How to Drive in the Faroe Islands: Roads, Routes, Tunnels, and Tips

You land at Vágar Airport, grab your bags, and pick up your rental car, just like we did. With the keys in hand and the engine running, your Faroe Islands road trip begins. You glide along smooth paved roads that link island to island, dive through tunnels beneath the sea, pass turf-roofed churches perched on cliffs, and stop to take in the view at towering sea stacks. Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore the Faroes on our own terms, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to do the same and what to be aware of when exploring the Faroe Islands by car.

Can you take your car to the Faroe Islands?

Yes, you can take your car to the Faroe Islands, but it requires some planning.

Ferry from Denmark

The only car ferry to the Faroe Islands is operated by Smyril Line, sailing from Hirtshals, Denmark, to Tórshavn. It’s a popular choice for travelers from mainland Europe who want to explore the islands with their car.

• Route: Hirtshals (Denmark) → Tórshavn (Faroe Islands)
• Duration: ~36 hours
• Ferry: MS Norröna
• Runs: Year-round, but with fewer departures in winter
• You can bring: Cars, campervans, motorcycles, and even bicycles.

Do I need to rent a car in the Faroe Islands?

In short: yes, if you want freedom and flexibility to explore the islands fully. If you want to experience the Faroe Islands fully, renting a car is the best way to do it. While public buses connect some towns, they don’t reach many of the places that make the islands so special, like Saksun, Gjógv, or the winding cliff roads above Vágur. With a car, you explore at your own pace, pull over for spontaneous views, and access remote villages and hiking trails without relying on fixed schedules. Taxis are expensive and hard to find outside Tórshavn, and most guided tours only cover a handful of highlights. If you’re staying just in the capital for a short visit, you might get by without one, especially if you plan to join organized tours. But if you’re visiting for more than a day or two and want to see more than just the city, a rental car opens up the kind of wild, breathtaking adventure that the Faroe Islands are known for.

Getting started and renting your car

You land at Vágar Airport near Sørvágur, waddle a few steps to the car rental counters, and pick up your vehicle. You use an EU/EEA licence, or a valid home‑country licence with Latin letters. You don’t always need an International Driving Permit. Choose a compact car for narrow lanes and tunnels. You plan for fuel stops, and gas stations never lie more than about 15 km apart. We rented our car through CarRent for a week, paying around 8,000 kr. There are several options to choose from in terms of rental companies.

Cost to rent a car in the Faroe Islands

Booking a rental car can be expensive. The smallest vehicles range from 600 DKK to 800 DKK DKK per day. Renting an SUV will cost you between 900 DKK and 1,100 DKK per day. Upgrading to a car with automatic transmission will increase the price. Most car rental providers offer discounts for longer rental periods. Additionally, prices are generally lower in winter compared to the summer season, which runs from May to August.

When renting a car in the Faroe Islands, make sure to check how the toll system is handled. Most rental companies automatically add tunnel fees, plus an extra service charge, which can quickly add up to the costs. If you plan to use the subsea tunnels several times, it’s often cheaper to purchase a weekly tunnel card instead. This prepaid option covers unlimited passages for a set price and usually saves money compared to paying individual fees with added rental surcharges.

Visit these nine islands by car

The Faroe Islands consist of a total of 18 islands, but only nine of them are accessible by car. These nine islands are the largest in the archipelago:

1. Streymoy Island
2. Eysturoy Island
3. Vágar Island
4. Suðuroy Island (accessed via the ferry SMYRIL)
5. Sandoy Island
6. Borðoy Island
7. Viðoy Island
8. Kunoy Island
9. Kalsoy Island (accessed via the ferry SAM)

Most of the car-free islands can be reached by ferry. Notably, Mykines Island is open to travelers during the summer months. You can explore this beautiful car-free island by taking the Mykines boat from Vágar Island. Additionally, you can visit the northernmost islands, Fugloy Island and Svínoy Island, using the passenger ferry RITAN, which departs from Viðoy Island.

Is driving in the Faroe Islands easy?

Driving in the Faroe Islands is relatively easy, especially if you’re used to narrow, winding roads and unpredictable weather. The roads are well-maintained, paved, and generally in great condition, even in remote areas. Traffic is light, signage is clear, and locals drive calmly and respectfully. Most major islands are connected by modern infrastructure like bridges, sub-sea tunnels, and ferries, so getting around is straightforward.

That said, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. Wind and fog can roll in quickly, reducing visibility or making your car sway on exposed roads. You’ll also encounter single-lane tunnels, especially on smaller islands, where drivers must use passing bays and follow right-of-way rules (usually yielding to oncoming traffic or vehicles going uphill). And then there are the sheep, lots of them, often standing right in the road. You’ll need to slow down and be ready to stop at any moment.

If you’re a confident driver and don’t mind adapting to local conditions, driving in the Faroes is not only easy, it’s one of the best ways to experience the islands. The freedom to pull over for views, detour to tiny villages, or chase late-evening light makes it well worth it.

Watch Out for Sheep on the Roads

While driving in the Faroe Islands, you’ll quickly notice that sheep have the right to roam freely—and they often wander onto the roads without warning. It’s common to see them grazing along the roadside or suddenly crossing in front of your car, especially on winding mountain routes. Always keep your speed in check, stay alert around blind curves, and be prepared to brake. Hitting a sheep can cause serious damage to your vehicle, and you’ll also be responsible for compensating the farmer.

Age restrictions to drive in the Faroe Islands?

You can start driving a car in the Faroe Islands when you are 18 years old. However, most car rental agencies in the Faroe Islands require drivers to be at least 20 years old to rent a vehicle. Some rental companies have a minimum age of 21. Drivers aged 75 and older must have their driving licenses renewed to drive in the Faroe Islands. After turning 75, you need to renew your license every five years. For individuals aged 80 and above, renewal must occur every two years.

How long does it take to drive around the Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands may look small on a map, but driving around them can take longer than expected, not because of distance, but because of terrain, tunnels, ferries, and photo stops.

If you were to drive the main connected roads without stopping, you could technically cross the core islands, from Vágar to Viðoy, in about 3.5 to 4 hours. But that’s without pulling over to gawk at sea stacks, wait for sheep to cross the road, or sit in ferry queues.

In reality, a good road trip across the Faroe Islands takes 5 to 7 days if you want to explore at a comfortable pace. That gives you time to drive the main island routes, take detours to villages like Gjógv or Fámjin, cross tunnels to less-visited places like Kalsoy or Suðuroy (which require a ferry), and linger at waterfalls, viewpoints, and clifftops.

Speed Limits in the Faroe Islands

Here’s everything you need to know about speed limits in the Faroe Islands:

• Urban/Populated areas (towns and villages): Standard speed limit is 50 km/h unless lower limits are posted.
• Rural and main roads (both paved and gravel): The Limit is typically 80 km/h, unless there are signs indicating otherwise.

Special Cases for Heavy Vehicles & Trailers

Vehicles over 3,500 kg (like buses, heavy vans, or those towing trailers): 50 km/h in urban zones and 70 km/h outside urban areas—even if the general limit is higher

Tunnels

• Most subsea and modern tunnels: speed limit enforced at 80 km/h.
• Older, single-lane tunnels: While signage may still indicate 80 km/h, drivers should slow down for safety due to narrow lanes and passing spaces every ~100 m. Here only one car can pass at a time. The general rule is that the car driving into the tunnel with the passing bays on its side must yield. These small pull-in spaces are spread throughout the tunnel, and if you see headlights coming toward you, you should stop in one of them to let the other vehicle pass safely. Always drive slowly, keep your lights on, and be prepared to reverse into a bay if needed—patience and caution are essential for navigating these tunnels smoothly.

Always drive on the right-hand side and keep headlights on, even during daylight.

Essential Things to Know Before Visiting the Faroe Islands

Fines for Speeding in the Faroe Islands

Fines typically start around 1,000 DKK (≈135 EUR) for driving 10–20 km/h over the limit, and they increase sharply for more serious violations. For example, going 30 km/h over the limit could cost around 2,500–3,500 DKK (≈335–470 EUR). Speeds exceeding 40 km/h above the limit may lead to even steeper fines or potential license suspension. For very extreme cases, fines may approach or exceed 7,000 DKK (≈€1,000), based on broader Danish enforcement patterns.

No fixed speed cameras, but mobile speed traps and police patrols are deployed, particularly on main roads and near common routes.

For minor overspeeding, about 20 km/h over the limit, is often overlooked. More significant speed violations are more likely to draw attention.

Faroese authorities also enforce low tolerance for speeding in urban zones, school areas, and tunnels, where safety risks are higher. While some locals note that minor infractions might be overlooked in rural areas, travelers shouldn’t count on it; officers can stop you on the spot and issue fines immediately. Failing to pay could result in legal follow-up or problems with future visits.

Other Common Traffic Fines in the Faroe Islands

Highways and Tolls in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands don’t have traditional highways or motorways like mainland Europe. Instead, they offer a well-maintained network of paved roads connecting most of the inhabited islands, often winding through mountains, valleys, and along dramatic coastlines. While there are no toll roads in the usual sense, some subsea tunnels do require toll payments.

No Toll Stickers or Vignettes

You do not need a motorway vignette or toll sticker in the Faroe Islands. The only charges apply to the three subsea tunnels mentioned above.

Toll Tunnels

There are three toll tunnels you need to know about:

1. Eysturoyartunnilin

• Connects Streymoy (Tórshavn) with Eysturoy (Runavík and Strendur)
• Features the world’s only undersea roundabout
• Toll: DKK 175 one way (approx. €23) for private cars

2. Norðoyatunnilin

• Connects Leirvík (Eysturoy) with Klaksvík (Borðoy)
• Toll: DKK 100 one way (approx. €13.50)

3. Sandoyartunnilin (new!)

• Opened in late 2023
• Connects Gamlarætt (Streymoy) with Sandoy
• Toll: DKK 100 one way (approx. €13.50)

Tolls are paid automatically via license plate recognition, usually through your rental car provider. Fees are billed to your account later, check with your rental company about how they handle toll charges.

How Many Tunnels Are on the Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands have 21 road tunnels in total. That includes three toll-based subsea tunnels mentioned above, Eysturoyartunnilin, Norðoyatunnilin, and Sandoyartunnilin, and 18 land tunnels, which are free to use. The land tunnels range from older single-lane routes with pull-outs to modern two-lane structures, helping connect remote villages and reduce travel times across the islands.

Using a Dash Camera in the Faroe Islands

Yes, you can legally use a dash camera in the Faroe Islands, but with a few essential considerations. There are no specific local laws banning dash cams, and many drivers, especially tourists, use them to document scenic drives through the tunnels, cliffs, and winding roads.

However, because the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, general EU and Danish data protection rules (GDPR) apply. That means:

• • Personal use is allowed. You’re fine to use a dash cam to record your trip for personal memories or insurance purposes.
  • Avoid sharing identifiable footage publicly. If you upload dash cam footage to YouTube or social media, blur any license plates, faces, or private properties to avoid violating privacy laws.
  • Don’t obstruct your windshield. Mount your dash cam in a way that doesn’t block your field of vision. Use the upper center or behind the rearview mirror.

Gas stations in the Faroe Islands

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Gas stations are conveniently located throughout the islands, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel during your road trip. You are never more than 15 kilometers away from a filling station. If you’re staying in Tórshavn, you have the option of fueling up at one of four gas stations, which include two brands: EFFO and Magn.

Parking in the Faroe Islands

Parking in the Faroe Islands is straightforward, especially outside of Tórshavn and larger towns. In small villages and rural areas, you’ll find public parking spots near churches, trailheads, and harbors with no meters or restrictions.

In towns like Tórshavn, Klaksvík, and Runavík, you’ll often need to display a parking disc (P-skívi) to show your arrival time. This is required in time-limited zones (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours). You’ll see signs indicating how long you can stay.

• You can get a disc for free at gas stations, tourist info centers, or car rental desks.
• Place it clearly on the dashboard, showing your time of arrival.
• Set it to the next full or half hour after arrival (if you arrive at 14:10, set it to 14:30).

Etiquette & Respect for Locals in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands welcome visitors warmly, but life here moves at a quieter, more respectful pace. With just over 50,000 residents spread across 18 islands, many communities are small, tightly knit, and deeply connected to the land. Being a thoughtful guest isn’t just about good manners; it’s about preserving the Faroese way of life and keeping travel sustainable for the future.

• Don’t block private driveways or farm access roads. Many scenic villages like Gásadalur, Saksun, and Fámjin look postcard-perfect, but they’re real working communities. Locals need to get in and out, and blocked access (even for a quick photo) can cause real frustration.
• Stay on marked roads and trails. Off-roading is not only illegal in most areas, but it also damages fragile ecosystems, disturbs grazing lands, and can leave lasting scars on the landscape. If you’re hiking, stick to established paths and never cross private fields unless they are clearly marked as open to the public.
• Be mindful when parking near homes or farms. Always use official or designated lots, even if they’re a short walk from your destination. Avoid pulling over on grassy verges or private property to get a closer photo. If unsure, ask a local or move on.
• Respect posted signs and barriers, especially in sensitive natural areas. Some trails or sites may be closed seasonally or restricted due to erosion, nesting birds, or farming activity. Respect those limits; they exist to protect both nature and culture.
• Ask before flying drones. Many villages and coastal cliffs are designated as drone-free zones due to concerns over privacy, safety, or wildlife protection. Always check for local signage or permissions before flying.
• Greet people with a smile or a nod, especially in smaller towns. The Faroese are known for being reserved but kind. If you’re parked in a quiet spot or walking through a hamlet, a simple wave goes a long way.

When to Take a Road Trip to the Faroe Islands

• The best time to take a road trip in the Faroe Islands is from May to September when weather conditions are more stable, roads are fully accessible, and the islands come alive with birdlife, blooming valleys, and long daylight hours. Summer brings the most reliable driving conditions, less fog, minimal snow, and plenty of light for exploring.
• In June and July, you can drive late into the evening thanks to the midnight sun effect, with sunsets around 11 p.m. That gives you time to linger at viewpoints or stretch your day-trip plans without rushing.
• Spring (May) is quieter but still offers good driving weather and dramatic scenery, especially as snow begins to melt from the higher peaks.
• September sees the start of fall colors and fewer tourists, though some days may be rainier or windier.
• Winter (October to April) is a good time for road-tripping, but it requires extra caution. Short days, high winds, icy roads, and occasional tunnel closures can all affect your route. If you’re confident behind the wheel and open to dramatic winter weather, it can be an atmospheric time to explore, but for most, late spring through early fallis ideal for a smooth and scenic road trip.

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Final Tips to Remember Before Driving in the Faroe Islands

• There are no highways or vignettes, but three subsea tunnels require tolls (Eysturoyartunnilin, Norðoyatunnilin, and Sandoyartunnilin). Tolls are paid automatically via license plate recognition and billed through your rental company.
• Respect speed limits. The general limit is 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on open roads, but always watch for signs—especially near schools, tunnels, or sharp turns.
• Use headlights at all times, even in broad daylight. It’s required by law.
• Watch out for sheep. They roam freely, even on main roads. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Mobile phones may only be used hands-free. Fines for holding your phone while driving can be steep.
• Low alcohol tolerance. The legal limit is 0.2‰, which means even one drink can get you fined or banned from driving.
• Understand tunnel etiquette. Yield in single-lane tunnels, especially to vehicles going uphill or larger ones. Use pull-outs every ~100 m if needed.
• Parking is mostly free outside cities, but in towns like Tórshavn, parking discs are required in timed zones. Display them clearly on your dashboard.
• Dash cams are allowed. You can record your trip, but don’t post videos with visible license plates or people’s faces without permission.
• Fuel stations are common but spaced out on rural islands. Always refuel before long drives or ferry crossings, especially outside Tórshavn.

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Driving through the Faroe Islands gave us the kind of freedom we crave when we travel, the freedom to stop wherever the view took our breath away, to follow winding roads without a plan, and to reach places that felt completely untouched. Some of our favorite moments came from spontaneous detours, unexpected sheep traffic jams, and quiet cliffside pullovers with no one else around. Having a car allows us to explore the islands on our own terms, without being constrained by the clock or someone else’s schedule. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to go beyond the guidebook and chase the feeling of discovery, then renting a car in the Faroes might be the best decision of your trip.

Pack your bags and explore more!

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