Find your perfect hire car in the Faroe Islands
If you are planning a trip to the Faroe Islands you’ll find booking an Avis hire car from one of our locations on the islands is the perfect way to explore this remote and beautiful achipelago at your own pace.
The self-governing Faroe Islands are made up of 18 islands which have a network of scenic routes that criss-cross from one island to another via a series of bridges and underwater tunnels.
Part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands stretch out in the North Atlantic Sea between Norway and Iceland with the Scottish islands of Shetland and Orkney as their nearest neighbours.
The Faroes economy is heavily dependent on fishing and the focus is on sustainable tourism to ensure the natural landscape is protected.
If you enjoy solitude, unspoilt landscapes and rugged beauty, exceptional fresh air and the vast open road ahead of you get ready to begin an unforgettable journey. Our friendly, efficient Avis teams in the Faroe Islands are ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip.
Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles, speedy collection to get your holiday underway, and we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
Where to find us
You'll find our Avis rental stations in Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island, the capital city of the Faroe Islands and at the islands’ airport Vágar Airport near the village of Sørvágur, on the island of Vágar.
Tips for driving in the Faroe Islands
Driving in the Faroe Islands can be a magical experience, aside from some minor traffic congestion in the capital Tórshavn, you’ll find the open roads are peaceful and easy to drive. Nine of the 18 islands in the Faroes are accessible by car. When you are considering what kind of vehicle to hire, be aware that off-roading is prohibited on the islands. When you land, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road.
Although the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the islands have their own road rules. Key road rules for the Faroe Islands include;
- Driving Licence: You can drive in the Faroe Islands with a valid EU/EEA driver's licence. Non-EU/EEA residents may need an International Driving Permit.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced. In towns, it's typically 50 km/h, and outside towns, 80 km/h. Special rules apply in tunnels.
- Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 135 cm in height must use appropriate child restraints.
- Alcohol Limit: The blood alcohol limit is low, 0,2%, and random breath tests are common.
- Headlights: Use dipped headlights at all times, even during daylight, due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Tunnels: Many tunnels in the Faroe Islands require headlights at all times. Some are one-lane, with designated passing places.
- Winter Tyres: In winter, winter tyres are essential. Our cars are equipped with winter, or all-year tyres during winter.
Faroe Islands car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for renting a car the Faroe Islands?
The minimum age to rent an Avis car in the Faroe Islands is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.
There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return.
What documents do I need to hire a car in the Faroe Islands?
To hire a car in the Faroe Islands, you just need to bring your:
• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.
Is it worth hiring a car in the Faroe Islands?
While the Faroe Islands has a public transport network of buses and ferries, to enjoy the freedom of independent travel and experience all that the islands have to offer, a hire car is highly recommended. The road network around half of the 18 islands is excellent with connections by tunnel and ferry. Renting a car from one of our Faroe Islands locations gives you the chance to reach even remotest parts and to plan a road trip around the islands accessible by road.
What is parking like in the Faroe Islands?
Parking is relaxed in the peaceful Faroe Islands and free of charge in the capital Tórshavn although some areas have time-limited parking.
Things to do in the Faroe Islands
The island of Vagar is likely to be where your Faroes Islands journey begins as it plays host to most visitors and is where the airport is based. Make time to take in the fjords or check out the magical old town of Tórshavn, the capital of the islands, and its handsome white cathedral. Visit sleepy villages tucked into the foothills and sample local cuisine in the cosy cafes and restaurants.
One of the most fascinating aspects about driving in the Faroe Islands is the fact you can cross from one island to another via a network of underground tunnels and bridges. The islands of Vagar, Streymoy, Eysturoy are all connected by bridges or tunnels as are the northern islands of Bordoy, and Vidoy providing a totally unique way of island hopping that doesn’t involve setting foot in a boat.
Don’t miss Saksun Church, on the island of Streymoy, around 45min drive from the airport and an hour from Torshavn. The village is made up of only a few houses surrounding this timeless church. Take a wander around the area and discover the dramatic inlet and beautiful scenery that surrounds this most beautiful of Faroese churches.
Situated on the same island as the airport, Mulafossur waterfall is easily reached by car (and a mountain tunnel or two). Alternatively, check out Fossa, the highest waterfall on the islands. Around 35 minutes north of the capital of Torshavn, Fossa is a picture-perfect spot to experience the sheer power of Mother Nature.