Car hire Sumburgh Airport

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Explore natural splendour with a car hire from Sumburgh Airport

The Shetland Islands are one of Scotland's hidden treasures. Technically an archipelago, there are several islands spanning this region, which all feature a distinctly Nordic feel with many fjords to visit, and thriving fishing culture to enjoy. Aside from its large array of natural attractions, the Shetland Islands is also rich with its own local culture and fascinating sites, both rooted in Norse history, and boasting its unique traditions and hallmarks. GoSee it all in a Sumburgh Airport car hire.  

Getting around Sumburgh in a car hire

Because of its limited public transport options, you will really need a car rental to experience the Shetland Islands and all it has to offer.

Thanks to GoSee, you can find the most affordable car hire deals from top brands like Avis, Keddy, Europcar, and Hertz. 

A quick rundown on Sumburgh Airport (LSI) 

The point of entry onto the Shetland Islands is Sumburgh Airport (LSI), It’s a small but easily navigable airport with many modern conveniences inside.  

Look forward to the friendly staff, free WiFi, as well as fully licenced cafés, restaurants, and stores offering local crafts, gifts, luxury items, and essentials too, available inside the terminal building. 

Once you’re out of the arriving terminal area and through to the outer areas, you will find the counters for all the best and most affordable car rental companies offered through GoSee. 

sumburgh beach harbour buildings

Driving your car rental around Shetland Islands  

The most impressive attractions on the Shetland Islands are spread across the entire region, so it’s important to know the road rules while driving your hire car. 

You’ll also need to know these rules when driving in Scottish hotspots like Aberdeen and Inverness in your car hire.

  • Being a part of Scotland and the United Kingdom, you always drive on the left-hand side of the road. 
  •  Singletrack roads are common, so always be aware of oncoming vehicles and watch your speed to avoid any issues. 
  • Pay attention to road signs indicating the local speed limit. Most urban areas are 40 mph, rural areas are 60mph, and motorways go up to 70 mph. 
  • Wildlife including sheep and ponies are known to crossroads on the islands. Be patient and wait for them to move out of the way if you encounter them when driving around in your Sumburgh car hire. 
  • If you are visiting the Shetland Islands during winter, be extra careful driving and prepare to adjust to the road conditions.
  • The average gas rate in Sumburgh is $8.28 per gallon. Filling up a gas tank costs between $99 and $132, depending on the vehicle size. You can also use the fuel refilling facility at Sumburgh Airport if you have forgotten to top up your fuel before vehicle drop off.
  • Need to park your car hire? Sumburgh Airport has plenty of parking options available. Choose from short and long-term stay at the parking lots found adjacent to the terminal. On the other hand, in the city centre, there are free parking slots at the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, so no need to worry if you want to roam around the area.

A remote islands with a few buildings on it.

Must See’s and Top To-Do’s in Shetland Islands  

Thanks to billions of years of shifting sands and sea, Shetland's natural landscape is known as being among the most dramatic and uniquely scenic in the world. 

As a result, travellers visiting the Shetland Islands are never short on experiencing incredible natural wonders, soaking in the distinct local culture, or tapping into the Nordic history-rich throughout the islands.  

Animal lovers are also in for a treat, with plenty of local wildlife showing off across the islands, and guided tours for seeing the more unique and hard-to-find among the ocean waters and islands hilly hotspots. The Shetland Islands are teeming with diverse fauna and wildlife, from otters to orcas, and other uniquely amazing animals like the Atlantic puffin. 

Once you’re finished with your majestic journey across these islands, you can always make your way back to vibrant city life in the United Kingdom in your rental car.  

Discover billions of years of history in the Shetland Museum 

See how the Shetland Islands took shape and formed through the natural movements of the sands and sea over the course of billions of years.  

Then delve into the more modern and traceable history of the region, dating as far back from its first sea-faring explorers and settlers, most notably, the Nordic Vikings, who play a big part in the local culture and traditions of the Shetland Islands to this day. 

With plenty of historical artefacts and lively interactive exhibits, it’s hard not to plunder some joy from this riveting museum. 

Have a blast at Fort Charlotte 

After nearly a century of fending off the Dutch in numerous wars, and several short-lived forts helping in the process, the British decided to build a powerhouse of maritime defence. Too little too late, and to everyone's delight, the fort never saw any action.  

As a result, this five-sided artillery fort featuring 12 cannons and monumental architecture is still largely intact and in its original condition, making for a fantastic and free day trip, with gorgeous views of the surrounding ocean. 

Take a tour of the local wildlife 

Sheep on the Shetland Islands. The Shetland Islands is home to a diverse range of creatures, from ponies, to otters, bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises and colonies of seabirds like puffins and gannets.  

Many of these animals can be found just by venturing through the islands. For example, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Fair Isle are both free natural landmarks that are for their beautiful scenery, sweeping views of the coasts, and perfect birdwatching areas. 

For those wanting a more up close and personal experience with water-dwelling animals, guided tours like the Seabirds-and-Seals Boat Tours offer a thrilling three-hour tour of the islands Bressay & Noss, packed with seabirds like diving gannets, seals, otters, and other cute and unique animals. 

Looking to make the most out of your time on the Shetland Islands? A hire car from Sumburgh Airport will let you roam the island and experience all it has to offer in supreme comfort. 

Other popular car hire locations

Want to check out some other top airport locations aside from Sumburgh? You can take a short flight over to the equally alluring Faeroe Islands. If you wish to get back to big city living, you can opt to get a car hire from Edinburgh Airport. You can also make London your next pick up location.

What our customers say

Go here first. I lookes for a whole day before coming across GoSee. Best deal around!
Mark
I found Moises, the agent who contacted us, very helpful and email responses were quick. This made the booking process very easy and stress free.
Scott Poole
GoSeeTravel team, especially Loma & Aish organised my first booking and later listened carefully and organised an extension amendment with very reasonable pricing. Communication was excellent, Thank you GoSeeTravel team....
Paul Joseph
The booking process is easy and the filtering is well detailed and allows one to only look at cars one is interested in.
Sean William Cummins
Very helpful and knowledgeable
Phillip
no waiting person very good and new her job
Michael Carr
Couldn't get through on Web site. Rang & Amy helped me with booking my rental car in Cairns Australia. The phone dropped out at the last minute & Amy rang me back with the final information. Great service!
Glenn Fabar
Very clear communication and professional team.
Prompt service in a different time zone.
Majella Finn
It was just straight forward and easy. The only thing, which I may have missed, is how the payment works. Do you just hold my card, or do you take the full payment straight away?

Thanks

Jason.
Jason Campbell

Car hire Sumburgh Airport: Frequently asked questions

See all of our FAQs

Can you hire a car on Shetland?

You can hire a car right when you land at Sumburgh Airport on the Shetland Islands before continuing your trip across the islands. With a wide range of vehicles from leading car hire companies, you will be able to find the best price suited for your car hire Shetland Airport adventure.

At GoSee, you will get instant confirmation of your car rental, as well as the benefits like free amendments, breakdown assistance, and collision damage waiver. Our helpful customer service experts are ready to help you with your booking 24/7.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at Sumburgh Airport or away from the airport? 

Because it is the main hub on Shetland Island, and closest to the airport offering travel options for neighbouring islands and mainland Europe, Sumburgh is the best place to pick up and drop off your car rental. It is best to hire a car directly from the airport, and with GoSee, you can find the cheapest Sumburgh Airport car hire the moment you land. 

How many companies offer car hire at Sumburgh? 

Over 6 of the best and cheapest car hire companies operate out of Lerwick Sumburgh Airport, including Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, National, Keddy, Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Easirent, and Europcar.

Which car hire at Sumburgh Airport is easiest to access?

You can find the car hire kiosks at the airport’s only terminal easily. It is situated in the terminal hall next to the Baggage Reclaim in the arrivals area. As they are all conveniently located in the same area inside the terminal building, it is incredibly easy to access any of the car hire companies including Alamo, Avis, Bolts Car Hire, Budget, Easirent, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Keddy, National, Sixt, and Star Rent A Car. 

The pick-up and drop-off sections for vehicles are also found at the terminal entrance. Please advise your car hire company what time your flight is arriving, to ensure a smooth collection process.

What documentation do I need for a car hire at Sumburgh Airport? 

At the very least, you need to have your full valid driving license (or international driving licence if necessary) and a credit or debit card with enough funds to cover the excess in order to hire a car in Sumburgh. Any other documentation you might need will be specified on your booking voucher once you book a car. 

Also, for additional drivers, please present your driver's license requirements upon vehicle pick up as only permitted additional driver is allowed to drive the Shetland car hire.

Always take note of your flight number, pick up time/drop off time for your car rentals to avoid any hassle during your trip.

What is the average cost to rent a car from Sumburgh Airport? 

You can find a Sumburgh Airport car hire for as low as £25 per day, or as high as £368 per day for luxury cars and high-end SUVs, with an average cost of £48 for the most popular car hire options. Please check the search results if your chosen car rental company offers unlimited mileage. Choose the best car hire deal and start your journey in Shetland today!

What is the cheapest price for a car hire from Sumburgh Airport?

Looking for cheap car hire in Shetland? For as low as £25 per day, you can rent an entry-level car fit for your whole adventure right from Sumburgh Airport. Choose the best deals from your favourite car hire company through GoSee.

What is the minimum age to get a Sumburgh Airport car hire?

The absolute minimum age to drive a car hire Shetland is 25 years old. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle type, and selected suppliers may not rent to a driver aged under 25. Please check with your chosen car rental company for more details.

What is the minimum rental period?

Different car rental Shetland suppliers have varying minimum days for hiring. This means even if you book for a day, you will still have to pay for the minimum rental duration. It would be best to check with your chosen rental company before hiring a car.

What car do most people rent at Sumburgh Airport?

The two most famous Sumburgh Airport car hire types are Ford Fiesta and Ford Ka rentals (or similar). You may also opt for people carrier if you are in a big group. Rates can vary depending on what company you collect it from. Renting a car with the best deals is so easy with GoSee!

Can I rent a car for a month or longer from Sumburgh Airport?

Yes, you can get a Sumburgh Airport car hire for a month or longer depending on your travel plans. GoSee offers long-term deals from many leading car rental companies.