Unlock the secrets to hassle-free car hire in the Faroe Islands—essential tips for a smooth journey. Ready, set, explore!
Okay, the Faroes have you hooked. Those photos, those stories...you can practically taste the salty air and hear those waterfalls calling your name. Smart move booking that flight – you're one step closer to an unforgettable adventure!
But here's the secret to truly experiencing the Faroes: you need to get off the beaten path. This isn't a place where you just follow the tour bus.
This is about finding your own hidden coves, chasing sunsets along those winding coastal roads, and maybe even making friends with a few curious sheep along the way. The best way to make that happen?
Your own set of wheels.
Think of a rental car as the key to unlocking the true heart of the Faroes. It's your ticket to adventure, to make those travel daydreams a reality.
Not sure where to start?
Don't worry; we've got you covered. Consider this your ultimate car rental guide, Faroese-style. We'll cover everything from choosing the perfect car to those quirky driving rules (sheep have the right of way!), especially if you're starting from the airport.
Let's get into it.
Good news – renting a car in the Faroe Islands is surprisingly straightforward!
Since it's a compact country, there's really just one main airport: Vágar Airport (FAE), and this is undoubtedly where you'll be landing.
And wouldn't you know it, that's where all the major car rental companies are located.
Think of the airport as your rental car hub.
Whether you want a tiny car for zipping around towns, a sturdy SUV for off-road adventures, or something in between, you'll find it here.
Companies like PHD Car Rental, 62°N, Hertz, Avis... they're all based right at the airport, making that transition from plane to open road a breeze.
Of course, if you want to head to the capital first, or your hotel has given you transfers, you want a car the day after you land, or something like that, it's no problem.
The best car rental companies will arrange for you to pick up your car from Tórshavn instead. The very best (ahem, PHD), will even drop it off where you're staying free of charge. That's easy access to your car without having to think about it.
Bottom Line: Whether you fly in or sail in, finding your perfect rental car will be a stress-free part of your trip.
But let's break this down a little more.
Of course, the idea of picking up your rental car straight from the air sounds like a good idea. Stepping off the plane, smelling that fresh Faroese air, and knowing your adventure is about to begin. Airport car rentals make that happen.
Here's why:
The Takeaway: Airport car rentals give you freedom, flexibility, and the chance to start your Faroese adventure the moment you land.
Airport rentals are super convenient, but it's smart to be aware of the potential downsides so you can make the best decision for your trip:
A little planning can offset most of these downsides. Book early, compare prices, and be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak season.
Okay, paperwork isn't the most exciting part of travel, but getting it right means hitting the road faster. Here's what you'll need to rent a car at the Faroe Islands airport:
Now, Insurance Talk.
All good car rental companies in the Faroe Islands will offer insurance that allows you to just get in and drive. Just ensure you're checking the policy or asking the representative to double-check this.
However, many will offer standards like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, etc. Super Collision Damage Waiver (or SCDW) may be available as a premium extra, if you're interested.
In most cased, CDW will cover you up to $100,000 in damages that may happen to the car, and SCDW, which can lower your excess and may waiver you having to leave a security deposit when renting.
Either way, read up on these beforehand because each company may vary in their own way. Moreover, sometimes your credit card or travel insurance might already cover you, so you can save some money.
The Faroes are all about freedom, and that extends to how you get around! While airport rentals are super convenient, consider these alternatives if you want a different experience:
The Takeaway: No matter your travel style or budget, there's a way to explore the Faroes that's perfect for you. Don't be afraid to ditch the rental car and try something different!
Want your Faroese car rental experience to be as smooth as those winding mountain roads? Keep these tips in mind:
Pro Tip: Always ask the rental company about any specific rules or quirks of driving in the Faroes. Local knowledge is your secret weapon for an awesome road trip!
Renting a car should make your trip better, not a source of stress. We've covered the pros, the cons, the paperwork...now it's time to make this dream a reality!
Think of your rental car as your key to hidden waterfalls, charming villages, and those moments when you pull over just to stare at the scenery. That's the magic of exploring the Faroes on your own terms.
Companies like our team here at PHD Car Rent are more than just car providers – we're your local partners in adventure.
Easy pick-ups, a range of vehicles to suit your adventure style, and 24/7 support mean you can focus on the good stuff – those epic waterfalls, those charming villages, those memories you'll cherish forever.
Ready to Hit the Road?
The Faroes are waiting - Are you ready to experience them on YOUR terms?
The first big thing to know about renting a car here is that there is a relative scarcity of rental cars (around 1,400 rental cars only across all the islands!), which means that prices will get steep, especially during the peak of summer holidays. If you’re planning your visit to the Faroe Islands sometime within the year, do your best to always book in advance. Winter is a good time to snatch up deals—and if you’re smart about which car rental company you choose, you can do so without any worry about cancellation fees.
Google “car rentals in Faroe Islands” and you'll likely find listings for the big car rental companies (Sixt, Kayak, etc). But that’s not all there is. With some locals being too aware of how high car rental prices put off some travelers from visiting their homeland, they’ve set up shop to offer more affordable prices (i.e. our mission in a nutshell!). But it’s not just a matter of pricing. With a local, small team you can expect much more personal support and all the attention that small businesses are known for: ensuring you’re satisfied and sharing with you recommendations.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to nab a car rental winter deal, this is a must-do. Because for many car rental companies (especially the big ones), apart from the rental price of your vehicle, other costs can include cancellation fees and security deposits. The latter can be especially annoying when they charge your credit card immediately for a high deposit, before releasing it with the cost of your bank’s currency exchange fee. Our favorite alternative? Go with a car rental company that doesn’t charge you for cancellations & security deposits.
Thought the rocky Faroe Islands would require 4-wheel drives? Not all. Off-road driving is actually banned from the islands, and thanks to a fantastic road network, just a standard car type would do you well for your adventures (even in winter!)
If you haven’t been lucky enough to nab a car rental winter deal, this is a must-do. Because for many car rental companies (especially the big ones), apart from the rental price of your vehicle, other costs can include cancellation fees and security deposits. The latter can be especially annoying when they charge your credit card immediately for a high deposit, before releasing it with the cost of your bank’s currency exchange fee. Our favorite alternative? Go with a car rental company that doesn’t charge you for cancellations & security deposits.
One of the unique things you’ll quickly find out about the Faroe Islands is its many tunnels connecting you all across the archipelago. There are around 20 of them—and they can go either under the seabed itself (sub-sea tunnels) or right through a mighty mountain.
Whether it’s because of the sparsity of the population or the immensity of space around, the Faroe Islands have no parking fees whatsoever…with one exception. If you’re planning to park at the airport, you can expect to pay a fee there—otherwise, park as long as you want, free of charge.
Perhaps a little disappointing to the 4-wheeler adventurers: the Faroe Islands doesn’t permit any off-road driving (officially: it’s prohibited by law). This is to protect the pristine nature all around, much of which is actually private property. So do enjoy your road trips—but on the ample roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Quintessentially Faroese, when you’re driving around here you’ll very soon be greeted with our most common habitant: wooly sheep. You’ll see them across fields and by roadsides, but just be mindful that some can galavant across the roads (often when in a panic). So when sheep are around, do slow down.
For a quick runthrough of local driving rules: if you’re in town areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph)—otherwise, it’s 80 km/h (50 mph). You drive on the right-hand side. It’s illegal to hold a mobile device (or drink alcohol) while driving. And while the legal driving age in the Faroe Islands is 18, most car rental companies will require you to be at least 20-21 years of age.
We’re keeping this part short—only because we’ll be breaking things down for you fully in a separate
blog. But the quick sum of it is: if you’re looking to rent a car for your adventures in the Faroe
Islands, you can either rent from the regular big companies or opt for a local car rental company.
Why we’re biased for the latter? Because, well, that’s what we do—but in our PHD Car Rent way. We make
reservations a breeze, never tie up your money in security deposits, don’t charge cancellation fees
(unless you cancel 24 hours before your pick-up time), and make sure your money goes the furthest for
you.
Our mission has always been to provide the best value car rentals that you can rely on for quality and
friendly, local service. But don’t take our word for it—check out our 134, 5-star Google reviews!
.png)
