How do you travel to the Faroe Islands?
Short answer: Most visitors fly via Copenhagen (Denmark) on Atlantic Airways, the national carrier. The alternative is a multi-day ocean car-ferry (Smyril Line/Norröna) departing from Hirtshals, Denmark, or Seyðisfjörður, Iceland.
- Summer Bottlenecks: In July, all direct flights (from Copenhagen, Paris, Edinburgh, and occasionally NYC) sell out months in advance.
- Vágar Airport (FAE): Famous for its incredibly short runway and low-visibility approaches. Flight delays due to fog or wind shear are standard; always pack an extra day into your itinerary.
- The ferry allows you to bring your own vehicle, bypassing the massive costs of local car rentals, but takes roughly 36 hours from Denmark.
There are no cheap "Ryanair" or "EasyJet" connections. The aviation monopoly ensures high baseline ticket prices to sustain the year-round, low-volume routes necessary for the islands' survival.
The Ferry Reality check
Bringing an overland campervan via the Norröna ferry is the dream for many European tourists. The reality is crossing the North Atlantic sea in an ocean liner.
Top Misconceptions
- Myth: The ferry is a relaxing cruise. Reality: During shoulder seasons (April/October), the North Atlantic swell is violent. Severe seasickness is practically guaranteed for those without "sea legs."
- Myth: I can just fly standby or find last-minute deals. Reality: Atlantic Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) operate at maximum capacity in summer. Last-minute tickets routinely exceed $800 USD for a 2-hour flight from Copenhagen.
Inbound Transit Matrix (2026)
| Method | Hubs | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Airways (Flight) | Copenhagen (Daily), Paris, Edinburgh, Oslo | Fast (2 hours from CPH). High risk of weather delays at Vágar. Strict luggage weight limits. |
| SAS (Flight) | Copenhagen | Only competitor to Atlantic Airways. Prices match. Often code-shares. |
| Smyril Line (Ferry) | Hirtshals (DK), Seyðisfjörður (IS) | Allows heavy vehicle transport. Highly susceptible to storm cancellations in winter. Long transit time. |