You can take your own vehicle on the NorthLink Ferry or hire a car when you arrive in Lerwick or Sumburgh Airport, if arriving by plane. As with the rest of the UK, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Whether driving your own car or a hire vehicle, you must have a current driving licence and appropriate insurance.
Speed limits
The roads are well maintained and routes and speed limits are clearly signposted. Lerwick, as the main town, is the busiest place to drive and the speed limit is generally 30mph, except in some residential areas where it’s 20mph. Elsewhere in Shetland, the national speed limit (60mph) applies, except in villages and hamlets where it is 30mph.
Passing places
Many rural parts of Shetland have single-track roads with passing places. If you see an oncoming vehicle on a single-track road, pull into the nearest passing place on your left. If the nearest passing place is on your right, stay in the middle of the road and allow the oncoming car to pull into the passing place to pass you by. Shetlanders always give each other a friendly wave of thanks as they pass each other. It’s good etiquette to do the same – and will ingratiate you with islanders!
Most single-track roads are the national speed limit but if you are visiting Shetland, you will probably want to take your time admiring the beautiful country and landscapes around you. If you notice a car or two trailing closely behind you, pull into the nearest passing place and allow them to overtake.
Fuel pumps in Shetland
There are fuel pumps across Shetland, including on the main inhabited islands of Yell, Unst and Whalsay. There are no fuel pumps on Fetlar or Bressay. Be sure to check the opening times of fuel pumps before you set off on your trip as some rural and island shops have limited opening hours.
Electric charging points
There are 12 chargers in Lerwick, and 14 dotted around the rest of the islands. ChargePlace Scotland has a map of the charging points across Shetland.
To charge your electric car at a public charging point in Shetland, you'll need to have a charging card (which you can get from your car rental company or an independent charging provider). Alternatively, you can download the Chargeplace app. Once you have your charging card or app, simply scan it at the charging point, connect the cable to your car, and start charging.
Hybrid vehicles are available to hire from Jim’s Garage and Star Rent a Car, while anyone driving a fully electric vehicle can use the charging infrastructure.