How to Get to Shetland: Ferries, Flights, and the January Booking Calendar

Shetland is an archipelago north of Scotland. It's accessible but not convenient. You can't drive there. You fly or ferry. Both options fill months ahead during Up Helly Aa season.

Booking now (March 2026) for January 2027 is early. But January 2026 festivals are already booked out.

Flight Options

Option 1: Aberdeen to Shetland (LSI)

Flight time: 1 hour

Departure: Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)

Airlines: Loganair (primary operator, limited competition, prices reflect this)

Cost: $250–500 (£200–£400) round trip (varies by booking timing)

Frequency: 2–4 flights daily

Booking: Loganair.co.uk or Skyscanner

Aberdeen connection routes (to get to Aberdeen first):

London–Aberdeen: 2 hours by plane, $60–200

Edinburgh–Aberdeen: 1.5 hours by plane or 2.5 hours by train, $40–100

Glasgow–Aberdeen: 1.5 hours by plane, $50–150

Booking strategy for January Up Helly Aa:

1. Book your main flight (London/Edinburgh/Glasgow to Aberdeen) 3 months ahead

2. Book Aberdeen-Shetland flight 2 months ahead

3. Book a return flight for January 26 or 27 (day after festival, most people depart then)

Option 2: Ferry from Aberdeen

Duration: 12 hours overnight

Operator: Northlink Ferries

Cost: $100–350 one way (varies by cabin type; reclining seats cheapest, private cabins more)

Frequency: 3 times per week (reduced in winter)

Booking: Northlinkferries.co.uk

The ferry is scenic and saves a hotel night (you sleep on the ferry). But it's long and subject to cancellation due to weather.

Option 3: Ferry from Orkney

Shetland is between Scotland and Orkney

Ferry from Orkney to Shetland: 8 hours

Cost: $30–50 one way

This adds complexity unless you're also visiting Orkney

Accommodation Booking

In Lerwick (main town):

Queens Hotel: $130–160/night (central, mid-range)

Shetland Hotel: $110–140/night (comfortable, good restaurant)

Airth Hotel: $95–130/night (smaller, family-run)

B&Bs: $65–100/night (more choice, variable quality)

Outside Lerwick (quieter, cheaper):

Scalloway (15 min away): $75–110/night

Brae (30 min north): $75–100/night

Bigton (south): $65–90/night

Booking timeline: Book 6–8 weeks ahead (August 2025 for January 2026, or April 2026 for January 2027). Peak season books out 8–10 weeks ahead.

Festival Booking

Up Helly Aa itself (free to watch on the streets): No booking required.

Viewing stands (paid seating): Book through Visit Shetland or the Up Helly Aa committee 2–3 months ahead. Cost: $30–80. Capacity: 200–400 per stand. These fill up.

Party venues (after the burning): Book through your accommodation or contact Visit Shetland. Cost: $15–30 entry. Limited capacity. Some book out, others have availability into January.

Ground Transport

Getting from airport to town:

Taxi: $15–25 (negotiate or use Uber if available)

Bus: $2 (limited schedule, may not align with flights)

Hotel shuttle: $5–10 (call hotel to arrange)

Rental car: $30–50/day (small car from budget agencies)

During festival:

Lerwick is walkable (1 km across)

The parade route is pedestrian

Buses run but are crowded during festival

Walking is best

Sample Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1: Arrive

Fly London–Aberdeen (or origin to Aberdeen)

Afternoon: Explore Aberdeen (optional)

Late afternoon: Fly/ferry to Shetland

Evening: Check in, rest

Cost: $160–250 (flights, travel)

Day 2: Explore Lerwick

Morning: Walk town, visit shops

Afternoon: Learn about Up Helly Aa (museum, local conversations)

Evening: Dinner, early rest

Cost: $55–80 (meals, accommodation)

Day 3: Up Helly Aa Festival

Afternoon: Scout the parade route, get positioned

Early evening: Dinner before crowds

7:00 PM: Parade starts

8:30 PM: Ship burning

Late evening: Party venue or sleep

Cost: $30–80 (accommodation, viewing stand if paid, food)

Day 4: Recovery + exploration

Morning: Lazy breakfast (recovery from standing in cold)

Afternoon: Visit Jarlshavn archaeological site or explore southern Shetland

Evening: Pack for departure

Cost: $55–80 (meals, accommodation, activities)

Day 5: Departure

Morning flight/ferry back

Arrange onward travel

Cost: $85–150 (flights)

5-day total estimate: $390–640 (per person, not including main flight to UK/Scotland)

The Weather Reality

January in Shetland is cold (2–5°C, 36–41°F), wet, and windy. You will be cold. Dress for it. Waterproof jacket (non-negotiable), multiple layers, hand warmers, thick socks.

The festival happens rain or shine. There is no backup date. Plan for wind, rain, and cold.

Why January Matters

Up Helly Aa is always January. It's tied to the Shetland calendar and to historical midwinter celebrations. You can't do it in summer. You have to commit to winter travel.

That commitment—flying to a remote island in January to stand in the cold and watch a ship burn—is part of why it matters. You're not a casual tourist. You're someone who chose the experience over comfort.

Ready to book your Up Helly Aa trip?

Book Your Shetland Trip → | Read the Full Scotland Guide →