Exploring the Faroe Islands’ beautiful landscapes by car, campervan, bus, or motorcycle is a popular way of getting around. It’s easy and flexible, and you can decide your own pace—just like a true Faroese.

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC BUS & FERRY

Discover the Faroe Islands quickly and affordably by using the public transportation system. With a multi-day travel card, you can enjoy bus and ferry travel (excluding Mykines) without worrying about individual fares. Consider purchasing DKK 500 for four days of uninterrupted exploration. Don't miss the chance to visit the historic village of Kirjubøur, conveniently accessible via the bus that travels around Tórshavn.

GUIDED BUS TOURS

Combining the public bus option with a guided bus tour is a great way to explore the Faroe Islands. This will give you a more in-depth understanding of the areas you visit. Many tour operators and on-location coordinators offer guided bus tours to various locations in the Faroe Islands.

SHUTTLE TO & FROM THE AIRPORT

You should book transportation from the airport to your accommodation in advance. You can take the bus or order an excellent shuttle from one of these services.

HELICOPTER

Helicopter travel is subsidized by the government so that locals can live on some of the archipelago’s more remote islands; hence, this form of transport is mainly reserved for residents. However, you can, during the peak seasons, find specific sightseeing tours arranged by Atlantic Airways. If you would like to book a standard ride, kindly note that the helicopter subsidy is a community project and as such, only one-way trips are available for tourists. You can make your booking two days prior to your departure. After your arrival at your destination, you can travel back either by ferry or bus, depending on your preference.

SELF DRIVE

Most islands are connected by an excellent infrastructure of roads, bridges and subsea tunnels, making it effortless to get around.

For example, you can take in the majestic view of Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur, explore the breathtaking gorge in Gjógv and hike out to the Kallurin lighthouse on Kalsoy all in one day – and even make it back in time for a lamb roast dinner in Tórshavn. (This depends on how many photos you plan on taking at each location – which is usually quite a lot!)

CAR RENTAL

Car rental agencies in the Faroe Islands offer a range of vehicles that can be booked online, through a travel agent, or at Vágar airport. Some companies are located at the airport and offer pick-up and drop-off services, while others are not. You should check with the rental company beforehand to understand their policies.

BIKE RENTAL

There's nothing like wandering around the Faroe Islands on a bike, exploring the sights. The lanes are fantastic, and there's a new sight around every corner. Find a list of bike rentals here.

PLEASE READ BEFORE DRIVING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

All major highways are paved, but some roads, especially to the smaller villages, are still gravel roads. Navigating these roads carefully, as loose gravel can make driving difficult. Many roads and tunnels leading to villages can be narrow, so please choose a safe speed according to the conditions. To keep traffic flowing, these roads have lay-bys (widened sections formed to one side to leave the road free for others to pass). These lay-bys are NOT to be used for parking.

GUIDE TO DRIVING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

ACCIDENTS

In case of an accident, please contact the Faroese Police by calling +298 351448. If the accident is an emergency, please call 112.

Please note that sheep enjoy walking on roads, regardless of traffic. If you hit a sheep, please report this to the Faroese Police by calling +298 351448. You will not be required to compensate the farmer for lost income. However, if the accident is not reported to the police, the farmer cannot apply for reimbursement from their insurance company. By reporting the accident, you are helping the farmer.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

Off-road driving is prohibited by law in the Faroe Islands. Please respect nature and stay on paved roads.

PARKING

Parking in Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and at Vágar Airport is restricted. Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the front windscreen, showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are free from banks and regional tourist centres nationwide. Parking violations will incur a fine of DKK 200.

FILLING STATIONS

Filling stations are located on most islands. Distances between filing stations may vary, so ensure you have enough fuel to reach the next one.

SUB-SEA TUNNELS

These tunnels have changed our lives,” he says. “My grandmother lived on another island and would sometimes take three days to get to Tórshavn by rowing boat, stopping to stay at farmhouses en route and waiting for the right tide and weather. She would never believe the speed at which we do things now"

Edvard Fuglø, Faroese artist to The Guardian, UK

It is more significant than going from A to B; this is a route to another world. The Faroe Islands has four subsea tunnels: Vágatunnilin, Norðoyartunnilin, Eysturoyartunnilin, and Sandoyartunnilin. All require a toll payment, and prices vary.

Vágatunnilin connects the western island of Vágar (Airport) to the island of Streymoy (capital Tórshavn). If you arrive by plane and plan to visit other islands besides Vágar, you must drive through this tunnel. You only pay for one stretch of the journey when travelling from Vágar.

Norðoyatunnilin connects the northern island of Borðoy (Klaksvík) to the island of Eysturoy (Leirvík). You only pay for one stretch of the journey when travelling from Klaksvík.

Eysturoyartunnilin connects the island of Streymoy (Tórshavn, the capital) with Eysturoy (two towns: Strendur and Runavík). In this tunnel, you pay both ways.

Sandoyartunnilin connects the mainland of Streymoy (Tórshavn, the capital) with the island of Sandoy. This means you are also closer to the remote island of Skúvoy, where you can take the ferry. When travelling to Sandoy, you only pay for one stretch of the journey. 

There are no pay stations at the tunnels. You can choose to pay online or drive through the tunnel without stopping and pay at one of these petrol stations:

Effo – Kollafjørður
Effo – Gundadalur
Effo – Klaksvík
Magn – Klaksvík
Magn – Gøtudalur
Effo – Leirvík
Magn – Miðvágur

Payment must be made within three days. The bill will be sent to the car's owner by post if payment is not made.

Visit tunnil.fo for prices and further information.