Bolt's Car Hire
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Bolt's Car Hire
Bolts Car Hire is Shetland's largest and most experienced rental company, offering a wide range of modern, well maintained cars, vans, and mini buses. It is our aim to provide a reliable, personal, and friendly service. Bolts Car Hire first began operating in 1971, starting with just four cars. The business quickly grew during the construction of the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal in the late 1970's had a fleet of nearly four hundred vehicles.

In 1995, the business was bought by Arlene and John Garriock who, with the help of their family, have continued the Bolts tradition of being a family run business. Our main office is on North Road, in Lerwick where our staff are on hand to help with any enquiries you may have, or to pick up or drop off your vehicle.
Services
In addition to car and van hire, we are also proud to add motorhomes to our fleet. Our 4 berth motorhomes are the perfect to way to explore Shetland and all the unique islands. Shetland boasts an impressive number of caravan and motorhome hook up sites, as well as many stunning sites for wild camping, all spread throughout the islands allowing visitors to move around and enjoy every corner of our beautiful landscape and scenery.
Sinclair's Taxis is owned and operated by Bolts Car Hire. We ensure a 1st class and reliable service to meet all your needs. Whether you need to go 5 minutes down the road or want a tour of our beautiful islands, we will do our best to meet your requirements. Our fleet of vehicles are maintained to a very high standard and vary from standard 4 seater vehicles to 8 seater minibuses.
Shetland may not seem that big and although it won't take too long to drive from end to end of the main island, there is so much to see in between. Whether your interests are geology, archaeology, nature or wildlife you'll find them all in abundance. With over 1600 miles of superb coastline walking is also very popular around our islands - not only will you have amazing sea views but there are many little treasures to explore on land also.
If you have hired from us before, or have already received a quote and would like to make a reservation, use our Make a Booking form. A representative from Bolts Car Hire will contact you within 48 hours of receiving your request. Please Note: If you do not know your exact times please enter approximate details to help us get the most accurate quote to you.
Reviews (10)
Ashley Milne
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 didn’t 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.
Geoff Bolton
Geoff Bolton
Jul 19, 2021
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Excellent service, very flexible with our drop off when our flight was cancelled at the last minute.
Marina Gay
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 first😳Then that car periodically lost a speed on a flat road. I wrote a complaint to Bolt’s company but they replied I’m a bad driver and it’s my problem. Actually I’ve driven the different cars since 1976 and I’m a driver tour guide in Scottish Highlands for 7 years. However, it’s a very bad experience: a high price £60 per day, not appropriate customer service and not reliable cars.
Geoffrey Johnstone
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.
Alan Anderson
Alan Anderson
Jun 22, 2020
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Great service really friendly last time I was there it was stormy bolts were still there for us
Max Williams
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
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
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
McBainia
McBainia
Aug 03, 2017
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The car I hired was perfect for what i needed. It was just a shame that the people running the company were incompetent, rude and obnoxious.
A very poor reflection on what was otherwise a pleasant place to visit.
If you need a hire car in Shetland then I would recommend Star Car hire...I've never dealt with them, but they can only be better than Bolt.
Mei E.
Mei E.
Jul 30, 2013
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Bolts is awesome and the customer service is hard to beat!

We were going to Lerwick for a wedding, and needed to rent a car to get up to Unst for a few days after the nuptials. Being from Washington, I had no idea where to start, but I emailed Bolts with my questions and they immediately emailed me back with details about the different sizes of rental cars, and quoted me prices. I emailed back and the reservation was set!

I picked up the car from the Toll Clock strip mall in the center of town, very convenient, and returned it at Sumbergh Airport with no additional charge. As an added bonus,