Getting Around Faroe Islands
Buses
A well developed, national system of roadways and ferries connects most towns and villages in the Faroes and is operated by Strandfaraskip Landsins. The inter-town bus system (Bygdaleiðir) operates daily to most areas. The buses are blue in colour. A comprehensive schedule (Ferðaætlan) listing the various timetables for the intertown buses and ferries can be obtained from the tourist office, as well as the central bus station near the harbour in Tórshavn. As well as children, pensioners and students are eligible for discounts on fares provided they show a pensioner or student identity card.
The capital Tórshavn offers an efficient local bus service (Bussleiðin) with four routes that reach most areas of the town. The redcoloured buses operate every halfhour during the day and hourly in the evening and on Saturdays and Sundays. Kollafjørður is also included in the local bus service. Route maps and schedules can be obtained on the buses, at Kiosk Steinatún in the centre of town, or at Kunningarstovan.
Taxis
Taxis are available in the capital Tórshavn.
Car Hire
Car hire is possible in the Faroe Islands and offers ultimate flexibility for island touring.
Driving
Driving is on the right and most road signs follow international standards. The use of seat belts is required. The speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph) and 50 kph (30 mph) in the towns and villages. For cars with trailers, the speed limit is 50 kph and for caravans the speed limit is 60 kph. The consequences for speeding are severe. Parking in the towns of Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and the Airport is restricted. Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right hand corner of the front windscreen showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are available at no charge from banks and the tourist offices. There is a fine of DKK 200 for parking violations. Headlights must be on when driving and seat belts fastened. As you drive along, please be aware that the sheep may be startled and leap out in front of you.
Trains
There are no trains in the Faroe Islands.
Boats
The faroese shipping company Smyril Line, operates an all year Cruise and car ferry service with regular sailings to the Faroe Islands and Iceland from Denmark, Norway, Scotland and the Shetlands Islands. Ferry services are commonplace throughout the islands linking villages and islands.
Other
There are no public wilderness or common areas in the Faroes, and cycling other places than on the road is prohibited. All land is privately owned and public access, therefore, limited. Conservation of the fragile soil is very important, especially on the mountain trails where erosion is closely monitored. The roads are often steep and good brakes are an absolute necessity.
Cycling in some of the longer tunnels where ventilation is poor is not recommended. Some tunnels are narrow with few passing places so that cycling is hazardous. The intervillage buses, however, can often accommodate cycles for easy transit in hazardous areas. Consult with the various tourist offices on local conditions and on scenic roads. Bicycle rental in Klaksvík and Kollafjørður. Please contact tourist offices for booklet with description of cycling routes.
