Getting Around the Faroe Islands

Getting around the Faroe Islands is a central part of any visit. Although the islands cover a relatively small geographical area, travel involves a combination of roads, subsea tunnels, ferries, and air connections. Together, these systems form a well-developed transport network that reflects the geography and settlement pattern of the islands.

A compact archipelago with layered connections

The Faroe Islands consist of 18 islands connected by roads, bridges, subsea tunnels, ferries, and helicopter routes. Many islands are directly accessible by car, while others require sea or air crossings.

Distances are short and traffic levels are low. When locals refer to heavy traffic, it usually means a delay of five to ten minutes. Likewise, what is considered a long drive on the Faroe Islands rarely exceeds one hour. This reflects a fundamentally different relationship to distance and travel time than in most countries.

Travel time is mainly influenced by how islands are connected and by weather and sea conditions.

Roads and tunnels across the islands

Roads and mountain routes

Road travel forms the backbone of transportation on the Faroe Islands. Mountain roads, coastal routes, bridges, and tunnels connect most of the larger islands and allow for efficient movement across the archipelago.

Some roads leading to smaller villages are narrow and can be steep, particularly in mountainous areas. These roads are well maintained and safe, but they follow the natural terrain and contribute to the character of the journey.

In many areas, several alternative routes exist between destinations. Some of these are chosen not for speed, but because the drive itself offers scenic value through open landscapes and coastal views.

Subsea tunnels and infrastructure scale

Several key islands are connected by subsea tunnels running beneath the ocean. These tunnels are modern, well maintained, and an integral part of daily transportation.

The main subsea tunnels include:

• Vágatunnilin, connecting Streymoy and Vágar
• Norðoyatunnilin, connecting Eysturoy and Klaksvík
• Eysturoyartunnilin, linking Streymoy and Eysturoy
• Sandoyartunnilin, linking Streymoy and Sandoy

In addition to the subsea tunnels, there are exactly 23 shorter road tunnels across the Faroe Islands. These tunnels are free to use and are spread throughout the islands. New tunnels continue to be developed as part of long-term infrastructure planning.

The island of Kalsoy is a clear example of how infrastructure relates to geography rather than population size. Despite being sparsely populated and relatively small, Kalsoy contains a sequence of short tunnels connecting its villages. This illustrates the importance of tunnels in ensuring accessibility across the islands, regardless of scale.

Ferries between islands

Ferries are a fundamental part of transportation on the Faroe Islands, connecting islands that are not linked by road or tunnel. They are part of the national transport system and are used regularly by locals and visitors.

The ferry to Suðuroy is the largest and longest route, taking approximately two hours each way and serving as a vital connection to the southernmost island.

Smaller car ferries operate on routes such as:

• Kalsoy from Borðoy
• Hestur from Streymoy
• Nólsoy from Tórshavn

These crossings typically take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Passenger-only ferries operate on routes including:

• Sørvágur to Mykines
• Hvannasund to Svínoy and Fugloy
• Sandur to Skúgvoy

On certain routes, especially during peak season, advance booking may be required to secure passenger space and, where relevant, vehicle access. Ferry schedules and capacity vary depending on weekday and season, and weather-related cancellations may occur at short notice.

Beyond transportation, ferry crossings are often experienced as part of the journey itself, offering views of the islands from the sea and opportunities to observe seabirds along cliffs and open waters.

Helicopter connections

Helicopters serve some of the most remote islands and settlements, where ferry connections are limited or highly weather dependent. These flights are part of the public transport network and primarily operate as an essential service for local communities.

Through cooperation with local partners and by integrating selected local experiences, visitors may gain access to these helicopter routes. In this context, helicopter travel provides access to remote areas while offering a highly scenic perspective of the islands.

Private helicopter flights are also available and represent the most flexible form of air transport. These flights allow for tailored routing, direct access to specific locations, and uninterrupted aerial views, making them suitable for guests seeking both efficiency and exclusivity.

Weather and seasonal considerations

Weather plays an important role in transportation on the Faroe Islands. Wind, fog, and sea conditions can affect ferry crossings and flights, while daylight hours vary significantly throughout the year.

Seasonal conditions influence ferry frequency, flight operations, and access to smaller islands. As a result, transportation planning is closely linked to the time of year and overall journey structure.

Why transportation planning matters

While it is possible to travel independently across much of the Faroe Islands, coordinating roads, tunnels, ferries, and remote island visits can become complex, particularly when time is limited or multiple islands are involved.

A structured approach to transportation helps ensure that:

• Time is spent experiencing the islands rather than managing logistics
• Island visits follow a clear and logical sequence
• Ferries, tunnels, and remote access are coordinated efficiently

Submit your travel enquiry through our enquiry form and let us help structure the logistics behind your Faroe Islands journey.