FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the ferry to Iceland - from the route and timetable to vehicles, customs and travelling with a dog.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the ferry to Iceland
Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome or as a foot passenger, here you will find answers about the route and ports, the timetable and booking, life on board, vehicles and customs, and travelling with a dog.
Route & connection
Which ferry sails to Iceland?+
Only one car ferry sails to Iceland - the Norröna, operated by the Faroese ferry company Smyril Line. It runs from Hirtshals in northern Jutland, Denmark, via Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands, to Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland. It is the only ferry link between Iceland and mainland Europe. Details are on the route page Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður.
Which ports does the route call at?+
The Norröna connects three ports - Hirtshals at the northern tip of Jutland, Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland's eastern fjords. You can book the through journey Hirtshals - Seyðisfjörður, or the first leg Hirtshals - Tórshavn separately.
How long does the crossing to Iceland take?+
The through journey from Hirtshals to Seyðisfjörður takes around two days - about 30 hours to Tórshavn, then another 15 hours or so on to Iceland. If you break the journey with a longer stopover in the Faroe Islands, the trip spreads over several days. Exact times for your date are shown in the timetable.
Timetable & booking
Where can I find the ferry timetable to Iceland?+
All departures with date, ship and arrival time are listed in the timetable. The Norröna sails year-round once a week, and twice a week from Hirtshals from mid-June to the end of August. In summer there are two patterns - a fast connection with a short stop in the Faroe Islands, and one with a stopover of several days.
When should I book?+
As early as possible. In peak season, from mid-June to the end of August, cabins and vehicle spaces on the only ferry to Iceland sell out first, so booking several months ahead is worthwhile. Outside high summer the ships are quieter and fares are lower. The booking window shows the price for your date and vehicle.
What happens in bad weather?+
The crossing runs over the open North Atlantic, which can be rough, especially in autumn and winter. In severe weather, Smyril Line may divert to alternative ports, for example Kollafjørður instead of Tórshavn or Hanstholm instead of Hirtshals, and can occasionally delay departure. Build some buffer into your onward travel plans from Seyðisfjörður.
On board & vehicle
How do I pay on board?+
On board, prices are charged in Danish kroner (DKK). All major credit cards are accepted, and staff also take cash in euros, US dollars and Icelandic krónur (no coins), with change given in kroner. As onboard internet can be unreliable, bring both a card and some cash.
Do I need a cabin?+
Highly recommended. Given the long crossing of almost three days, Smyril Line strongly advises booking a cabin. Inside and outside cabins are available in various categories. Cabins sell out early in peak season, so book yours at the same time as your ticket.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes. The Norröna is a car ferry - cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and bicycles all travel on board. Motorhomes up to around 7 metres long and 3.5 metres high can be booked online; larger vehicles need to be arranged directly with Smyril Line. Details on dimensions, gas bottles and electric vehicles are in the guide Motorhome travel to Iceland.
Is the car deck accessible during the crossing?+
No. For safety reasons, the car deck stays closed for the entire crossing. Before boarding, take everything you will need on the way - ID and booking confirmation, wash bag and a change of clothes, chargers, medication and valuables - out of your vehicle and into your cabin.
Entry, customs & dogs
Do I need to declare my vehicle to Icelandic customs?+
Yes. For temporary import you fill in customs form E-9 in advance; the Icelandic customs authority Skatturinn sends the registration link around 30 days before departure. Import for personal use is duty-free, and the vehicle may stay for up to twelve months. Since 2026, a distance-based road charge also applies to all vehicles. Details are in the guide Motorhome travel to Iceland.
What documents do I need for the trip?+
A valid passport (or national ID card for EU/EEA citizens) for everyone travelling, including children. For the vehicle, bring the registration document and fill in customs form E-9 in advance. Check your documents before departure, not just at the terminal.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry to Iceland?+
Practically not, for a holiday trip. Iceland does not allow tourist import of dogs and cats - every animal counts as an import, needs approval from the authority MAST, and must undergo at least 14 days of quarantine. Smyril Line therefore does not carry pets to Iceland. The guide Travelling with a dog to Iceland explains why the ferry is not an option with a pet.