The Faroe Islands are a remote North Atlantic archipelago with dramatic cliffs, small villages, and fast-changing weather, so you will want to explore when conditions are good. Renting a car is often the easiest way to explore because the roads connect most places tourists want to see.
These include routes that would be inconvenient on a fixed bus timetable. Plus, many islands are linked by roads, bridges, and undersea tunnels, so self-driving is ideal for sightseeing. Our guide helps you understand how automatic car rentals in Faroe Islands cost, what is included, and which add-ons can change your final bill.
Driving in the Faroe Islands is a spectacular experience, but drivers must focus. Here's why you should choose an automatic car rental in Faroe Islands:
An automatic car rental in Faroe Islands reduces the number of actions you do per minute. You steer, brake, and accelerate, while the car selects gear ratios for you. This is helpful on Faroese routes such as Oyggjarvegur (Road 10) between Tórshavn and Kollafjørður, where you face steep gradients, exposed sections with wind, and tight curves.
It becomes even more noticeable in older one-lane tunnels like Hvalbiartunnilin (old tunnel between Hvalba and Trongisvágur) and Kunoyartunnilin to Kunoy, where there are turnouts roughly every 100 metres.
Even in modern subsea tunnels such as Eysturoyartunnilin (with its roundabout under the sea) and Sandoyartunnilin, gradients can be long and steady. Keeping your full attention on lane position and controlling your speed is easier when the gearbox manages itself.
If you do not regularly drive a manual, unfamiliar roads can be more difficult in the Faroe Islands. You might drive from the wide and modern Vágatunnilin (Route 11 between Vágar Airport and Streymoy) straight into narrower village roads in places like Gjógv, Saksun, or Bøur, where lanes tighten, and passing points are limited.
Your brain is already processing new road signs, sheep wandering near the roadside, rapidly changing weather, and different tunnel standards. An automatic makes it easier, especially on exposed coastal roads such as the stretch between Eiði and Funningur, where wind gusts can be strong.
The Faroe Islands are not flat like motorways. Roads such as the climb up Sornfelli Mountain Road or the curving road toward Klaksvík via the old Norðoyatunnilin route go up and down many times.
In single-lane tunnels and on narrow mountain roads, it is usually easier for a car driving downhill to pull into a passing place than for one driving uphill. If you have to stop on a hill, for example, because of sheep near Viðareiði or while waiting at a narrow stretch near Tjørnuvík, an automatic car means you do not need to control a clutch, and you are less likely to stall.
Car rental prices are usually based on a base daily rate plus any additional services. When booking an automatic car rental in the Faroe Islands, always review what is included in the quoted price. Suppliers have a limited fleet, so car hire is seasonal. The same vehicle category can fall into very different price ranges depending on the month, how early you book, and current availability.
Car rental prices at Vágar Airport clearly follow the seasons in the Faroe Islands. During the quieter months, you can typically find small cars from around DKK 500 to 550 per day, while larger vehicles and SUVs often start at approximately DKK 600 to 650 per day.
In contrast, summer can increase prices. Average daily rental prices rise, particularly in July. If you're planning a summer getaway, book your rental car in advance to secure the most favourable rate. If you are travelling with flexible dates, visiting in late autumn or winter can mean significantly lower daily rates.
In the Faroe Islands, the type of vehicle you choose has a direct impact on the daily rental price. In general, small and economy cars start from around DKK 500 to 550 per day. These vehicles are ideal for couples or small groups exploring the islands via well-maintained main roads.
In the SUV category, daily rates typically start at around DKK 600 to 650. The higher price is due to added space, greater luggage capacity, and a higher driving position. For many visitors, this extra comfort is worth the difference when navigating winding coastal roads or travelling with more passengers.
When booking an automatic car rental in Faroe Islands, the daily rate you see online is influenced by several key factors.
A small automatic vehicle can start from around DKK 520 per day, with the base price usually including Theft Protection, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and unlimited mileage. While these are included, you should always check the damage liability (excess or self-risk) listed in the rental terms. For example, a rental company may require a refundable deposit of 6,000 DKK.
If you select a Reduced Collision Damage Waiver for around DKK 149 per day, your liability can drop to 2,500 DKK, and the deposit requirement may also be lower. This means paying a slightly higher daily rate can reduce your financial exposure if an accident occurs.
Your final price can also change depending on the extras you add. These add-ons can increase your daily average, but they often improve convenience, especially for families or travellers planning longer road trips.
Age policies vary between providers, as they can directly affect your ability to secure an automatic car rental in Faroe Islands. For instance, Final Rentals allows drivers from 22 years old, and the same minimum age may apply to additional drivers. Always review eligibility rules carefully before confirming your booking.
An automatic car rental in Faroe Islands is about freedom and peace of mind. The islands are wild, beautiful, and constantly changing, and driving lets you adapt your plans, follow the sunshine, and explore at your own pace.
Book a car in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals in advance, read the rental terms carefully, and choose comfort over the lowest price. Select Vágar Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
You do not always need an IDP, but your driving licence should be written in Latin letters (A to Z). If your licence uses another script (for example, Chinese), you should bring an official translation in a recognised language.
The subsea tunnels use number plate cameras, and you normally drive straight through without stopping. If you have a Faroese rental car, the tunnel operator says you pay via the rental company, and some rental companies deduct tunnel costs from your deposit.
It depends on your comfort needs, not on “rough roads”. Many routes are normal paved roads, and off-road driving can void coverage. Choose an automatic car rental in Faroe Islands if you need more luggage space, higher seating, or more stability when driving.
