Iceland Ferry Timetable
Smyril Line operates the only car ferry to Iceland - from Hirtshals via Torshavn (Faroe Islands) to Seydisfjordur. The through crossing takes around two days. Choose your date, departure and destination port to see the next sailings with ship and arrival time.
One ship, two legs
Exactly one vessel sails to Iceland: the Norröna, operated by Smyril Line. It leaves from Hirtshals at the northern tip of Denmark and calls at Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands on the way. The timetable above lists the two legs separately, because you can book them separately too.
If you only want to reach Iceland, you book the through crossing; if you want the Faroes as well, you get off in Tórshavn and rejoin the ship later. The second leg to Seyðisfjörður on Iceland's east coast therefore appears as a connection of its own.
What to watch out for in the timetable
The Norröna sails all year, but not at the same frequency: there are more sailings a week in high summer than in the shoulder months, and fewest in winter. A weekday that is served in July need not have a sailing in November, so pick your exact date above.
The North Atlantic has a say. In heavy weather Smyril Line can divert to alternative ports or postpone a departure. Leave a buffer in your onward plans in Iceland rather than relying on a tight connection on the day you land.
A cabin and a vehicle space are not extras on this route but part of the journey: the crossing takes several days. In high season both go before the crossing itself sells out.
Seasonal calendar - ferry to Iceland
When does the ferry to Iceland sail?
The Norröna sails year-round, but not at the same frequency throughout. From mid-June to the end of August there are two departures a week from Hirtshals, in the shoulder months usually one to two, and in winter one a week with occasionally altered ports and times. The North Atlantic plays a part too - in heavy weather Smyril Line may reroute to alternative ports.
/week from Hirtshals
Peak season: book early
In peak season from mid-June to the end of August, cabins and vehicle spaces sell out first. Book your preferred sailing and cabin several months ahead.
Quieter off-season
Outside high summer the ships are quieter and fares lower. If your dates are flexible, travelling in spring or autumn is more relaxed.
Book a cabin
Given the long crossing, Smyril Line recommends booking a cabin. Cabins are limited and go early in peak season.
Weather caveat
The North Atlantic can be rough. In heavy weather the Norröna may divert to other ports or delay departure, so build in some buffer for onward travel.
Iceland Ferry Timetable: Your Questions Answered
FAQ - Iceland Ferry Timetable
Frequently asked questions about the Iceland ferry timetable - rotation, season, weather and check-in at a glance.
How often does the ferry to Iceland sail? +
Smyril Line's Norröna follows a weekly rotation: it sails from Hirtshals via Torshavn to Seydisfjordur and back the same way. In peak season it departs Hirtshals twice a week, in winter once. The through crossing takes around two days. The exact departures for your date are shown in the timetable above.
Does the timetable change with the season? +
Yes. From mid-June to the end of August there are two departures a week from Hirtshals, following two summer patterns - one with a quick stop in the Faroe Islands, and one with a multi-day stopover there. In the shoulder months and winter the schedule thins to one departure a week, and individual ports or times can vary. Set your date in the timetable above to see the actual sailings.
How reliable is the ferry, and what happens in bad weather? +
The crossing runs over the open North Atlantic, which can be rough in autumn and winter. In heavy weather Smyril Line may divert to alternative ports - Kollafjørður instead of Torshavn, or Hanstholm instead of Hirtshals - and occasionally delay departure. Published times are therefore a plan, not a guaranteed schedule. Build in some buffer for onward travel from Seydisfjordur.
When do I need to check in at the port? +
Check-in opens a few hours before departure and usually closes one hour before sailing. The exact check-in window for your port is shown on your booking confirmation and in the timetable. Have valid photo ID or a passport ready for everyone travelling, including children.