Escalink

Port guide: compare transport from Lerwick

Lerwick, United Kingdom 37 transport option(s) compared
75 min Recommended return before ship
Port exit : Average

Lerwick

Port call at Lerwick (United Kingdom). Getting out of the port area takes a little planning, but the town centre is still walkable. The cheapest option, Walk to city centre, is free, and the fastest takes around 5 min. No ship shuttle has been reported for this port call.

Capital of the Shetland Islands. Anchorage offshore with shuttle in tender. Wild landscapes, cliffs, Shetland ponies and seabird colonies.

Lerwick Cruise Anchorage
Cheapest option Free Walk to city centre
Fastest option 5 min Walk to city centre
Simplest option Walk to city centre Very simple
Ship shuttle Not available No comment.

Practical tips

  • Tender from the ship to the dock
  • Lerwick centre within walking distance
  • Local bus available
  • Taxis on site

Warnings

  • Mandatory tender – review time
  • Very unstable weather in Shetland
  • Few shops and restaurants
  • Attention if car rental: Left-hand drive

Contact us

Have a correction or suggestion for this port? Contact us directly:

Facebook Instagram

Best option summary

By choosing your cruise line's official shuttle, you opt for complete peace of mind: even if it isn't the cheapest option, this transfer is treated as an excursion, which means the ship will wait for the shuttle before setting sail.

Ship shuttle Not available

No ship shuttle reported.

Recommended local alternative Walk to city centre

Free - 5 min - free

Direct access to shops, cafes, and historic streets

Filter transport options

Choose whether you want to stay near the port, reach a connection, or go on a longer excursion.

Transport options

37 option(s) shown for Lerwick

Walk to city centre

Lerwick town centre / Commercial Street

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 5 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Direct access to shops, cafes, and historic streets

Attention point

Small centre, quickly visited

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route from Victoria Pier to Commercial Street

Source : Lerwick Harbour cruise: https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise | Shetland cruise Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/cruise/ports/lerwick

Walk to Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Central Historic Site with Harbor Views

Attention point

Exterior visit, especially depending on access

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Very easy from the tender landing

Source : Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick | Lerwick Harbour cruise: https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise

Walk to Viking Bus Station

Viking Bus Station

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Departure point for buses to Sumburgh, Scalloway and the rest of the Mainland

Attention point

Limited hours depending on line and day

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check Shetland Travel timetable before you go

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | ZetTrans bus: https://www.zettrans.org.uk/travel/public-transport/bus

Walk to Town Hall

Lerwick Town Hall

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Iconic building with stained glass windows and city views

Attention point

Interior opening to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Plan a short climb from the port

Source : Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick | Shetland.org: https://www.shetland.org/

Shuttle cruise from Holmsgarth to the city centre

Lerwick town centre / Victoria Pier

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency Cruise days at Holmsgarth or Mair's Pier
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Useful if the ship docks outside the centre

Attention point

Not always applicable to tender passengers disembarked at Victoria Pier

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; to be used only if disembarking at Holmsgarth or Mair's Pier

Source : CruiseSheet Lerwick: https://cruisesheet.com/port/lerwick | Lerwick Harbour cruise: https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise

Walk to Shetland Museum and Archives

Shetland Museum and Archives

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 12 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Excellent introduction to Shetland history and culture

Attention point

Schedules to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; major cultural option on foot from Victoria Pier

Source : Shetland Museum: https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/ | Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick

Ferry to Bressay

Bressay ferry terminal

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost 3,00 €
Estimated duration 7 min
Frequency Frequent times Shetland Islands Council
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Short crossing for a view of Lerwick and a walk to Bressay

Attention point

Interest depends on the time available and return times

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check Bressay ferry timetables before boarding

Source : Shetland inter-island ferries: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries | Shetland Bressay: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/bressay

Taxi to Shetland Museum

Shetland Museum and Archives

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 12,00 €
Estimated duration 5 min
Frequency available at the port or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Practice with rain or reduced mobility

Attention point

Short distance, often sufficient walking

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful if you want to optimise a short layover

Source : Shetland Museum: https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/ | Lerwick Harbour cruise: https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise

Taxi to Clickimin Broch

Clickimin Broch

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 15,00 €
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Quick access to a nearby archaeological site

Attention point

Not necessary if walking possible

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Easy return to the centre on foot or taxi

Source : Historic Environment Scotland Clickimin Broch: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/clickimin-broch/ | Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick

Tender to Victoria Pier

Victoria Pier / Lerwick Harbour

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency depending on the ship's rotations and weather
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Drop-off directly in the heart of Lerwick

Attention point

Depends on weather, swell and tender organisation

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route from the approximate Bressay Sound anchorage to Victoria Pier; exact point to be confirmed on board

Source : Lerwick Harbour cruise operations: https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise/arrivals | Cruise Scotland Lerwick: https://www.cruisescotland.com/destinations/port-members/lerwick

Local Bus to Scalloway

Scalloway Castle / village centre

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency Regular according to schedule line 4
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Easy public access to Shetland's former capital

Attention point

Return timetable to be checked

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check line 4 Lerwick-Scalloway before departure

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | ZetTrans bus: https://www.zettrans.org.uk/travel/public-transport/bus

Taxi to Scalloway Castle

Scalloway Castle

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Flexible access to Scalloway without bus schedules

Attention point

Back to organising

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; can be combined with Shetland ponies or neighbouring landscapes

Source : Visit Shetland Scalloway: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/scalloway | Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php

Taxi to Tingwall Airport

Tingwall Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to inter-island flights

Attention point

Small Flight Offer, schedule to be confirmed

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check inter-island departure before booking

Source : Shetland Islands Council air services: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries-internal-air/internal-air-services | Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php

Scalloway and Shetland ponies excursion bus

Scalloway Castle

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 75,00 €
Estimated duration 180 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Good compromise between local history, landscapes and Shetland ponies

Attention point

Depends on the season and the operator

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Scalloway; Unmapped pony stops to keep the route simple

Source : Princess Lerwick excursions: https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/shetland-islands-lerwick-scotland-excursions | Visit Shetland Scalloway: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/scalloway

Taxi to Sumburgh Airport

Sumburgh Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to Shetland's main airport

Attention point

High cost compared to bus

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if the flight is imminent

Source : Sumburgh Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport | Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php

Jarlshof and South Mainland Excursion Bus

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 240 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Allows you to see Jarlshof, Sumburgh and southern scenery with secure ship return

Attention point

Compulsory programme and limited places

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Jarlshof; Other unmapped stops to keep the route simple

Source : Princess Lerwick excursions: https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/shetland-islands-lerwick-scotland-excursions | Historic Environment Scotland Jarlshof: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/

Walk to Knab viewpoint

The Knab viewpoint

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Beautiful views of Bressay Sound and the Lerwick coast

Attention point

Weather and wind

Accessibility : moyenne, promenade côtière

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; nice if you want to stay close to Lerwick

Source : Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick | Shetland.org walking: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/walking

Walk to Clickimin Broch

Clickimin Broch

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Free archaeological site accessible without vehicle

Attention point

Longer distance than the centre

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Bring comfortable shoes and changing weather

Source : Visit Shetland Lerwick: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/lerwick | Historic Environment Scotland Clickimin Broch: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/clickimin-broch/

Bus to Tingwall Airport

Tingwall Airport

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency Line 90 timetable to check
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Connection to the local inter-island airport

Attention point

Limited service based on inter-island flights

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check schedules related to inter-island flights

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | Shetland Islands Council air services: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries-internal-air/internal-air-services

Bus line 6 to Sumburgh Airport

Sumburgh Airport

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 6,00 €
Estimated duration 65 min
Frequency Several departures according to line 6 schedules
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Public option to Shetland's main airport

Attention point

Long route and times to check before a flight

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Allow a significant margin for a flight

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | Sumburgh Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport

Private VTC to Scalloway

Scalloway Castle

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible output close to Lerwick

Attention point

Limited local offer, reservation recommended

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; confirm pick-up time before departure

Source : Visit Shetland Scalloway: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/scalloway | Shetland.org cruise: https://www.shetland.org/cruise/ports/lerwick

Wildlife boat to Noss

Our National Nature Reserve area

Public shuttle Distant excursion
Estimated cost 60,00 €
Estimated duration 180 min
Frequency seasonal, by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Seabird & Cliff Watching near Lerwick

Attention point

Marine weather and variable observation

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; Actual route depends on the operator and conditions

Source : Visit Shetland Noss: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/wildlife/noss | Seabirds-and-seals tours Shetland: https://www.shetlandseabirdtours.com/

Taxi to St Ninian's Isle

St Ninian's Isle tombolo

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 80,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible access to iconic Shetland landscape

Attention point

Weather, wind and return to be expected

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check walking conditions on the tombolo

Source : Visit Shetland St Ninian’s Isle: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/beaches/st-ninians-isle | Shetland.org: https://www.shetland.org/

Private VTC to St Ninian's Isle

St Ninian's Isle tombolo

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Personalized access to a very photogenic site

Attention point

Higher cost than the bus and significant weather

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check running conditions and time of resumption

Source : Visit Shetland St Ninian’s Isle: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/beaches/st-ninians-isle | Shetland.org: https://www.shetland.org/

Private Private Driver to Sumburgh Airport

Sumburgh Airport

Private car (VTC) Station / airport
Estimated cost 95,00 €
Estimated duration 40 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Personalized transfer to the main airport

Attention point

Local availability to anticipate

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if your flight schedule is tight

Source : Sumburgh Airport: https://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport | Shetland.org transport: https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/getting-around/travelling-by-bus

Taxi to Jarlshof

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 100,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency available or by reservation (recommended)
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible access to a major archaeological site

Attention point

Return to arrange and ticket to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book pick-up time if short stopover

Source : Historic Environment Scotland Jarlshof: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/ | Visit Shetland South Mainland: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/south-mainland

Private Driver to Jarlshof

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Flexible excursion to Jarlshof and the South Mainland

Attention point

High cost and essential return

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book a return ticket before your stopover

Source : Historic Environment Scotland Jarlshof: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/ | Visit Shetland South Mainland: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/south-mainland

Bus to St Ninian's Isle

St Ninian's Isle tombolo

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 6,00 €
Estimated duration 55 min
Frequency Schedules to be checked, connection or possible walk
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public access to one of Shetland's most photogenic landscapes possible

Attention point

Limited hours and weather to watch

Accessibility : moyenne, arrêt et marche finale

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; Check nearest stop and return before departure

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | Visit Shetland St Ninian’s Isle: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/beaches/st-ninians-isle

Bus to Brae

Brae village

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 7,00 €
Estimated duration 60 min
Frequency Mainland North Line schedules to check
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public access to the north of the Mainland and local connections

Attention point

Too long without confirmed feedback

Accessibility : moyenne, trajet régional

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; check return journey times before departure

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | ZetTrans bus: https://www.zettrans.org.uk/travel/public-transport/bus

Bus line 6 to Jarlshof

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 7,00 €
Estimated duration 70 min
Frequency Line 6 timetables to check
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Public option to one of Shetland's major archaeological sites

Attention point

Timetable and final walk to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Leave only if the return time is confirmed

Source : Shetland bus timetables: https://travel.shetland.org/desktop_bus_timetables.php | Historic Environment Scotland Jarlshof: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/

Boat to Mousa Broch

Mousa Broch / Mousa Island

Public shuttle Distant excursion
Estimated cost 50,00 €
Estimated duration 180 min
Frequency seasonal, by reservation
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Exceptional archaeological site on a natural island

Attention point

Seasonal, maritime weather and return to secure

Accessibility : moyenne, transfert vers Sandwick puis bateau

Practical tip : Simplified direct A-B route from Lerwick to Mousa; Check actual boat departure and transfer

Source : Mousa Boat: https://www.mousa.co.uk/ | Visit Shetland Mousa: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/wildlife/mousa

Taxi to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Excellent viewpoint and seabirds in season

Attention point

Weather, wind and return to be organised

Accessibility : moyenne, trajet long vers sud Mainland

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check Opening, Weather & Return Time

Source : Visit Shetland Sumburgh Head: https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/wildlife/sumburgh-head | Sumburgh Head Lighthouse: https://www.sumburghhead.com/

Eshaness cliffs excursion bus

Eshaness cliffs

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 110,00 €
Estimated duration 300 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Spectacular cliff scenery and wild coastline

Attention point

Long drive and very important weather

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book only if a return to the ship is guaranteed

Source : Visit Shetland Eshaness: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/northmavine/eshaness | Shetland shore excursions: https://www.shetland.org/cruise/shore-excursions

NorthLink to Kirkwall Ferry

Kirkwall Hatston ferry terminal

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost 45,00 €
Estimated duration 360 min
Frequency select NorthLink scheduled sailings
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Connection to Orkney

Attention point

Very long and not suitable for a layover day

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check NorthLink calendar and check-in

Source : NorthLink timetables: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/book/routes-times-and-prices/timetables/ | NorthLink routes: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/book/routes-times-and-prices/

NorthLink to Aberdeen Ferry

Aberdeen ferry terminal

Public shuttle Station / airport
Estimated cost 70,00 €
Estimated duration 720 min
Frequency overnight, according to NorthLink schedule
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Main link to the Scottish mainland

Attention point

Not suitable for a classic cruise stopover

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Pre/post-cruise use only, check-in required

Source : NorthLink Lerwick Aberdeen: https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/route/ferry-from-aberdeen-to-lerwick/ | Shetland ferry: https://www.shetland.org/visit/plan/getting-to-shetland/ferry

Taxi to Eshaness cliffs

Eshaness cliffs

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 170,00 €
Estimated duration 75 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Some of Shetland's most spectacular coastal scenery

Attention point

Long, weather-dependent and return essential

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book only with long layover and guaranteed return

Source : Visit Shetland Eshaness: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/northmavine/eshaness | Shetland shore excursions: https://www.shetland.org/cruise/shore-excursions

Private VTC to Eshaness cliffs

Eshaness cliffs

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 180,00 €
Estimated duration 75 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Customized excursion to the cliffs of the northern Mainland

Attention point

Very weather-dependent and return imperative

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book only if there is a long stopover and a guaranteed return journey

Source : Visit Shetland Eshaness: https://www.shetland.org/visit/areas/northmavine/eshaness | Shetland shore excursions: https://www.shetland.org/cruise/shore-excursions

Indicative data based on local sources and field estimates.