Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Car Hire Partner in Shetland
Established in 1971, Bolt's Car Hire has grown from a modest four-vehicle fleet to Shetland's largest rental company. Our family-run business, under the Garriock family since 1995, combines decades of local expertise with a commitment to reliability and customer service. We maintain a modern fleet of cars, vans, and minibuses through regular servicing at our Lerwick facilities. Our strategic locations at Sumburgh Airport, Lerwick Ferry Terminal, and Tingwall Airport ensure convenient access for visitors. We prioritise transparent pricing with unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and no hidden fuel surcharges.Our staff's in-depth knowledge of Shetland's geography supports both tourists and locals in exploring the islands. We operate dedicated offices at key transport hubs with flexible delivery options for ferry arrivals. Our motorhome hire service expands travel freedom while maintaining the same high standards of vehicle maintenance. We balance corporate professionalism with the personal touch of a family-owned business. Our 50-year legacy reflects our dedication to adapting to customer needs while maintaining operational excellence.
Services
Car Hire
Motorhome Hire
Taxi Services
Car Sales
Van Rental
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years' experience serving Shetland's transport needs
- Our family-run business maintains direct oversight of all operations
- Competitive rates with no hidden fuel surcharges or mileage restrictions
- Dedicated service points at all major Shetland transport hubs
- Regular vehicle maintenance ensures safety and reliability standards
Services
Car Hire
Bolt's Car Hire offers a comprehensive range of modern vehicles for short-term rental across Shetland. Our fleet includes economy cars, premium sedans, and multi-purpose vehicles suitable for both business and leisure travel. With competitive pricing that includes unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance coverage, we provide transparent rental solutions for visitors arriving at airports, ferry terminals, and by road.
Motorhome Hire
Our motorhome hire service enables independent exploration of Shetland's 100 islands with complete freedom. The four-berth vehicles come equipped with essential amenities for comfortable self-catering accommodation. This service particularly appeals to nature enthusiasts seeking flexibility to discover remote coastal areas, archaeological sites, and wildlife habitats at their own pace while enjoying the convenience of mobile lodging.
Taxi Services
Operating under the Sinclair's Taxis brand, our premium transport service caters to both point-to-point transfers and extended island tours. The fleet ranges from standard four-seater cars to eight-seater minibuses, maintained to high standards with professionally trained drivers. This service supports airport transfers, business travel, and sightseeing excursions with reliable booking systems and flexible scheduling options.
Car Sales
We offer pre-owned vehicles from our rental fleet for private purchase, featuring various makes and models with full service histories. The sales inventory includes recent-year vehicles with low mileage, available for inspection prior to purchase commitment. Our sales process maintains transparency with clear pricing structures and MOT certification status provided for each vehicle listed in our regularly updated inventory.
Van Rental
Our commercial vehicle hire includes cargo vans, minibuses, and specialist trucks suitable for business operations and group transportation. The fleet comprises Citroen Berlingo Vans, Ford Tourneo Customs, and Volkswagen Transporters with both manual and automatic transmission options. This service supports local businesses and visitors requiring temporary commercial transport solutions with flexible rental periods and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Questions
What identification do I need to hire a vehicle?
A valid driving licence and photographic ID are required for all rentals. International visitors should present their home country licence with official English translation if necessary.
Can I collect vehicles outside operating hours?
After-hours collection requires prior arrangement. We offer pre-booked early morning ferry terminal meet-and-greets but cannot accommodate unscheduled pickups outside official office hours.
Are child seats included in rental packages?
We provide free child seat hire upon request. Parents should specify requirements during booking to ensure appropriate equipment availability at the pickup location.
What happens if my flight or ferry is delayed?
We monitor scheduled arrival times and maintain extended airport office hours for flight delays. Ferry terminal customers should contact us directly if significantly delayed beyond booked collection times.
Do you offer long-term rental discounts?
Extended hire periods receive preferential rates. Contact our reservations team for specific pricing on rentals exceeding two-week durations, with flexible return date adjustments available.
Can I return vehicles at different locations?
One-way rentals between our locations incur additional fees. Cross-island returns require prior coordination to ensure vehicle availability at destination offices.
Reviews (6)
Ashley Milne
Sep 28, 2021
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No issues what so ever. Was met at the ferry terminal to collect the keys. Just had to fill in a couple forms which didnt take long. The car was just what was needed and very fuel efficient. Car was clean. Very easy process from start to finish. Would recommend.
Marina Gay
Jul 14, 2021
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Well! It was a small automatic car but from the beginning I had a problem to start it and then to move forward. It was possible just via a Reverse transmission firstThen that car periodically lost a speed on a flat road. I wrote a complaint to Bolts company but they replied Im a bad driver and its my problem. Actually Ive driven the different cars since 1976 and Im a driver tour guide in Scottish Highlands for 7 years. However, its a very bad experience: a high price 60 per day, not appropriate customer service and not reliable cars.
Geoffrey Johnstone
Jul 09, 2020
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Good people to deal with. Everything went according to plan. The car was waiting for us and proved reliable.
Max Williams
Jul 05, 2018
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Have been to Shetland four times already, and always hired a car from Bolts. About to make another booking. Top people, with very clean and tidy cars. It isn't that you can't fault them - but you can't - it's just that it would never occur to you. They are just great people to deal with!
Karen McKenzie
Dec 18, 2017
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We tried before travelling to Shetland from Australia to hire a car, however there was no cars to be found. John went out of his way to find us a car, we are forever greatful. This made our holiday very enjoyable. I would recommend booking well in advance to ensure you get a vehicle. Thank you so very much for going out of your way to make our holiday a great experience.
Jessica Simons
Sep 13, 2017
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Allan and I hired a car for six days from John and the team at Bolts. The car was comfortable and the perfect size for us. Thanks so much Bolts. Highly recommended
