Getting around the Faroe Islands

Eighteen islands, and most of them are connected. Tunnels under the sea, ferries across it, and a helicopter if you're lucky with the booking. The longest drive in the Faroes is about two hours. Nothing is far — but weather can make everything unreliable.

Plan around the weather. Always have a backup day for anything involving a ferry or a mountain road.

Renting a car

This is the best way to see the Faroes. Roads are well-maintained, but narrow and winding. Two lanes with no shoulder is standard outside Tórshavn.

A few things to know:

• Book early for summer. Rental stock is limited and June–August sells out fast.
• A small car is fine. Roads are narrow, parking spots are tight, and you won't need a 4x4 unless you're visiting in deep winter.
• Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside.
• Fuel up when you can. Petrol stations are sparse outside the main towns. Don't let the tank drop below half.
• Sheep on the road. This is not a joke. They're everywhere, they don't move, and they have right of way. Slow down.
• Single-lane tunnels exist. Some older mountain tunnels are one lane with passing places. Pull into the nearest lay-by when you see oncoming headlights.

Sub-sea tunnels

Three sub-sea tunnels connect the main islands. They've transformed travel in the Faroes.

• Vágatunnilin — connects Vágar (the airport island) to Streymoy. You'll drive through this on arrival.
• Norðoyatunnilin — connects Borðoy to Eysturoy. The route to Klaksvík and the northern islands.
• Eysturoyartunnilin — the newest, connecting Streymoy to Eysturoy. It has an underwater roundabout with a light art installation. Worth the drive just for that.

Some tunnels have tolls. You can register your rental car online at tunnels.fo or pay at a petrol station.

Ferries

Ferries are the only way to reach several islands. Strandfaraskip Landsins operates all public routes.

Mykines

The Mykines ferry is small — about 90 passengers, no cars. It books out days in advance in summer. Reserve online as soon as you know your dates. Sailings cancel often in bad weather, so build flexibility into your schedule.

Kalsoy

The ferry to Kalsoy departs from Klaksvík. You'll need it for the Kallur Lighthouse hike — one of the most popular walks in the Faroes. Car spots are limited. Arrive early.

Suðuroy

The longest ferry route. About two hours from Tórshavn to Tvøroyri. It's a proper ship — cars, cafeteria, the lot. Runs daily, but check winter schedules.

Sandoy

A shorter crossing from Gamlarætt (south of Tórshavn). The new Sandoy tunnel is under construction, which will eventually replace this route.

Weather cancellations happen. Especially in winter. The Mykines ferry is the most weather-dependent. Always have a backup plan for that day.

Buses

The public bus network is surprisingly good. Bussleiðin covers the main islands with regular service between towns.

• Free with a travel card — tourists can get a Travod card for unlimited travel on all buses and ferries.
• Main routes run frequently. Tórshavn to the airport, Tórshavn to Klaksvík, and other key corridors have solid coverage.
• Off-peak frequency drops. Evenings and weekends have fewer departures. Check timetables at ssl.fo.
• Useful but limiting. Buses won't get you to trailheads or remote villages at the right times. Best as a supplement to a rental car, not a replacement.

Helicopter

Atlantic Airways runs a subsidised helicopter service between islands. It's cheap — sometimes under 200 DKK one way — and the views are absurd.

Routes include Vágar to Mykines, Tórshavn to Klaksvík, and several smaller islands. Seats are very limited. Locals get priority for rebooking. Book as early as you can and don't rely on it as your only plan.

Getting to the Faroes

By air

Fly into Vágar Airport (FAE). It's the only airport.

• Atlantic Airways — direct from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, and Reykjavík.
• SAS — direct from Copenhagen.
• Summer adds routes. Edinburgh and other seasonal destinations open up from April to October.

The airport is on Vágar, about 45 minutes from Tórshavn by car through the Vágar tunnel.

By sea

The Smyril Line ferry Norröna sails from Hirtshals (Denmark) with a stop in Seyðisfjörður (Iceland). It takes 36+ hours from Denmark. Not fast, but you bring your car and skip the rental cost. Runs weekly in summer, less often in winter.

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The Faroes are compact and well-connected — until the weather decides otherwise. Rent a car, book ferries early, and keep your plans flexible. You'll get everywhere you want to go.

Related guides

• What to pack — gear for every kind of Faroe Islands weather
• Hiking in the Faroe Islands — the must-do trails and how to get to the trailheads
• Best time to visit — month-by-month breakdown of weather and travel seasons