in advance for peak summer travel (July & August). Shetland has a limited supply of rental cars and taxi services relative to tourist demand during this period. Last-minute bookings are extremely difficult and expensive. Early booking is the single most important tip for securing transport.