Finalrentals Blog
Published in Trips Category.
Landing on Vágar puts you at the western edge of one of Europe's most unusual island road networks. When you rent a car at Vágar Airport, you can drive east without a ferry, with subsea tunnels, mountain valleys, and coastal villages along the way. You'll cross Vágar, Streymoy and Eysturoy before reaching Klaksvík on Borðoy, the gateway to the Northern Islands (Norðoyggjar).
The journey is short enough, but there's plenty worth seeing along the way. You can head straight to your accommodation or stop in Sandavágur, Kvívík, and Norðragøta. Our guide covers the driving route, journey time, scenic stops, and northern day trips worth planning.
Driving from Vágar Airport to Klaksvík: Route and Travel Time
The drive covers approximately 77 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes without stops. It may take more time in poor weather or if you need to pick up your car from a specific location.
The Direct Route Across Four Islands
Drive east from the airport, passing Miðvágur and Sandavágur before entering Vágatunnilin. The 4.9-kilometre subsea tunnel takes you from Vágar to Streymoy. Continue north towards Streymin, then cross the bridge over the Sundini strait into Eysturoy. Follow the road towards Norðragøta and Leirvík, where Norðoyatunnilin runs 6.2 kilometres beneath the sea to Borðoy.
You won't need to drive through Tórshavn. The capital is south of the most direct route, so heading there first adds distance. Both subsea tunnels on your journey have tolls, usually charged through your car rental company.
Picking Up a Rental Car at Vágar Airport
Several car rental companies operate at Vágar Airport, with pickup arrangements near the terminal or through instructions sent before arrival. Check your exact pickup point rather than assuming every company uses the same desk. Late flights also require planning, especially if you expect to arrive after normal office hours.
Keep your driving licence and booking details ready, along with your passport and accepted payment card. Check the licence rules for your booking. You may need an international driving permit when your licence isn't written in the Roman alphabet.
Before leaving, check the car, take photos, and report any damage not listed in the condition record. Some bookings require online payment and deposit approval before pickup, so watch for any instructions sent by email.
A compact car is practical for light luggage and narrow village streets. An SUV gives you more room when travelling with family, several suitcases, or hiking equipment. Four-wheel drive isn't necessary for the main route, and off-road driving is prohibited under your rental agreement.
What to Expect on Faroese Roads
Drive on the right-hand side of the road and follow posted limits. The general speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour in towns and 80 kilometres per hour on rural roads. Keep your headlights on day and night, and wear a seat belt in every seat.
Strong winds, fog and rain can change conditions quickly, especially near exposed slopes and coastlines. A sheltered village may have little wind, while the next open stretch has strong gusts. Slow down before exposed bends and keep extra space from other traffic.
Watch for sheep on Faroese roads, particularly around bends and unfenced slopes. Report a collision with a sheep to the police rather than driving away. Driving in the Faroe Islands often takes you from broad main roads into narrow village streets. Some villages have single-lane sections, so watch for approaching traffic. Use passing places for oncoming traffic, never as photo spots.
Scenic Stops Between Vágar Airport and the Northern Isles
You don't need a full day to see best villages in the Faroe Islands. Pick 1 or 2 stops according to the daylight and how much time you have after landing.
Miðvágur and Sandavágur on Vágar
You'll reach Miðvágur shortly after leaving the airport area. The village has colourful houses beside green slopes, with the water close to the road. Kálvalíð, one of the island's oldest local museums, is also here. Its old farmhouse gives you a closer look at how people once lived on Vágar. Even a short walk gives you a first look at daily life outside the capital.
Nearby, Sandavágur is another convenient stop before the first subsea tunnel. Its church holds the historic Sandavágur runic stone, dated to around 1200. You can walk by the church and bay without going far from the main road. The stone was found locally in 1917 and is kept inside the church. Check visiting hours if you'd like to see it rather than just the exterior.
Kvívík and the Sundini Strait on Streymoy
Kvívík is a short detour on Streymoy rather than a stop directly on the main road. The village has excavated Viking-era buildings near a river and the coast. The remains of a longhouse are worth seeing, followed by a short walk through the surrounding village streets.
Afterwards, continue north beside the Sundini strait and its fjords. The road passes steep green hills and small settlements before reaching the bridge at Streymin. Crossing into Eysturoy is straightforward, with no ferry crossing or departure time to plan around.
Norðragøta and Leirvík on Eysturoy
Norðragøta has a waterfront backed by mountains and strong links to Faroese Viking history. Visit the old village area to see traditional houses and places linked to Viking chieftain Tróndur í Gøtu. Blásastova, a restored farmhouse from 1833, is another stop for anyone interested in local history. A walk around the waterfront is also worth your time before the last tunnel.
Further east, Leirvík sits near the entrance to Norðoyatunnilin. On clear days, you may catch views of the Northern Isles from the surrounding higher ground. Avoid stopping on the road for photographs, even when the view opens up unexpectedly. After the tunnel, the road leads into Klaksvík, so you can continue to your accommodation without another sea crossing.
Before you fly, book a car rental with Final Rentals and choose a compact car or SUV. Unlimited mileage is included, so longer day trips won't bring extra mileage charges.
Exploring the Northern Islands by Car from Klaksvík
Borðoy is a useful base for day trips farther north. You can drive to Kunoy and Viðoy using fixed road connections, while Kalsoy needs a ferry. You'll also find shops, places to eat and fuel in town before heading into smaller communities.
Arriving in Town: Parking and Local Highlights
The harbour is central to local life, with fishing boats and working waterfront areas beneath the steep mountains. You'll find plenty of everyday activity around the waterfront, not a town built only for visitors.
Start with a walk around the town centre and visit Christianskirkjan. Check the church's visiting hours before planning to see the interior. The church was completed in 1963, with architecture inspired by Norse building traditions.
Watch for time-limited parking spaces in the centre. Some areas require a parking disc displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the front windscreen. Set it to your parking time and follow the limit shown on nearby signs. You can obtain a disc from local banks or tourist information centres if your car doesn't have one.
The town also has supermarkets, cafés and restaurants, plus a pharmacy, hospital and fuel services. Pick up food or fill your tank here before heading towards smaller northern villages, where facilities may be more limited.
Scenic Drives to Kunoy and Viðareiði
Kunoy is connected to Borðoy by road, and the drive takes about 10 minutes. The village has traditional houses and views towards Kalsoy beneath steep mountains.
On the final stretch, you'll pass through a narrow single-lane tunnel. Watch for approaching headlights, follow priority signs, and use the passing places when required. You may need to reverse to the nearest passing place, so keep your speed low inside the tunnel.
Another drive takes you through Hvannasund and onwards to Viðareiði on Viðoy island. The village was once the historic centre of the Northern Islands and has extraordinary mountain views. Villingadalsfjall rises to 844 metres to the north, while Malinsfjall reaches 751 metres to the south.
Taking the Ferry from Klaksvík to Kalsoy
Kalsoy has no road connection to Borðoy. Instead, the Route 56 ferry crossing links the harbour with Syðradalur in about 20 minutes. Summer and winter timetables differ, and drivers must join the queue at least 15 minutes before departure. Vehicle space is limited, so check the current booking arrangements before travelling.
If your rental terms permit ferry travel, you should still check the rules for vehicle damage and assistance. Reserve a vehicle space where possible and check return sailings before leaving. Missing a crossing can affect the rest of your day, especially when services are limited.
Once ashore, you can drive to Mikladalur for the Seal Woman statue, known locally as Kópakonan. Continue to Trøllanes on the way to Kallur Lighthouse. Strong wind or mist can make hiking unsafe, even when the ferry is running.
Takeaway
After travelling from Vágar through several islands, you'll arrive in a harbour town surrounded by steep mountains. However, finding your accommodation can take extra time when you're unfamiliar with the streets. Before you rent a car at Vágar Airport, save your accommodation's address, entrance instructions, and parking details offline so you have everything ready when you reach Klaksvík.
Rent a car in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals to drive towards Klaksvík with winter tyres included. Your rental also includes Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Waiver and Third Party Liability, subject to excess charges and exclusions. Book and manage your car rental anytime. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does driving from Vágar Airport to Klaksvík take?
The route from Vágar Airport to Klaksvík covers approximately 77 kilometres and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes in normal conditions.
What is the best route from Vágar to Klaksvík by car?
Drive east across Vágar, then take Vágatunnilin to Streymoy and head north to the bridge at Streymin. Cross into Eysturoy, continue towards Norðragøta and Leirvík, then use Norðoyatunnilin to reach Borðoy. You don't need to travel through Tórshavn. Both subsea tunnels have tolls, so check how your car rental company charges for crossings before departure.
Do you need a rental car to explore Klaksvík and the Northern Islands?
Public buses and ferries serve some northern communities. However, a hire car gives you more control over visits to Kunoy, Hvannasund and Viðareiði. You'll also find it easier to reach small villages with limited public transport services. Kalsoy still requires the Route 56 ferry, and your rental agreement permits ferry travel. Check the timetable and book your vehicle in advance.
