Sumburgh Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Sumburgh, the Shetland airport, is about 25 miles (40 km) south of Lerwick, the archipelago's only real town: those arriving by plane almost always spend the night there, since there's no convenient alternative closer to the terminal. The scheduled bus to Lerwick takes about 40 minutes, a pre-booked taxi around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Within Lerwick, the choice is between the oldest core around the harbour and Commercial Street, a few minutes uphill towards Clairmont Place, or the south side towards King Harald Street: distances of a few minutes on foot, but with a different atmosphere.

Historic centre and harbour

City centre · From Sumburgh airport, about 40 minutes on the scheduled bus or 30-40 minutes by pre-booked taxi.

Best for: Those wanting the harbour and Commercial Street a stone's throw away, with a proper hotel with restaurant if not looking for a B&B.

Pros

A few minutes' walk from Commercial Street and the museum
The Shetland Hotel is opposite the ferry terminal for Aberdeen

Cons

No direct service from the airport, a bus or taxi is always needed
At weekends the harbour can be noisy in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Fort Charlotte Guesthouse: Family-run guest house on the main street, a stone's throw from shops and restaurants in the centre.
The Shetland Hotel: The main proper hotel in Lerwick, with restaurant and bar, opposite the ferry terminal.

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Clairmont Place

Neighbourhood · From Sumburgh airport, about 40 minutes on the scheduled bus or 30-40 minutes by pre-booked taxi.

Best for: Those seeking a quiet B&B a few minutes from the centre, with breakfast freshly cooked.

Pros

A slight uphill from the harbour, quieter at night
A few minutes' walk from the seafront and the shops in the centre

Cons

Uphill from the centre, worth bearing in mind with luggage
Few places for dinner in the immediate vicinity

Recommended hotels in this area

Alder Lodge Guest House: Guest house on a small hill, a few minutes' walk from the seafront and the centre.
Eddlewood Guest House: Family-run Victorian guest house, close to the Town Hall and the Lerwick museum.

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