Getting to Fetlar from Lerwick (Mainland Shetland)
Lerwick to Toft:
Fetlar is North of Lerwick, approximately 45 miles by road, and involves two inter-island ferry crossings.
You should allow at least 45 minutes for the drive north along the A970 from Lerwick to Toft, where the ferry departs on the 20 minute journey across Yell Sound to Ulsta at the south end of Yell.
The modern ro-ro ferries are operated by Shetland Islands Council. They sail at regular intervals, but pre-booking is advised especially when travelling to Fetlar. When you arrive at Toft ferry terminal enter lane 1 if booked or lane 2 if not booked.
The booking office is open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday, 0800 – 1700 and on Sunday 0800 - 1300. Telephone +44 (0)1595 745 804 or you you can book online via the Shetland Islands Council website.
For details, view the ferry timetables. (Please note that ferry timetables are changed in the Spring and Autumn).
Note: SIC ferries ask that vehicles are ready to board at least five minutes before departure time. When on board you must stay in your vehicle until the appropriate fare has been paid on this service.
You will charged on this leg of the journey. Check the Shetland Islands Council Ferries website (see link below) for details. Keep your ticket as you may be asked to show it on the next leg of your journey. Your ticket covers both the journey to Fetlar and your journey back to the Shetland mainland; there is no charge on the return trip.
Ulsta to Gutcher
On arrival at Ulsta in Yell you should follow the A968 to Gutcher. This is at least a 25-minute drive, and you should be aware that the sheep will occasionally wander across the road in front of you. If you have time, consider taking the more scenic route, turning right just after driving away from the Ulsta terminal towards Burravoe instead of driving directly north to Mid Yell. As you travel up the East side of the island you will get your first views of Fetlar. This eastern route will add 15 minutes to your drive time.
On arrival at Gutcher, you must select your lane carefully as ferries go to both Unst & Fetlar from this pier. For travel to Fetlar enter lane 3 if booked or lane 4 if not booked. This lane allocation applies even if you are travelling through to Fetlar via Unst. Please note lanes 1 & 2 are for Unst traffic only. When boarding the Bluemull Sound ferry always check with the ferry crew that the ferry is going to the destination you require. If the timetable refers to a connection, then you may have to go on a ferry to Unst and then stay on the same boat until it arrives at Hamars Ness in Fetlar. Occasionally you may need to reverse off the ferry.
Please be aware that there is no fuel available on Fetlar so top up if necessary before you get to the island.
Smart Phone App - for Apple or Android devices
Search on the relevant app store for "Shetland Travel Information". The app is called "ZetTrans".
The app covers local ferries, buses and internal flights and is very useful.
Resources
You may find the following helpful: