Traveling from Reykjavík to North Iceland

There's a few different ways to get to Akureyri in the North of Iceland. I'll list the four most common options.

1. Rent a car at Keflavík

The most common way to get to the north (especially in summer) is by car. Rent a car at Blue Car Rental and just drive to the north. It takes about 5 hours (without stopping) to drive from Keflavík International Airport to Akureyri.

In the winter you might want to check if all mountain roads are open. So go to www.road.is and check out the conditions.

In summer you have 24/7 daylight, so even if you're plane arrives late and you decide to travel north, you will still see all the amazing views.

2. Fly from Reykjavík to Akureyri (from $90 one way)

The fastest way to get from the capital area to the north of Iceland is by plane from Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Note that this is another airport than the International Airport in Keflavík. To get from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavik Domestic, you can book a Flybus Airport Transfer.

The flight takes about 30-40 minutes and they advice you to be at the airport one hour in afvance.

You can book your tickets though Icelandair.

I usually take the plane in wintertime, because the mountain roads might be closed and I want to get to Reykjavík / Keflavík without having to think of that problem. So sometimes flying is better in winter.

3. Take the bus ($75 one way)

The third option is usually the cheapest option (if you are traveling alone). You can take bus 57 from Mjódd in Reykjavík to Hof in Akureyri (sorry in advance for the completely incomprehendable website of the bus company).

You can buys a busticket whe you enter the bus, so don't worry about ordering in advance and also don't worry about the bus being full. I don't think that has ever happened. The bus takes about 6,5 hour and stops at some gas stations on the way so you can use the restroom and get something to eat.

If you don't have to opportunity to rent a car and do want to see something of the countryside, this bus is a great option. But don't expect much more from public transport in Iceland. It is not a super convenient way to travel around the country.

4. Carpooling / Share a ride ($25-35)

This might sound like a crazy option, but it is a quite common one in Iceland. Some people that drive from Reykjavík to Akureyri offer a spot in their car in exchange for some money for the gas. Which is a fraction of the price of a bus ticket.

There is a Facebook group especially for Akureyri, but there is also a website for rides in the whole country: www.samferda.is

5. Direct flights from The Netherlands to Akureyri

During certain times a year, there are direct flights from The Netherlands to Akureyri. They usually fly from Amsterdam from January until March and from Rotterdam from June until August. They are mainly sold as package deals through Voigt Travel and BBI Travel. In case you want to book the flight separately, you can do that here.

From 15 October until 30 November Icelandair also has flights from Amsterdam-Keflavik-Akureyri. Which makes traveling to the north a lot easier because you do not need to switch to the domestic airport in Reykjavík.

6. Direct flights from London to Akureyri

EasyJet is planning to operate direct flights from Gatwick, London to Akureyri on scheduled services. The first flight will be on October 31, 2023. There will be flights twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, through March 2024.

Visiting North Iceland

And once you get to the north you get to see all the beautiful places here. I've lived here for seven years, so I know all the best spots to visit. If you buy full access to my map and itineraries you get to experience all my favorites!

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