Ferry to Iceland
Across the Ocean to Iceland via the Faroe Islands
It might not be the most obvious option, but you can travel to Iceland by ferry! Unfortunately, there's no direct route from Scotland or the UK, but you can take a ferry from Hirtshals in Denmark. The ferry stops at the Faroe Islands before continuing on to Iceland. Keep in mind that the entire journey takes around 66 hours, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way.
This trip isn’t for everyone, but for slow travel and adventure enthusiasts, it’s a truly unique experience. It’s the perfect way to explore Iceland with your own camper, motorbike, or 4×4.
Ferry to Iceland Route Map
About this crossing
Departing from Hirtshals, your first stop is the charming town of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, situated on the southern coast of the island Streymoy. It takes around 38 hours to get here. After a brief stopover of a few hours, the journey continues toward Seyðisfjörður, a scenic town nestled in Iceland's Eastern Fjords. From there, you can easily venture further into the heart of Iceland.
You can stay on board during the stopover or explore the Faroe Islands for a few days before boarding the next ferry to Seyðisfjörður.
The total distance of the crossing is approximately 1,730 kilometres, making it one of the longest ferry journeys on Ferrygogo. Due to this distance, the trip takes about 66 hours (2.5 days).
How to get to the departure port Hirtshals?
The best way to reach Hirtshals is by ferry from England to France or from England to the Netherlands.
From Amsterdam and Rotterdam, where ferries from England arrive, it's approximately 620 miles to Hirtshals.
If you're coming from Calais in France, the drive to Hirtshals is about 790 miles.
On board the MS Norröna
Although the journey is long, there’s plenty to do on board the MS Norröna from Smyril Line.
The MS Norröna is equipped with various cafés and restaurants. Additionally, there is a fitness centre, swimming pool, and you can even rent a hot tub with views of the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, you can visit the on-board cinema. For children and teenagers, there’s a play area, a small football pitch, and a game room with PlayStations.
For those who enjoy travelling in luxury, there is the option to book a suite, offering more space and comfort than the standard cabins.
While the MS Norröna has features similar to a cruise ship, it also functions as a ferry. Travellers can bring their own vehicles, whether it’s a bicycle, a 4×4, a motorbike, or a camper van.
Sailing Schedule
- Typically, there is one departure per week, leaving on Saturday.
- During the summer season, there are two departures per week.
- From the end of November to March, there are no sailings to Iceland, and the ferry only travels as far as Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands.
View the schedule
Cost estimate for the ferry to Iceland
Curious about the cost of this exciting crossing? Unfortunately, the ferry to Iceland isn’t free.
During the high season, a two-person return trip will cost between £1,653 and £3,045. The final price depends on the sailing's popularity and whether you're bringing a car or camper on board.
Smyril Line now uses dynamic pricing: the fuller the ferry, the higher the cost of the crossing. So, it’s smart to book early for the best rates. Additionally, early booking is recommended to ensure your preferred cabin type doesn’t sell out.
On board, you should also budget for extra costs like food and drink, and optional extras such as Wi-Fi, cinema access, or a hot tub.
If this price seems a bit steep, there are ways to reduce the cost of the crossing:
- Book a one-way trip without a vehicle and fly back.
- Book a shared cabin: cabins for men and women are available, each with space for up to six people.
- Book outside the high season.
- Take advantage of package deals or special offers.
Additional Information
Combining Iceland and the Faroe Islands
It might be a bit tricky to figure out your trip if you decide to make a stopover in Tórshavn based on the sailing schedule. Smyril Line offers this trip as a ‘Total Package,' which allows you to see the next departure during booking. We find this much easier than trying to figure it out from the schedule yourself.
About Tórshavn and Seyðisfjörður
Tórshavn
Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands. However, some might consider it more of a village, as it has a relatively small population.
If you decide to stay for a week or longer, there are various excursions available. These include bus tours around the island, visits to traditional houses, or waterfall tours. Of course, simply wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere is also a great option.
Seyðisfjörður
The final stop for the ferry is the small town of Seyðisfjörður, located on the east coast of Iceland. It is known for its old wooden houses. The surroundings of Seyðisfjörður are beautiful, but many travellers choose to continue on to the west coast of Iceland, where there are more attractions and activities.
In Seyðisfjörður, there are a few hotels and a campsite. If you plan to stay after the ferry arrives, it’s wise to book early to ensure availability.
Are dogs allowed on the ferry to Iceland?
Hi Corey,
We've tried to look this up, at first it seems you can bring your dog on board the Smyril Line ferries: https://www.ssl.fo/en/news/dogs-and-pets-on-board-smyril/ but under Icelandic law it's only possible for pets to enter Iceland only via Keflavik Airport and must spend four weeks in absolute quarantine. This is because of Iceland’s strict disease prevention laws.
Best regards
Thought I would share some info in this chat as I've done this trip, so could be helpful! The crossing to Iceland via ferry offered my family a leisurely form of travel (can't remember the ferry company name). We fully embraced the extended journey time by indulging in the onboard amenities. The ferry, ensured us with a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the family. Loved this route, would recommend.
Hi Bernard,
Thanks for sharing your experience with this trip. For your information: the ferry company that sails to Iceland, Faroer and Denmark is callled Smyril Line.