Føroysk útgáva English edition

FAQ - Booking

How do I book a seat?

Go to ssl.fo and click on ‘Book Ticket’ in the top right corner. Fill in the fields and pay with a payment card if you haven’t created an SSL user account. If you have an SSL account, make sure to log in before booking.

You will then receive a booking confirmation via email.

Instructions on how to book can be found in our user guide [here].

Is it necessary to book a seat?

We recommend all travelers use the booking system, as vehicles and passengers with a booking have priority to board and receive a better price.

You can still show up and queue, but in that case, you are not guaranteed a seat, and you’ll pay a higher ticket price when purchasing at departure.

I want to book space for my car—do I also need to buy a ticket for myself as the driver?

No. The vehicle ticket always includes the driver. You only need to book for any additional passengers. If you're traveling alone, just book for the vehicle and do not add any passengers.

Is it necessary to create an SSL user account?

We recommend all users create an account in our booking system and verify their address to secure the resident price. If you are not a permanent resident of the Faroe Islands, there are no advantages to being a registered user.

Is there an advantage to having an SSL user account?

Yes. If you have a user account and verify your address using your national ID (p-number), you pay the resident price. You can also buy annual passes for a specific route, which gives a bigger discount the more you travel. 

Is there a benefit to having an SSL account if I don’t live in the Faroe Islands and don’t travel often?

No. If you’re not a resident and travel only occasionally, there's no advantage to having an account. You can book directly in the system without logging in.

When should I be in line if I have a reservation?

Vehicles with reservations must be in line at least 15 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, your booking may be given to another vehicle without a reservation, and you won’t be refunded.

Foot passengers should be there 10 minutes before departure.

Do I need to book if I’m not traveling with a vehicle?

We recommend all travelers buy a ticket in the booking system ahead of time to secure both a spot and a better price. Buying on-site at departure will cost more. On some routes, space is very limited, so advance booking is necessary.

How do I know if there’s space on the trip I want?

If you can select the trip in the booking system, seats are still available. Trips that are fully booked cannot be selected. The number shown in parentheses is how many tickets are available for that departure.

Can I join a waiting list if I can’t book space for my vehicle?

No. There is no waiting list. You will be referred to the queue for vehicles without reservations.

Can I cancel a booked trip?

Yes. At the bottom of your booking confirmation, there’s a link where you can make changes or cancel.

Cancellation deadlines:

  • Routes 7, 56, 58, 61, 66, 90: 2 hours before departure

  • Route 36 (Mykines): 24 hours before departure

Instructions for changing/canceling bookings are found [here].

Can I change a booked trip?

Yes. Use the link at the bottom of your confirmation to:

  • Change departure time

  • Update vehicle license plate

  • Cancel the trip

Instructions are available [here].

Will I get a refund if I cancel a trip?

If canceled at least 2 hours before departure (24 hours for Route 36/Mykines), you’ll get a full refund. After that, no refund is possible.

Will I get a refund if I don’t show up?

No. If you don’t show up for a booked departure, you won’t be refunded.

I have a medical appointment in Tórshavn and am unsure if I’ll make a certain trip. What can I do?

A standby ticket is a good option. You’ll only be charged if you show up. If you don’t, no charge will be made. The cost is the same as a regular advance booking, but you’re not guaranteed a seat. Only one-way standby tickets can be purchased, and only up to 48 hours before departure. You can buy one up until departure time.

I need to take a ferry spontaneously, but I missed the booking deadline. Can I only buy a ticket on-site?

If you missed the booking deadline, you can still buy a standby ticket and queue at the ferry terminal. The price is the same as the online price. However, you’ll queue with vehicles that haven’t booked and you’re not guaranteed a seat. If you don’t get on board, you won’t be charged.

Do I need to show my ticket when boarding?

  • Foot passengers: Must show the ticket (QR code) when boarding.

  • With vehicle: License plate is scanned at boarding. However, keep the ticket ready as SSL staff may ask to see it.

⚠️ Make sure the correct license plate is registered. If not, you’ll be marked as a no-show and must purchase a new ticket on-site like any unbooked vehicle.

I haven’t received a booking confirmation—what do I do?

Check that your email is correct and that the email didn’t land in spam/junk. If you booked with your SSL account, check your bookings there.

I didn’t book a seat—can I still show up?

Yes, you can show up and buy a ticket at departure, but note:

  • Booked vehicles and foot passengers have boarding priority.

  • Tickets bought at departure are more expensive.

How do I know if my booking went through?

You’ll receive an email confirmation. If you booked through your account, you can view bookings there. No confirmation = no valid booking.

I paid but didn’t receive confirmation. What should I do?

If you haven’t received an email and your booking doesn’t appear under your account, then it likely didn’t go through.

You must have a valid confirmation/QR code when boarding. Proof of payment alone is not enough.

If money was deducted but no ticket was received, contact Bookingsupport at +298 343000 or email bookingsupport@ssl.fo, and provide:

  • The route and time you tried to book

  • The email/account you used

How do I know if my booking is canceled?

You’ll receive a cancellation email.

Can I pay with a value card or other SSL cards?

No, value cards cannot be used on board. We recommend creating an account and verifying your address to get the best price and terms.

If you have a value card with a balance, you can get a refund by returning the card at:

  • The terminal in Tórshavn

  • The kiosk onboard the Smyril

  • SSL’s main office in Tvøroyri

Students with a Studni card can still use it for travel.

I have an electric vehicle. Do I have a lower chance of getting a space?

No. You can still book space for EVs. For safety reasons, we’d like to know how many EVs are onboard. Please check the box for EV when booking.

I’m renting a car and don’t yet know the license plate. Can I still book?

Yes, you can enter a temporary plate number during booking. Once you know the actual plate number, update your booking—changes can be made up to 2 hours before departure (24 hours for Mykines route).

⚠️ The correct plate number is crucial because it's scanned at boarding. If incorrect, you’ll be treated as a no-show and must buy a new ticket onboard.

How do I travel using a Studni or ÍSF card?

Right now, you can’t book with these cards. If your Studni card gives you the right to travel between Suðuroy and Tórshavn, just present the card at boarding.

ÍSF group travelers must board together. One group representative handles ticketing for the entire group before departure.