I am lucky enough to have been to Shetland 27 times now. Each visit has deepened my love for this special place.

My Tours with American Guests

I have taken small groups of American guests on tours to Shetland. Through these tours, I have learned so much about the area and its culture.

Is Shetland Expensive?

If you have been wondering, “Is Shetland expensive?” then read on to find my experience.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Accommodation: Prices are higher all year round compared to other parts of Scotland
• Food: Eating is good value rather than cheap
• Activities: Many outdoor activities are free, like exploring the fab scenery & watching wildlife

Shetland has much to offer, so read on for more insights from me.

Is Shetland Expensive?

Getting to Shetland

Getting to Shetland can be expensive, depending on how you travel.

There are two main ways to reach Shetland:

• By ferry from Aberdeen or Orkney
• By plane from Scotland or London

The ferry is the cheapest way to get to Shetland.

Travelling by Ferry to Shetland

The ferries are operated by Northlink Ferries. They offer different fares based on the season:

• Low season: £28 (one way, no vehicle or berth included)
• Mid season: £36 (one way, no vehicle or berth included)
• Peak season: £43 (one way, no vehicle or berth included)

Vehicle and Berth Costs

If you are taking a vehicle or need a berth, here are the costs:

• Vehicle under 6m:
  • Low season: £113
  • Mid season: £144
  • Peak season: £151
• Overnight berth for 2 people:
  • Low season: £75
  • Mid season: £93
  • Peak season: £111

Note: There are no single occupancy cabins. You can also book extras:

• Reclining seats: £3.50
• Sleeping pods: £18 (low season)

As you can see, costs can add up if you travel with more than one person, take a vehicle, and use an overnight berth.

Demand for berths is high, so book early. You could also travel from Orkney to Lerwick, but prices are almost the same.

Season Dates

• Low season: January 7 to March 23 and November 1 to December 17
• Mid season: January 1 to 6, March 24 to June 14, September 1 to October 31, and December 18 to 31
• Peak season: June 15 to August 31

Flying to Shetland

Flying to Shetland with Loganair can be quite expensive. Here are some examples of flight costs:

• Shortest flight (Kirkwall to Sumburgh): likely over £100
• Flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow: often over £200 each way

So yes, getting to Shetland can be costly!

Staying in Shetland

Like many rural areas, Shetland has a shortage of accommodation during peak times.

Contractors working on energy and other projects also need accommodation.

High demand for accommodation means that prices can be high. In my experience, hotel prices are pretty high all year round (compared to other parts of Scotland). They just get higher during the peak summer months.

Alternative Options

There are other options that may offer better value, including:

• Camp sites
• Camper vans
• Glamping sites with pods, cabins, or wigwams

These alternatives provide more facilities than before.

Eating and Drinking in Shetland

There are lots of fabulous places to eat and drink in Shetland. Thankfully, there are no chains. That means no McDonald’s or anything like that.

You can discover many great independent restaurants, cafes, and pubs to enjoy.

Prices in Shetland

Prices in Shetland aren’t what I would describe as cheap. However, they are good value.

Quality of Food

Food is usually of good quality, with:

• Generous portions
• Lots of locally sourced ingredients
• Preparation by people who have a real passion for what they do

Things to Do in Shetland

There really is something for everyone in Shetland when it comes to activities.

Wildlife Watching and Exploring

The great news is that some of the best activities are free.

You can enjoy:

• Wildlife watching
• Exploring the landscape including some lovely beaches and cliffs.

Visit the Shetland Museum

The Shetland Museum is completely free. It’s a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours. You can enjoy a longer visit if you combine it with something to eat and drink.

Explore Interesting Museums and Visitor Centres

Shetland is dotted with many interesting museums and visitor centres. You can find everything from:

• Jarlshof at the south of the mainland
• A Viking ship at the top of Shetland on Unst

You won’t be short of things to do.

Value for Money

All the visitor attractions offer great value. You will be spoilt for choice!

Visiting Shetland: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

Planning Your Trip

Getting to and staying in Shetland can be quite expensive. Plan and book as far ahead as possible to get the best prices.

Food and Drink

Eating and drinking in Shetland offers good value rather than being cheap.

Activities and Attractions

There are plenty of things to do in Shetland, and they are great value.

Here are some highlights:

• Explore stunning landscapes including incredible cliffs and coastlines
• Visit local museums and visitor centres
• Enjoy wildlife watching. (There are some great local Facebook groups that can help you track birds and whales)

Budgeting for Your Holiday

Holidaying in Shetland requires some planning, particularly if you are on a budget. It’s well worth it though!

More Resources

If you found this article about whether Shetland is expensive helpful then you might also like;

Is Shetland Safe? – it’s incredibly safe but here are more details to demonstrate that!

Things to Do in Shetland

You can find much more information in my Shetland holiday post

My Shetland Pinterest Pins

My Shetland YouTube Videos

My Shetland Blog Posts