The capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri, is a vibrant city with a bustling port, traditional Icelandic churches, abundant outdoor activities, and wonderful restaurants. Getting from Reykjavik to Akureyri is simple, and the town is the gateway to some of Iceland’s most iconic tourist destinations including Myvatn hot springs, Godafoss waterfall, and Asbyrgi canyon. Leisurely mornings can be spent on horseback, riding through scenic countryside or whale watching by the coast. Afternoons are for strolling through charming botanical gardens and browsing cultural museums and exhibits. With so many choices for getting from Reykjavik to Akureyri, here are the most popular ways to make the journey.
Bus from Reykjavik to Akureyri
Straeto bus number 57 departs Reykjavik each day for Akureyri in northern Iceland. With a journey time of between 6 and 7 hours, it’s not the fastest journey, but it does provide the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. During summer months, it’s possible to hop on/off the bus at various points of interest along the northern ring-road, so you can plan your itinerary and book accommodations near places you wish to see. The transfer costs begin at $74 USD one-way for adults, $26 for children aged 12-17 and seniors, and for children aged 6-11 years, it’s $12 USD.
Flying from Reykjavik to Akureyri
It’s easy to reach Akureyri from Reykjavik City Airport. Air Iceland Connect flies several times daily so you can enjoy Iceland’s beautiful natural landscapes from an aerial perspective. With a journey time of just 45 minutes and year-round services, it’s the fastest way to reach your destination so you have more time to go whale-watching, visit geothermal spas, and dine on delicious Icelandic cuisine in Akureyri. One-way flights to Akureyri begin at $70 USD.
Helicopter from Reykjavik to Akureyri
Discerning adventurers who wish to travel in style can charter a helicopter and pilot to fly to Akureyri from Reykjavik! NordurFlug offers VIP helicopter flights daily to many parts of the island, plus you can stop off at regional attractions along the way. Costs can be expensive, but if you want to get your holiday off to an amazing start, this is by far the best way to travel. You can fly over Reykjavik to volcanic craters, geysers, and waterfalls, and if you feel really daring, you can even attempt to land on a glacier en route!
Cycling from Reykjavik to Akureyri
If you’re an avid mountain biker in search of a physical challenge, consider cycling from Reykjavik to Akureyri. This pastime is only advisable during summer months, and you should always carry waterproofs in case of a shower. However, cycling is a wonderful way to embrace and envelop yourself in the country’s natural beauty. Several companies in Reykjavik offer mountain bike rentals for touring, with 3 days costing around $30 USD per day, including helmet and lock.
Driving from Reykjavik to Akureyri
Driving in Iceland is a thrilling experience! The road surfaces are well maintained and there’s just one main ring-road (Route 1) stretching around the entire island. Akureyri sits 388 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik, with a driving time of just under 5 hours. Even if you’re a first-time driver in Iceland, you’ll find the roads easy to navigate, with geothermal lakes, rolling mountains and rugged coastlines to explore along the way. The cost of renting a car is around $70-80 USD per day for an economic model, and as an added benefit, some car hire companies allow you to drop the vehicle off at another location in Iceland. This is perfect if you wish to continue your onward journey via helicopter, organized tour, or flight. It’s possible to book online in advance and collect the vehicle at your hotel or Keflavik International Airport and begin your journey from there!
