Getting to the Faroe Islands

Reaching the Faroe Islands is simpler than many expect. Despite the remote location in the North Atlantic, the islands are well connected by air throughout the year, with additional seasonal routes during summer and a weekly ferry connection linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland.

For most travellers, arrival is by air via Vágar Airport.

A well-connected North Atlantic destination

Geographically, the Faroe Islands are located between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland. In practice, this means access is primarily routed through Northern Europe, with Copenhagen functioning as the main international gateway.

Travellers from North America and mainland Europe typically connect via:

• Copenhagen
• Keflavík (Iceland)

From these hubs, direct flights operate to Vágar Airport. Because Copenhagen offers multiple daily departures year-round, it is the most common and often the most convenient transit point.

While the Faroe Islands may appear remote on a map, the journey is usually straightforward when connections are structured logically.

Arriving by air – Vágar Airport

Vágar Airport is the only international airport in the Faroe Islands. Located on the island of Vágar, it is small, efficient, and well integrated into the national road network.

From the airport:

• Gásadalur can be reached in approximately 10 minutes
• The ferry departure point for Mykines is around 5 minutes away
• Lake Above the Ocean (Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn) is located nearby
• Tórshavn can be reached in about 45 minutes by car

Because many flights arrive in the morning, it is often possible to include nearby attractions on the day of arrival. The airport’s location makes it practical to begin exploring immediately, particularly in the Vágar region. Read more about Getting Around the Faroe Islands.

The airport experience itself is typically calm and efficient, with short walking distances and straightforward procedures.

Atlantic Airways – year-round routes

Atlantic Airways is the national carrier of the Faroe Islands and the only airline operating year-round services.

Throughout the year, Atlantic Airways connects Vágar with:

• Copenhagen (multiple daily flights)
• Keflavík (2–3 times weekly)
• Oslo (2–3 times weekly)

These routes form the backbone of international access.

During the summer season, Atlantic Airways expands its network with additional direct connections, including:

• London (Tuesdays and Saturdays)
• Paris (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
• Barcelona (Wednesdays)
• Edinburgh (Mondays and Thursdays)

Seasonal frequencies may vary slightly from year to year, but summer significantly increases direct European access.

As the local airline, Atlantic Airways has the strongest operational presence in the Faroe Islands. In the event of schedule adjustments, their local infrastructure often allows for efficient rebooking and coordination.

Additional airlines and seasonal capacity

During the summer months, additional airlines operate between Vágar and selected hubs.

SAS operates flights between Copenhagen and Vágar on most days during the busier season.
Icelandair operates flights between Keflavík and Vágar on most days during summer.

These services increase overall seat availability and provide flexibility, particularly between late spring and early autumn.

Flight schedules vary seasonally, so route availability is typically highest between May and September.

Read more about when is the Best time to visit the Faroe Islands.

The Norröna ferry connection

In addition to flights, the Faroe Islands are served by the Norröna ferry, operated by Smyril Line.

The vessel sails weekly between:

• Hirtshals (Denmark)
• Tórshavn (Faroe Islands)
• Seyðisfjörður (Iceland)

The ferry docks directly in central Tórshavn, within walking distance of the harbour and town centre.

For travellers wishing to bring their own vehicle or combine the Faroe Islands with Iceland, the ferry offers an alternative form of access. Sailing schedules vary throughout the year.

Reliability and seasonal considerations

Travel to the Faroe Islands is generally reliable. Flights operate regularly throughout the year, and Vágar Airport is experienced in handling North Atlantic conditions.

As with many island destinations, weather can occasionally influence schedules. Winter months carry a higher risk of delays due to wind or reduced visibility, while fog can sometimes affect operations at other times of year.

Such disruptions are not routine, and most journeys proceed without complication. However, as a precaution, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, particularly during winter travel.

Allowing reasonable buffer time for onward international connections can provide additional peace of mind.

Structuring arrival and departure

Because the Faroe Islands are compact, transfers between the airport and key regions are efficient. The drive from Vágar to Tórshavn takes less than an hour, and several well-known sights are located close to the airport.

Morning arrivals are common, making it practical to begin exploring on the first day. Many travellers choose to visit attractions on Vágar or continue directly toward their first accommodation stop.

Similarly, departure days often allow time for a short morning activity before heading to the airport.

Careful sequencing of arrival and departure can help maximise time on the islands without creating unnecessary pressure.

Combining the Faroe Islands with Iceland or Scandinavia

Due to the geographic position of the Faroe Islands, it is relatively straightforward to combine a visit with Iceland or mainland Scandinavia.

Connections via Keflavík make dual-destination travel with Iceland possible. Similarly, Copenhagen provides easy onward access to the rest of Europe and long-haul international flights.

When structured correctly, the Faroe Islands can function either as a standalone destination or as part of a broader North Atlantic journey.

Planning your journey to the Faroe Islands?

If you would like guidance on coordinating flights, arrival timing, and structuring your itinerary from the moment you land, we are happy to assist, and you can also read our Travel Guide

You are welcome to share your travel plans through our enquiry form if you would like support arranging a journey aligned with seasonal schedules and practical considerations.