Getting around Shetland
Due to Shetland consisting of over 100 islands, you may be wondering what solutions there are in regards to getting around and exploring everywhere you wish to go. This article will give you a rundown of everything you need to know about the different transport options available on Shetland.
Ferries
There aren’t many places in the world where ferries are the go-to form of transport. However, Shetland isn’t like most places in the world. As an archipelago, conventional means such as cars or buses are somewhat limited, so ferries truly come into their own.
The main inhabited islands are linked by an inter-island ferry service provided by Shetland Islands Council, with ferries running frequently Monday to Sunday, with most being suitable not only for foot passengers but for vehicles too. For further information, visit the Shetland Islands Council website to find out about timetables, fares and more.
Inter-island Flights
At Airtask, we operate inter-island services between Lerwick, Fair Isle, and Foula.
Utilising 2 Britten-Norman Island aircraft crewed by experienced pilots with 1000s of flying hours between them, the inter-island services are perfect for island-hopping, commuting, and general exploring of some of Shetland’s hard-to-reach islands.
Airtask has been working with the Shetland Islands Council for over 15 years, becoming an important player in Shetland’s array of transport solutions.
Read more about our inter-island services, or enquire directly.
Buses
There are a variety of different bus services available in Shetland, all provided by ZetTrans. They are great for localised travel, providing essential services for isolated communities, including access to shops, healthcare, and work opportunities.
Not only this, but they are great for visitors too, allowing for quick and easy travel to different parts of the islands, at very reasonable prices.
Find out more about bus routes and prices here.
Taxis
There are various taxi companies in several locations across the islands, including Lerwick, South, Central, and North Mainland, Yell, and Unst.
See Shetland.org’s useful page regarding taxi services in Shetland. Here you can find the different companies, their locations, and contact information.
Car Hire
If you want to do your own exploring at your own convenience, car hire is an option you may want to look at. With local options available in Lerwick such as Bolts Car Hire, Jim’s Garage Ford Rental, and Star-Rent-A-Car, as well as the usual airport car hire services available from companies such as Europcar and Avis at Sumburgh Airport.
There are miles and miles of smooth tarmac ribboned across the islands, making car hire a genuine option when it comes to transport.
Cycling
As mentioned in one of our previous blogs, cycling is one of the best ways to see and experience the majesty that Shetland possesses. If you aren’t bringing your own bike to the islands, there are various bike hire options available.
In Lerwick, the Shetland Community Bike Project hires out bikes for as little as £13 a day, with more expensive choices such as electric bikes costing around £30 a day, however, these can be really useful given the hilly terrain.
Electric bikes can be hired from Hillswick Shop in North Mainland, from £15 a day, and even further north on Unst, the UK’s most northerly point, bikes can be hired from Unst Leisure Centre, from £6 for a child and £10 for an adult.
Walking
This list could of course not be complete without the inclusion of walking. Shetland is one of the most spectacular places in the UK, and this makes it a haven for walkers and hikers from around the world.
Taking the time to get closer to nature, and soak in the sights and sounds of the islands, whilst getting in some great activity for the day is a great option for many while on the islands.