Car Rental Lerwick

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lerwick

Renting a car in Lerwick offers the ultimate freedom and flexibility for your travel adventures. This popular choice among heritage travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and road trip adventurers allows you to explore attractions at your own pace without the constraints of public transportation. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. Discover rich cultural experiences at the Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition and the Shetland Museum, both conveniently located in Lerwick. Don’t miss the historic Lerwick Town Hall, showcasing the city's heritage. Beyond the city, you can venture to nearby destinations like Bressay, just 2 miles away, to visit the Bressay Lighthouse or return to Lerwick for the Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition. A short drive of 5 miles takes you to Scalloway, where Scalloway Castle and the Shetland Bus Memorial await exploration. Gott, located 4 miles from Lerwick, is another charming spot featuring the same cultural experiences. A rental car enhances your journey, allowing you to easily visit these captivating sites and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Shetland with convenience.

Most popular car rentals in Lerwick

• Economy: This car option fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families. The Economy car provides a balance of comfort and practicality, perfect for exploring the attractions in and around Lerwick at your own pace.
• Mini: Designed to fit 4 travelers with up to 2 small suitcases, the Mini car is a great option for solo travelers or couples. This compact choice is easy to maneuver and park in the city, allowing you to navigate Lerwick's streets while enjoying a hassle-free travel experience.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 large suitcases, the Midsize SUV is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups. This option offers extra space and comfort, making it perfect for heritage travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the scenic surroundings of Lerwick with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Lerwick

• Avis: Avis is a prominent car rental supplier in Lerwick, with one convenient location. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility and ease of renting from Avis, especially for exploring the beautiful surroundings at their own pace. The most booked cars from Avis are Economy and Mini models, catering to various preferences and budgets. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Avis ensures a reliable and comfortable rental experience for visitors looking to enjoy their trip.
• Europcar: Europcar also operates a rental location in Lerwick and is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its well-maintained fleet, the most booked car type with Europcar is the Mini, perfect for navigating the city and nearby attractions. Travelers often highlight the convenience and efficiency of renting from Europcar, making it a solid option for those seeking a hassle-free experience while exploring the area.

Where to go around Lerwick

• Bressay: Located 2 miles away from Lerwick, Bressay offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can explore the Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition, a gallery dedicated to local culture, or visit the Bressay Lighthouse, a historic landmark. The Shetland Museum also provides insights into the region's history. The best times to visit are in April and from July to August, when traveler arrivals peak.
• Scalloway: Situated 5 miles from Lerwick, Scalloway is known for its cultural, beach, and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the Scalloway Castle, ideal for those interested in romance and culture, as well as the Shetland Bus Memorial, which is steeped in history. The Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition is also accessible here. Peak visitor times occur in April, July, and September.
• Gott: Located 4 miles away from Lerwick, Gott is a great spot for cultural experiences. Highlights include the Up-Helly-Aa Exhibition, the Lerwick Town Hall, a historic building, and the Shetland Museum. With seasonal visitor patterns, the best time to explore Gott is during the summer months from June to August when arrivals peak.

10 tips to save on your Lerwick car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you’re in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure better rates and a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and simpler to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just make sure to return the car empty in this instance.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it can be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lerwick

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lerwick is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. Following closely, April offers a similar value with average demand. March also provides a good option, sitting at average prices with low demand. However, June stands out as the most expensive month, characterized by high prices and average demand. July typically sees high demand, making it another busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
February	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	44.4°F (6.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	47.3°F (8.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	51.6°F (10.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
September	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Lerwick

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Lerwick into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Lerwick and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Lerwick

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Lerwick. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Lerwick

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book .

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals