If you drive in the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, you are not just taking a shortcut. You are using some of the most important pieces of road engineering in the North Atlantic. It was built to connect islands that were once separated by long ferry rides and rough weather. For most visitors, renting a car is the best way to access these tunnels and explore the islands at your own pace.
Our guide explains what you will see, how the toll system works, and how to drive safely underground. You will also learn what makes the Eysturoy tunnel special and how to start driving in the Faroe Islands.
You will often hear about the network of undersea links because there are four main routes, all operated by P/F Tunnil:
Vágatunnilin – between Vágar and Streymoy
Norðoyatunnilin – between Eysturoy and the Norðoyggjar near Klaksvík
Eysturoyartunnilin – between Streymoy and Eysturoy, including a connection across Skálafjørður
Sandoyartunnilin – between Streymoy and Sandoy
The term subsea is important because these are toll roads built for full-speed inter-island travel, not short mountain passes.
Here is an overview of each route within the tunnels of the Faroe Islands:
Vágatunnilin: About 4.9 kilometres long, with 2.5 kilometres under Vestmannasund. Its deepest point is around 105 metres below sea level, with steep gradients of about 6.9% in both directions.
Norðoyatunnilin: Around 6.2 kilometres long, including 3.1 km beneath Leirvíksfjørður. It reaches about 150 metres below sea level and has a strong gradient of 5.9%.
Sandoyartunnilin: 10.8 kilometres long and descends to about 155 metres below sea level. It connects Traðardalur (Sandoy) with Gomlurætt (Streymoy), making travel possible without relying on ferries.
Eysturoyartunnilin: A total of 11.24 kilometres of roadway, featuring a unique undersea roundabout linking Strendur, Runavík, and the Tórshavn area.
When navigating the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, focus on these practical points:
Know the portals (entrances and exits): For example, Vágatunnilin connects Vágar (home to the airport) with Streymoy (where Tórshavn is located), making it one of the first tunnels many visitors use.
Watch the gradient: In steeper tunnels, consider using a lower gear on descents, especially in wet or windy conditions when roads near entrances can be slippery.
Expect depth changes: Some tunnels go far below sea level. For instance, Eysturoyartunnilin reaches about 187 metres below the surface, so it’s completely normal to drive downhill for a while before leveling out.
The tunnels of the Faroe Islands include Eysturoyartunnilin, a three-branch tunnel system that meets at an undersea roundabout. Because of this layout, you need to read the lane guidance and choose the correct direction before entering the circle. The total tunnel length is about 11,240 metres, and its deepest point is roughly 187 metres below sea level.
Unlike standard subsea routes in the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, this is not a simple straight tunnel. Instead, it functions as a full underground junction beneath the seabed. That means you should approach it like a normal roundabout underground. You will need to plan your exit and position your vehicle correctly before entering the circular section.
One of the main reasons for building this tunnel was to shorten travel times. You can save travel time between Tórshavn and areas like Runavík or Strendur compared to the older mountain road around the fjord. For drivers exploring the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, Eysturoyartunnilin is one of the most efficient and important routes.
The standout feature is the roundabout, the world’s first undersea roundabout. At its center is a sea-blue pillar created by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. The lighting is designed to create a memorable visual experience, and many visitors nickname it “the jellyfish” because of its glowing appearance.
As you drive through the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, the experience is distinct:
You begin with a gradual descent that lasts several minutes
The tunnel curves gently with consistent lighting
As you approach the junction, the tunnel widens
Road markings guide you smoothly into the roundabout
The lighting and colors can be surprising if you are not expecting them. Stay focused on lane markings and direction signs rather than the central artwork.
The most important skill here is choosing the correct exit. The system connects Strendur, Runavík, and the Tórshavn area via Hvítanes. It also links both sides of Skálafjørður and connects two of the largest islands. If you miss your exit, just treat it like any roundabout. Stay calm, continue around the circle, and take the next safe exit.
While driving through this section of the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, maintain a steady position in your lane. The tunnel has two opposing lanes and a width of about 10.5 metres, which is comfortable for standard vehicles. However, avoid sudden steering movements.
All four subsea tunnels of the Faroe Islands use an automated toll system based on camera images of your vehicle’s number plate, so you do not stop at a booth. You drive through, your plate is registered, and you then pay digitally before or after the trip, depending on your chosen method.
Safety inside the subsea tunnels is managed through built-in systems such as emergency phones, extinguishers, pull-off bays, radio messaging, and mobile coverage, with equipment maintained and updated in accordance with defined procedures.
You must pay to use the subsea tunnels, and there are three main payment options: a single payment, an automatic payment (useful for tourists), and a subscription (more useful for longer stays).
Your number plate is what links your drive to your payment, so enter it carefully if you register for automatic payment or make a single payment online. If you use the single payment option, you should pay online no later than 6 days after your drive. After that, an invoice with an additional fee is sent.
If you rent a car in the Faroe Islands, you will typically pay the hire company for subsea tunnel trips, so ask your provider how they handle it because they may charge your card later.
Also, understand how some charges are structured. The price table states that for Vágatunnilin and Norðoyatunnilin, you are charged for both directions when travelling from certain points, such as Vágar or Klaksvík.
Eysturoyartunnilin and Sandoyartunnilin have one-way pricing, and Eysturoyartunnilin also has a separate Strendur–Runavík route price. Prices can change over time, so check the latest tariff before you travel.
The tunnels of the Faroe Islands are far more than simple passages through rock. They are equipped with comprehensive safety systems designed to handle emergencies and support drivers throughout the journey.
Emergency posts are located every 500 metres, each equipped with a fire extinguisher and an emergency phone. Additional fire extinguishers are placed every 250 metres, and designated stopping places appear every 500 metres. You will also have continuous FM radio and GSM mobile coverage throughout the tunnels.
When driving through the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, keep your radio on. The correct FM frequency is displayed at the tunnel entrance, and it can broadcast emergency alerts through Faroese radio channels if needed. There is safety equipment, especially fire extinguishers, nearby.
Safe driving behavior is essential in the tunnels of the Faroe Islands. Follow these guidelines:
Use at least low-beam headlights at all times
Remove sunglasses for better visibility
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
Never overtake inside the tunnel
In newer sections of the tunnels of the Faroe Islands, such as Eysturoyartunnilin and Sandoyartunnilin, stricter rules apply:
Walking, running, or cycling is not allowed
Scooters and mopeds are prohibited
You must not stop and exit your vehicle except in emergencies
The tunnels of the Faroe Islands are easy to drive once you understand them. Stay focused, follow the signs, and trust the road design. They are built to be safe, efficient, and straightforward, even for first-time visitors. Pay attention to directions before entering, keep your driving smooth and steady, and sort your toll payment on time.
Rent a car in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals to enjoy unlimited use of the Vágar and Norðoyar tunnels. Select 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.
For the four subsea tunnels of the Faroe Islands, you must pay a toll, and your number plate is registered by a camera as you drive through without stopping. You can pay by single payment, automatic tourist payment, or a subscription, depending on how long you stay and how often you plan to drive.
The Eysturoy tunnel includes a three-way undersea roundabout where tunnel tubes meet under the seabed, and it is promoted as the world’s first of its kind. It is also one of the deepest and longest undersea tunnel systems in the Faroes, designed to shorten travel around Skálafjørður while linking key routes more directly.
Keep headlights on, follow the posted speed limits, and use passing places correctly in one-lane tunnels by giving way when the turn-outs are on your right. Inside subsea tunnels, do not overtake, keep a safe distance, and follow tunnel safety instructions immediately if traffic stops.
