The Shetland Hop on Hop off Bus Tour from Lerwick offers travelers a flexible and scenic way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Shetland Islands. Operated by Robertsons Tours & Holidays, this accessible tour allows guests to hop on and off at various attractions, ensuring a customizable sightseeing experience. With a maximum capacity of 39 travelers and prices starting from €20.14, it provides an affordable option for discovering local wildlife and picturesque routes. However, travelers should be mindful of potential wait times and plan accordingly to make the most of this unique opportunity.
This experience made our list of the Best Tours In Shetland Islands.
Key Points
- The Shetland Hop on Hop off Bus Tour offers all-day unlimited travel on selected dates, with a maximum capacity of 39 travelers and pricing from €20.14 per person.
- The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, with service animals allowed on the bus and departure point near public transportation.
- Customers can hop on and off at various locations along the route, allowing for a customizable sightseeing experience catering to individual interests.
- Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, and timing of stops is important as some attractions may be closed in the morning.
- The tour experience has received mixed reviews, with praises for the scenic views and knowledgeable drivers, but concerns about long wait times between pickups and potential overcrowding.
Tour Overview
The Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick is a popular sightseeing experience that allows visitors to explore the Shetland Islands at their own pace.
Operated by Robertsons Tours & Holidays, the tour offers all-day unlimited travel on a selected date with a maximum capacity of 39 travelers. Priced from €20.14 per person, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The tour departs from the bus stop on the Esplanade in Lerwick, opposite the Thule Bar, and returns to the same location.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Shetland Islands.
Accessibility and Amenities
According to the information provided, the Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly.
The tour also allows service animals. The bus departs from a stop near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps.
Customers receive confirmation of their booking, and the tour has been deemed near public transportation.
Departure and Return

The tour departs from the Bus Stop on the Esplanade in Lerwick, directly across from the Thule Bar.
Travelers will return to this original departure point at the end of their all-day unlimited travel.
The tour provides a convenient way to explore the Shetland Islands, with the flexibility to hop on and off at various locations along the route.
Riders can choose to disembark and spend time at their desired stops, then rejoin the bus when ready to continue their journey.
This setup allows for a customizable sightseeing experience, catering to individual interests and pacing.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have offered a mix of positive and negative feedback for the Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. Many enjoyed the beautiful scenery, informative and humorous drivers, and the overall experience. Specific highlights include spotting seals and Shetland ponies, as well as the picturesque route. However, some expressed concerns about value for money due to long wait times between pickups, and issues with overcrowding on certain days due to cruise bookings. Plus, the lack of a microphone for the driver impacted the delivery of commentary. Travelers should plan accordingly to maximize their experience.
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|
| Scenic views | Long wait times |
| Knowledgeable drivers | Overcrowding |
| Memorable encounters | Poor commentary |
Booking and Timing
Advance booking is recommended to ensure a spot on the Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour, especially during busy periods. This will help travelers avoid the disappointment of a full tour on the day they wish to visit.
When planning the itinerary, it’s also important to consider the timing of stops, as some attractions may be closed in the morning. To make the most of the experience, travelers should follow these tips:
- Check attraction opening hours and plan accordingly.
- Arrive at the departure point with ample time to board the bus.
- Be prepared for potential delays between pickups, as the minimum time can be 2 hours.
- Expect a leisurely sightseeing experience rather than a traditional hop-on, hop-off tour with extensive commentary.
Tour Experience
One key aspect of the Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour is the overall tour experience.
Travelers have provided mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful scenery and informative, humorous drivers. Specific highlights include spotting seals and Shetland ponies along the picturesque route.
However, some have expressed concerns about the long wait times between pickups, which can be a minimum of 2 hours. Plus, overcrowding on certain days due to cruise bookings has been an issue, and the lack of a microphone for the driver has impacted the delivery of commentary.
Recommendations
The Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour offers several recommendations for travelers.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy periods, to ensure a spot on the tour.
Timing is crucial, as some attractions may be closed in the morning.
Travelers should also note that this tour is more suitable for leisurely sightseeing rather than a traditional hop-on, hop-off experience with extensive commentary.
Plus, it’s essential to plan accordingly to maximize the experience and avoid any disappointment.
- Book in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.
- Consider the timing of stops, as some attractions may be closed in the morning.
- Expect a more leisurely sightseeing experience rather than a traditional hop-on, hop-off tour.
- Plan your day to make the most of the tour and avoid any inconveniences.
Shetland Hop on Hop off Bus Tour From Lerwick
The Sum Up
The Shetland Hop on Hop off Bus Tour from Lerwick provides a flexible and affordable way to explore the Shetland Islands’ stunning landscapes. With accessibility features and a customizable itinerary, it’s a convenient option for travelers. However, they should plan around potential wait times to make the most of their sightseeing experience. This tour offers a scenic and accessible way to discover the local wildlife and routes across the Shetland Islands.


