Travel

How do I get to Shetland?

There are daily flights and ferries connecting mainland UK to Shetland, the ferry is linked to mainland Scotland in Aberdeen and flights are connected via most mainland Scottish airports.

Getting to Shetland by Sea

Northlink Ferries currently sail from Aberdeen seven nights a week, year-round, arriving in Lerwick early the following morning at 7.30am. You are welcome to take your car to Shetland on board the Northlink Ferries too. The voyage north aboard these large, comfortable, cruise-style ships makes a relaxing start to your holiday. Cruising up the coast of Shetland on a sunny morning gives a stunning first glimpse of our islands.

The ferries dock at Lerwick ferry terminal, where you’ll find a Welcome Point with visitor information. It’s a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to the main Visitor Information Centre at the Market Cross in the centre of the old town, less than a mile from the ferry terminal. Trained and knowledgeable staff will be delighted to answer your questions and help you plan the details of your time in Shetland.

If you require cabin accommodation, booking the ferry is absolutely essential. Please check their website for more details NorthLink ferries  OR phone for reservations or enquiries on: 0800 111 4422

Note for car drivers – There is a car park available behind the Quarterdeck in Aberdeen run by First Management. Prices for leaving your car are from £6 a day.

Getting to Shetland by Air

There are several daily flights from the UK mainland: Aberdeen (55 mins), Edinburgh (85 mins) and Glasgow (90 mins), all connecting with London and other major European cities.

You will arrive in Shetland at Sumburgh Airport, 25 miles south of Lerwick. Just next to the exit you will find the visitor and airport information desk. The airport bus to Lerwick takes around 40 minutes and there are hire cars and taxis available at the airport. It can be busy so we advise booking in advance.

Loganair flights can be booked online or by contacting your local travel agent.

Where can I go for help in finding accommodation?

You will find listings for accommodation on www.SHETLAND.org. If you can’t find what you are looking for in the Lerwick area we would advise trying a search for Central Mainland as most places are only 10-15 minutes from Lerwick with your own transport. It is worth noting some accommodation providers are working directly from their own websites rather than register with the local visitor agencies so a direct Internet search by TYPE and AREA sometimes brings up more information.

Shetland Wool Week is not responsible for bookings so please ensure you book in advance of travelling to Shetland.

Vehicle Hire

For details on where to hire a car in Shetland  go here

Is transport available to the workshops outwith Lerwick?

Transport to and from venues is NOT provided by Shetland Wool Week, UNLESS stated in your event description.

You must make your own travel arrangements to any workshop/class you have booked. Ferry crossings will be required to attend some of the classes held during the week. You can find the inter-island ferry timetables and booking numbers on the Shetland Islands Council website.

If you intend to attend workshops/events in the remoter parts of Shetland, a hire car is advisable.

Please note that all ticket sales are through the The Little Box Office and we as Shetland Wool Week do not accept bookings over the phone or via email. Any queries about this, please email: woolweek@shetlandamenity.org