Top 10 Best Car Rental Companies in Shetland Islands

Why Hire a Car in Shetland

Shetland's most spectacular sights are spread across a long chain of islands, and while buses connect major communities, a car gives visitors complete freedom. With your own vehicle you can reach remote beaches, follow wildlife sightings, catch inter-island ferries at your own pace and stop wherever the views demand. Roads are generally quiet and well maintained, though many rural routes are single-track with passing places.

Car hire availability can be limited, especially in summer, so booking early is essential. Here are the ten best car rental companies and options for exploring Shetland.

The Top 10 Car Rental Companies for Shetland

1. Bolts Car Hire

Bolts Car Hire is a well-known local company with operations in Lerwick and at Sumburgh Airport. Its range of cars and vans, combined with friendly local service and knowledge of the islands, makes it a top choice for visitors and residents alike.

2. Star Rent-a-Car

Star Rent-a-Car is another established Shetland hire company serving Lerwick and Sumburgh. It offers a variety of vehicles to suit couples, families and business travellers, and is valued for reliable, straightforward service.

3. Grantfield Garage

Grantfield Garage in Lerwick combines vehicle servicing with car hire. Its local roots and practical approach appeal to travellers seeking dependable vehicles and good value for longer rentals.

4. John Leask & Son

John Leask & Son is a long-established Lerwick business offering transport services. For groups needing minibuses or coach transport rather than self-drive cars, it is a valuable local option.

5. Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental

Arnold Clark is Scotland's largest motor retailer with a major rental network. Visitors sailing on the NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen often hire from Arnold Clark on the mainland and bring the car across, subject to the rental company's terms.

6. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise has branches in Aberdeen and other Scottish cities. For longer trips, hiring on the mainland can widen vehicle choice, though travellers should confirm in advance that taking the car on a ferry is permitted.

7. Europcar

Europcar operates at major Scottish airports and cities. It is a convenient option for travellers combining a mainland road trip with a ferry crossing to the Northern Isles.

8. Hertz

Hertz offers a broad fleet at Aberdeen Airport and other locations. Its loyalty programme and international presence appeal to frequent business travellers heading north.

9. Avis

Avis provides rental services at major Scottish hubs. Travellers combining international flights with a Shetland trip may find it convenient to collect a vehicle on arrival in Scotland.

10. Sixt

Sixt is known for well-specified, modern vehicles. For visitors who want a premium car for a Scottish road trip that includes the ferry to Shetland, Sixt is worth considering, with ferry permissions checked at booking.

Hiring Locally Versus on the Mainland

Hiring locally in Shetland is usually the simplest option for visitors arriving by air at Sumburgh. Local companies understand island driving conditions and can offer advice on routes, ferries and fuel stops. Bringing a hired car on the ferry from Aberdeen can make sense for longer trips or for travellers touring mainland Scotland too, but ferry vehicle fares and rental company permissions must be factored in.

Driving Tips for Shetland

Single-track roads require care and courtesy. Use passing places to let oncoming vehicles pass and allow faster traffic to overtake. Never park in passing places. Watch out for sheep and ponies on unfenced roads, as well as otters crossing near the shore, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Inter-island ferries to Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Bressay and other islands are frequent, but some routes require advance booking for vehicles, especially in summer. Fuel stations are less common in remote areas, so fill up in Lerwick, Brae or other larger communities before heading out. Strong winds can affect driving, particularly on exposed causeways and high ground, so check forecasts during winter.

Electric Vehicles in Shetland

Electric vehicle charging points have expanded across Shetland, including in Lerwick and several rural communities. Distances between key sites are relatively short, making EVs practical for many visitors. Ask your rental company about electric or hybrid options and plan charging stops around ferry journeys and longer days exploring the North Isles.

Trends in Island Car Hire

Demand for hire cars has grown with tourism, cruise visitors and contractors working on major infrastructure projects. Limited fleet sizes mean early booking is increasingly important. Sustainable transport is also rising up the agenda, with more electric vehicles entering fleets. Digital booking and contactless collection are becoming more common, improving convenience for travellers arriving on late flights or ferries.

Final Thoughts

A hire car unlocks the very best of Shetland, from the cliffs of Eshaness to the beaches of Unst. Local operators such as Bolts and Star Rent-a-Car offer convenience and island expertise, while mainland rental companies provide wider choice for longer trips. Book early, drive with care on single-track roads and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.