Getting around the Faroe Islands starts the moment a flight lands. Roads connect small villages, tunnels link islands, and many scenic stops are far from bus routes. With limited public transport and long gaps between services, travellers must plan their transport early to stay on schedule and visit beyond the main towns.
For this reason, Vágar airport car rental is the go-to choice for tourists arriving by plane. Our guide explains how car rental works at Vágar Airport. It includes location, costs, driving conditions and what to expect at pickup.
Where Is Vágar Airport and Why Car Rental Is Essential
Vágar Airport (FAE) is the only airport in the Faroe Islands, situated on the island of Vágar. In this section, we will cover exactly where the airport is, how far it is from the capital, and why relying on buses alone might limit your trip.
Location of Vágar Airport (FAE)
Vágar Airport is located on the western island of Vágar, near the village of Sørvágur. It serves as the only air gateway to the Faroe Islands. The airport is about 45 kilometres (around 40 to 45 minutes’ drive) west of the capital city, Tórshavn. To reach the main island of Streymoy, you’ll drive from the airport through an undersea tunnel connecting Vágar with Streymoy.
Why Public Transportation is Limited
The Faroe Islands do have buses and ferries, but services are designed for local needs and a small population of around 50,000 people. Buses connect major towns, but they run infrequently, often only once every hour or two, and some routes operate just once a day or on specific days.
If you rely solely on public transport, you may spend a lot of time waiting and following a strict timetable. Many of the most scenic locations, including remote villages, hiking trailheads, and viewpoints, do not have daily bus service. Reaching places such as Gásadalur and the Múlafossur waterfall is possible by bus, but your timing options can be very limited.
Can You Visit the Faroe Islands Without a Car?
If you plan to stay only in Tórshavn and take the occasional tour, you might manage without a car. However, once you venture outside the capital, buses between villages might run only a few times a day. You would need to carefully time your sightseeing.
What Are the Options for Car Rental at Vágar Airport?
Vágar Airport has several car rental options. This section will discuss your options, so you can choose the car hire that best fits your budget and preferences.
On-Site Car Rental Companies
Rental desks at Vágar Airport are located in a dedicated area just steps from the arrivals hall. After collecting your luggage, you can walk straight to the car rental area in about a minute, with no shuttles or long walks required
The airport has international operators and local Faroese providers. Nearly all rental services in the Faroe Islands operate directly from the airport, so you can select from a wide range of vehicles and price points in one place.
The main advantage of collecting your car on arrival is convenience. Public transport from the airport is limited, and having a car straight away lets you travel directly to your accommodation. Car rentals like Final Rentals generally align with flight schedules, covering most arrivals. Even with late flights, arrangements are often possible.
Local vs International Car Rental Providers
When choosing a rental car in the Faroe Islands, you can book with either a local provider or an international stle operator. Both options are reliable, but there are a few differences worth noting.
- Pricing and availability: Local providers sometimes offer more transparent pricing with fewer add on fees, while larger operators may advertise promotions but start with higher base rates.
- Vehicle selection: Both types usually offer modern hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. Local fleets may include more manual vehicles and models chosen specifically for weather and terrain, while larger operators sometimes carry more automatics. Availability varies by season.
- Advantages of local providers: Local companies often provide a more personal experience, along with useful advice on weather, road conditions, and closures. They may also be more flexible with deposits and age requirements.
Car Rental Tips for Vágar Airport
Here are easy ways to rent a car at Vágar Airport:
Booking in Advance vs On Arrival
For the Faroe Islands, booking your Vágar car hire in advance is strongly recommended. The rental fleet is small, with limited vehicles available nationwide. During the busy period from mid-May to August, demand quickly exceeds supply, and affordable cars are often fully booked months ahead. Booking 4 to 6 months early secures availability and better prices.
Daily rental costs typically range from DKK516 (82.29 USD) to DKK611 (97.44 USD) when booked in advance. Last-minute rates are often much higher. In the quieter winter months, availability improves, but advance booking is still safer due to reduced fleets. Automatic cars are limited and should always be reserved early.
To collect your car, you need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or national identity card, and a payment card for the security deposit. A deposit is authorised before the rental, with a lower amount applied if reduced damage cover is selected. Authorisation is usually completed online in advance, and your card must support secure authentication.
Choose the Right Car for the Faroe Islands
When selecting a rental car, think about the islands’ terrain, weather, and your own comfort. Compact cars are suitable for most visitors, as roads are well-paved and even mountain passes are manageable. Smaller cars are economical, fuel-efficient, and easier to handle on narrow or single-lane roads. Larger vehicles can be useful if you are travelling with several people or carrying extra luggage.
Manual cars are common and usually cheaper. If you drive a manual car confidently, you will have more choices. Automatic cars are available but limited, so booking early is important if you need one.
A 4x4 or SUV is not essential for most trips, as off-road driving is not allowed. However, it can be helpful in winter for added stability on icy roads, in strong winds, or on rough gravel access roads to remote viewpoints. For most summer visitors, a standard two-wheel drive car is enough.
Takeaway
Renting a car at Vágar Airport is worth it for most visitors who want to experience the Faroe Islands to the fullest. You can chase sunny skies, linger at a viewpoint until the fog clears, or make an impromptu detour down a scenic road. It’s ideal for independent travellers, couples, and families.
Rent a car in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals for easy booking, fair prices, and stress-free travel. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4x4 in the Faroe Islands?
For most travellers, a 4x4 is not necessary. The main roads are paved and well-maintained, and you can reach nearly all popular spots with a normal 2-wheel-drive car. A small compact car is suitable for almost all tourists. A 4x4 or SUV is only beneficial if you’re visiting in deep winter for extra stability on icy roads or if you simply prefer a larger vehicle.
Are automatic cars available at Vágar Airport?
Automatic transmission cars are available at Vágar Airport, but they are in limited supply. In the Faroe Islands, manual cars are more common, and automatics tend to sell out quickly during peak season. If you can only drive automatic, be sure to book your car rental at Faroe Islands in advance and use the rental filters to specifically select an automatic vehicle.
Can I drive between the islands by car?
You can drive between most of the major islands in the Faroes by car. There is a network of bridges, causeways, and undersea tunnels connecting them. For example, Vágar Island is linked to Streymoy Island by a subsea tunnel, and Streymoy connects to Eysturoy by a bridge. In total, you can drive on 9 of the 18 islands. Smaller islands like Mykines are not accessible by car ferry and are car-free, so you’d park and take a passenger ferry.
