How to Get to the Faroe Islands: Flights & Ferries Explained

Getting to the Faroe Islands Made Easy: Air and Sea Routes

Remote, rugged, and wildly beautiful, the Faroe Islands sit like a mythic dreamscape in the middle of the North Atlantic. But don't let their remote location fool you—getting to the Faroe Islands is surprisingly easy. Whether you prefer to fly over stunning northern landscapes or sail across dramatic seas, your adventure begins long before you ever set foot on the islands. Here's how to get there.

✈️ Flying to the Faroe Islands: Easier Than You Think

Although the Faroes are a cluster of windswept isles between Iceland and Norway, they're just a short flight away from mainland Europe. In fact, you can reach the islands in just over an hour from places like Edinburgh or Reykjavík.

The Faroese national airline, Atlantic Airways, is your go-to choice. They operate year-round flights to up to 12 destinations in 7 countries. Non-stop flights are available from:

• Copenhagen (the most frequent gateway)
• London
• Paris
• Edinburgh
• Reykjavík
• Bergen
• Oslo

During the summer months, additional seasonal routes from sun-kissed destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria make reaching this Nordic paradise even more accessible.

Flights generally range from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on your departure city. Atlantic Airways also offers easy connections via European hubs. Other carriers that occasionally fly into the Faroes include Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Icelandair, and Widerøe.

🌟 Pro tip: North American travelers can connect easily through Iceland or Copenhagen, often with smooth same-day transfers.

🚢 Reaching the Faroes by Sea: A Nordic Voyage Like No Other

If you’re a fan of slow travel or love the idea of sailing into a storybook harbor, consider arriving via the Smyril Line ferry, operated by a Faroese company.

🛳️ The M/S Norröna: Floating Luxury in the North Atlantic

The M/S Norröna sails year-round from Hirtshals, Denmark, to Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. The voyage takes about 30–36 hours, and during the summer, the route continues onward to Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, making it a great option for two-country adventures.

• Summer Schedule: Departs Denmark on Tuesdays, arrives in Iceland Thursdays, stopping in the Faroes mid-journey.
• Onboard Features:
  • Swimming pool, fitness center, cinema
  • Cabins from economy couchettes to sea-view suites
  • Multiple dining options (buffet, gourmet restaurant, bars)

The ship was refurbished in 2020/2021 and comfortably carries over 1,400 passengers and 800 vehicles—so yes, you can even bring your own car!

🎒Why choose the ferry?
The journey itself becomes part of your adventure. There's no airport hassle, no baggage fees, and the views? Unforgettable. Plus, you'll arrive right in the heart of Tórshavn, with its quaint harbor, colorful houses, and Nordic charm.

🧭 Which Option Should You Choose?

✈️ Flights - Quick getaways 1–2.5 hours Year-round

🚢 Ferry Road trips & scenic travel ~30 hours Year-round (Iceland route summer only)

• Flying is ideal for those short on time or traveling light.
• Ferries are perfect if you're road-tripping, seeking a relaxing journey, or planning to visit both Iceland and the Faroes.

🚙 Getting Around After Arrival

Once you land or dock in Tórshavn, rental cars, taxis, and public buses are readily available. Driving in the Faroes is a dream: quiet roads, jaw-dropping scenery, and undersea tunnels linking most islands.

🧳 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Book early for summer: Flights and ferry cabins fill quickly during peak months (June–August).
• Dress for anything: Weather in the Faroes changes fast. Pack layers and waterproof gear.
• Plan your route: Whether you’re visiting one island or ten, plan for ferry schedules or tunnel tolls if driving.
• Explore beyond Tórshavn: The magic of the Faroes lies in its smaller villages and windswept cliffs.

🏁 The Journey is Half the Magic

Getting to the Faroe Islands isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the beginning of your island story. Whether you fly in over glacial-blue fjords or sail in with salt air in your lungs, arriving in the Faroes is an unforgettable experience. Rugged and raw yet welcoming and serene, this archipelago rewards those who take the road—and sea—less traveled.