Practical travel information
Coming to the Faroe Islands for the first time? Here is what is good to know about the airport, driving, tunnels and ferries. Prices and timetables change, so they are on the official sites we link to.
1. From the airport
Vágar Airport is on the island of Vágar, about 45 km from Tórshavn. The drive takes about 45 minutes, through the Vágar subsea tunnel.
Bus 300 runs between the airport and Tórshavn. The buses are timed with the flights, but not always every one – check the timetable before you travel.
2. Car
To see the villages, mountains and views, a car is the easiest way. Cars can be rented at the airport and in Tórshavn – book ahead in summer.
Traffic drives on the right. Roads out to the small villages are often narrow with passing places; pull in at the passing place on your side. Sheep roam freely, on the road too.
3. Subsea tunnels
The subsea tunnels to Vágar, Eysturoy, Borðoy and Sandoy are tolled. There are no barriers: a camera reads the number plate, and you pay afterwards.
In a rental car you usually pay the rental company, which pays the toll. In your own car you pay at tunnil.fo, which lists the prices and the payment deadline.
4. Ferries
Ferries sail to the islands without a tunnel. Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL) runs most of the routes:
- Suðuroy: the Smyril ferry from Tórshavn to Krambatangi.
- Nólsoy: from Tórshavn.
- Hestur: from Gamlarætt.
- Mykines: a private boat from Sørvágur, May to August only (helicopter in winter). Book early.
- Svínoy and Fugloy: from Hvannasund.
5. Buses
Country buses run between most of the larger villages, and the red city buses in Tórshavn are free. Small villages have few departures, so allow plenty of time.