Sumburgh Airport, the main aviation hub for the Shetland Islands, offers a straightforward and welcoming experience for travellers exploring this remote Scottish archipelago. Located on the southern tip of the Shetland mainland in Dunrossness, approximately 31 kilometres south of Lerwick, the airport provides a vital link to mainland Scotland and beyond. Access to the airport is convenient, with a public bus service, Zettrans Route 6, connecting to Lerwick in about40 minutes for £2.80 one way, operating hourly from Monday to Saturday and less frequently on Sundays.
Taxis are available outside the terminal, with fares to Lerwick ranging from £40 to £50, though pre-booking is advised during peak summer months due to high demand. Car rentals, including Bolts Car Hire, are located in the terminal, and travellers are encouraged to reserve vehicles in advance. The airport’s nine Blue Badge parking bays cater to those with mobility needs, with parking free for the first two hours and £3 per 24 hours thereafter, with exemptions for inter-island and NHS passengers.
The airport features a single terminal with all services on one level, making navigation simple. Check-in desks, including a dedicated counter for passengers with reduced mobility, are located near the entrance, with security and the departure lounge nearby. The compact design ensures quick movement from check-in to boarding, though the security area, with a 72cm-wide barrier, can be busy during peak times, particularly in summer when tourist traffic peaks. Passengers should arrive 1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2 hours before international ones to account for potential queues. The runway’s intersection with the A970 road, controlled by barriers, is a unique feature, and travellers should be aware of brief delays if flights are landing or taking off.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Loganair operating all scheduled passenger flights to destinations like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Kirkwall, and a seasonal service to Bergen, Norway. Real-time flight updates are available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Delays may occur due to weather, especially in winter, or during busy periods like July and August. Connections are straightforward, with minimum connection times of around 45 minutes at hubs like Aberdeen, though passengers should monitor schedules for weather-related disruptions.
Dining and retail options are modest but practical. The airport café and bar, open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks, with local options like Shetland seafood. A small shop offers souvenirs, travel essentials, and duty-free items for international travellers, though hours may be limited outside peak times. Prices reflect the remote location, so bringing snacks can be a cost-saving option.
Facilities are designed for comfort and accessibility. Free Wi-Fi is available via the AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI network, and pay phones are located in the main concourse. The West Voe Quiet Room provides a calm space for relaxation, while a Changing Places facility and accessible toilets cater to passengers with disabilities. Wheelchairs, an ambulift, and meet-and-greet services, bookable through Loganair, ensure support for those with mobility needs. A children’s play area is absent, but the compact terminal allows families to stay together easily. The airport offers 24/7 lost property services and baggage wrapping, and nearby hotels, like the Sumburgh Hotel, are a short walk away for layovers. Parking includes 100 spaces, with a cell phone waiting area for pick-ups.
Sumburgh Airport provides a functional and pleasant gateway to the Shetland Islands. By planning for seasonal crowds and potential weather delays, travellers can enjoy a seamless journey through this unique Scottish hub.
