Car Hire Sumburgh Airport

Car Hire

The Shetland Islands are served by Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport, which rests some 25 miles to the south of Lerwick, the capital of the archipelago. It sits on the southern tip of the main island and is linked to Lerwick via the A970. An airport bus service provides connections to the capital city and several taxi companies operate from just outside the terminal. In addition, car rental in Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport is supplied by several reliable companies.

Who to Book With
The car rental services at Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport are serviced by a single rental office representing major suppliers. Star-Rent-a-Car provides cars through Alamo and National. The rental services at the airport offer collection and delivery services, too.

Need to Know Essentials
Before renting a car at Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport, you will need to show the following documents:

- Your driver’s licence
- The credit card used to make the booking
- A passport
- Confirmation of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Driving is the easiest way to get around the Shetland Islands. Even though there are limited roads connecting the airport and major towns, driving on the islands is safe. Due to the steepness of the hills and distances between sites, driving is recommended. Driving is on the left in the Shetland Islands, as in the rest of the UK. Be wary of wind, rain, sleet and snowfall during the cold months of the year as these conditions can make driving hazardous.

Our guide to the UK provides further details about driving here.

Transport

Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport provides several convenient transportation options. Car hire is a fantastic option as it gives visitors ample opportunities to see the islands at their own pace and leisure. Buses also provide cheap transportation, while taxis are in abundance outside the terminal.

Taxis
Taxis operate between the airport and major cities of the islands, including Lerwick and Scalloway. Several popular companies offer cab services, such as Boddam Cabs, Smith’s Airport Taxis and Allied Taxis. Taxis can be booked in advance or arranged at the terminal.

Taxi prices:
Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport to downtown Lerwick is about £45

Buses
It usually takes about 40 minutes for the airport bus service to make the journey between Sumburgh and Lerwick. The main company offering bus service is ZetTrans, which is the Shetland Islands’ primary public transport provider. The Lerwick to Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport route costs £3, although there is a more expensive express service which sets passengers back £5.

Facilities

Terminals
Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport is home to just one terminal. It accommodates more than 160,000 passengers each year and handles flights to mainland Scotland with Flybe Airlines (which is operated by Logan Air). All passengers, whether they are departing or arriving, are processed on the ground floor of the single terminal. The terminal is only open from 06:30 to 20:30, Monday through Friday. In addition, Saturday and Sunday have shorter opening hours.

Parking
The parking site at the airport is found adjacent to the terminal. There are both short-term and long-term parking options. There are also disabled-passenger car spaces within the parking site. The best features about the parking lot are its 500-space capacity and its facilities are free.

Wi-Fi
Wireless internet access is found within the terminal. However, this service isn’t free. Internet vouchers can be purchased from the information desk.

Information Services
There is an information desk located in the main hall. It operates during regular opening hours. There is also the Tourist Information Point that provides detailed information about the airport and the Shetland Islands.

Useful Numbers
Information Desk: +44 1950 460 905
Airport Administration: +44 1950 461 000

Accessibility
There are a range of services available for passengers with reduced mobility. These include ambulifts, wheelchair facilities, ramp facilities, disabled persons’ parking bays and disabled persons’ restrooms. For special assistance, patrons need to inform their airline when booking so they can make the necessary arrangements.

Restaurants and Bars
The terminal has only one restaurant. The Airfarye Café provides hot beverages, cold drinks, light meals and a lengthy list of snacks. It also features a bar which serves alcoholic drinks.

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges at Sumburgh Shetland Islands Airport.

Money and ATMs
The terminal has one ATM, which is located within the terminal’s main central hall. In addition, the Tourist Information Point provides currency exchange services.

Shopping
Shopping in the terminal is restricted. Shopping can be done at the Airfarye Cafe, which opens from 06:45 to 20:00, Monday to Friday; 06:45 to 15:30 on Saturday; and 10:30 to 20:00 on Sunday. Souvenirs, handicrafts made by local suppliers, toiletries, snacks and reading material are available at the café.