Major city · United Kingdom
Sumburgh
Give Sumburgh one full day plus a night: Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head and Old Scatness sit within 3 km (1.9 mi), and you need a car for anything beyond.Give Sumburgh one full day plus a night: Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head and Old Scatness sit within 1.9 mi (3 km), and you need a car for anything beyond.
Sumburgh is the southern tip of Shetland's Mainland and the island's airport village: a few hundred metres between the runway, a hotel and a 4,000-year archaeological site. Most travellers land here, see Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head, then drive north to Lerwick. Stay one night if you land late or want the cliffs at opening time; two if you add Mousa or St Ninian's. A car turns the bottom ten miles into a full day; without one you are limited to the airport, hotel and Jarlshof.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and flight disruption)
- Airport
- LSI
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sumburgh999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sumburgh, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are weather, cliff edges and single-track roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance, coastguard · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLSI Sumburgh Airport (Main Shetland airport, on the road 40 km (25 mi) south of Lerwick; car hire and taxis at the terminal.).LSI Sumburgh Airport (Main Shetland airport, on the road 25 mi (40 km) south of Lerwick; car hire and taxis at the terminal.).
- Getting aroundThe airport, Sumburgh Hotel and Jarlshof are a short walk apart; everything else needs wheels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM, about a week of data£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketJarlshof adult entryConcessions £6, children £4.50; 2026 estimate.£7.50 (≈ US$10)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room£140 (≈ US$190)
- High-end bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £95 (≈ US$130) · High £170 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LSI Sumburgh Airport (Main Shetland airport, on the road 40 km (25 mi) south of Lerwick; car hire and taxis at the terminal.)LSI Sumburgh Airport (Main Shetland airport, on the road 25 mi (40 km) south of Lerwick; car hire and taxis at the terminal.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Sep
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (22 rain days), driest Jun (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sumburgh: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
22 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
17 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Aug
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
16 rd
Sep
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
21 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
22 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
22 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The airport, Sumburgh Hotel and Jarlshof are a short walk apart; everything else needs wheels. Bus 6 runs between Lerwick and Sumburgh roughly every 90 minutes, stopping at the airport, Jarlshof and the hotel. The main road crosses the runway perimeter and closes briefly when aircraft land or take off.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 50 min by bus, 40 min by car
Bus 6 from the airport or hotel, or drive the A970 north
Shetland's main town: museum, harbour and the base for most onward trips.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min including the crossing
Drive to Leebitton near Sandwick, then the summer boat to the island
Best-preserved Iron Age broch in Britain; summer sailings only, weather-dependent.
Door to door: About 3 h each way
Ferry from Grutness, Tue/Thu/Sat in summer, 2 h 40 min
No day trip: sailings are too few and too slow. Sleep on the island.
Door to door: About 40 min by car plus a 15-min walk
Drive north past Sandwick, then walk the sand tombolo
The tombolo can be washed out by winter storms; check before you go.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive to Lerwick, then the short ferry from the harbour
Better as a Lerwick-based half day than a Sumburgh day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Sumburgh Hotel / airport strip
The only walkable base: hotel, Jarlshof and the runway within about 1 km (0.6 mi). Book ahead in summer.The only walkable base: hotel, Jarlshof and the runway within about 0.6 mi (1 km). Book ahead in summer.
Sumburgh Head lighthouse cottages
Self-catering at the headland, about 2 km (1.2 mi) south of the hotel; a car or a long walk for everything.Self-catering at the headland, about 1.2 mi (2 km) south of the hotel; a car or a long walk for everything.
Sandwick and Leebitton
About 15 km (9.3 mi) north; the boat to Mousa leaves from Leebitton. Use it if you want Mousa without doubling back.About 9.3 mi (15 km) north; the boat to Mousa leaves from Leebitton. Use it if you want Mousa without doubling back.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or guesthouse double room1 × 1 night × £140 | £140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £95 | £190 |
| Car hire, one day1 × £55 · check | £55 |
| Bus 6 Lerwick–Sumburgh, one way2 × £5 · check | £10 |
| Jarlshof adult entry2 × £8 | £15 |
| Sumburgh Head visitor centre adult entry2 × £6 | £12 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £42 |
| Trip total≈ £232 per person per day, bed included | £464≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Jarlshof adult entryConcessions £6, children £4.50; 2026 estimate. | £7.50 (≈ US$10) |
| Sumburgh Head visitor centre adult entryConcessions £4; 2026 estimate. | £6 (≈ US$8) |
| Quendale Watermill adult entry2026 estimate. | £4 (≈ US$6) |
| Car hire, one daycheck | £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) |
| eSIM, about a week of data | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The main road across the airport perimeter closes briefly during take-offs and landings: allow slack for a flight.
- The east cliffs at Sumburgh Head are unfenced and slippery: stay back from the edge.
- O2 and Three have no signal here; EE and Vodafone carry 4G. Download offline maps before you drive.
- Grutness–Fair Isle ferry runs only Tue, Thu and Sat in summer and takes 2 h 40 min: no day trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SumburghSumburgh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Shetland; the nearest consulates are in Edinburgh. US citizens: US Consulate General, Edinburgh (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 6 Lerwick → Sumburgh Airport: about £5 (≈ US$7), about 50 min (check)
- Taxi Sumburgh Airport → Sumburgh Hotel: short hop; agree the fare first (check)
- Grutness → Fair Isle ferry: 2 h 40 min, Tue/Thu/Sat in summer (check)
Say or show
- Hello / Guid day — Hello (standard English works everywhere)
- Thank you — Thank you (cheers is common and friendly)
- Single to Sumburgh, please — Single ticket, please
- Is the boat sailing today? — Is the ferry running today?
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
Mobile signal is patchy: EE and Vodafone carry 4G, O2 and Three do not. Save offline maps and the hotel number.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sumburgh. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and flight disruption) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LSI: last Bus 6 departures, taxi fallback and the walk to the hotel, field-checked.
- Walking cluster at the south tip: airport, hotel, Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head with verified opening seasons.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs for Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head, Old Scatness and Quendale Watermill.
- Mousa and Fair Isle sailing fixtures so the ferry-dependent days can go green.
Sources
Ask about Sumburgh
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