Iceland is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, offering stunning landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and the famous Northern Lights. But with its remote North Atlantic location, what’s the easiest way to get there?
Whether you’re flying, sailing, or taking an adventurous road trip, here’s a breakdown of the simplest and most efficient ways to reach Iceland.
1. The Fastest & Easiest Option: Fly to Iceland ✈️
For most travelers, flying is by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach Iceland.
Main International Airport:
🛬 Keflavík International Airport (KEF) – Iceland’s primary airport, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Direct Flights to Iceland
- From Europe: Major cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Berlin offer frequent direct flights.
- From North America: Direct flights are available from New York, Boston, Washington, Toronto, and Seattle, among others.
- From Other Destinations: Some seasonal flights operate from Asia and the Middle East, but layovers in Europe are common.
Best Airlines for Iceland Travel:
✔️ Icelandair – Iceland’s national airline, offering free stopovers in Iceland for up to 7 days on transatlantic flights.
✔️ PLAY Airlines – A budget airline offering affordable flights from Europe and the U.S.
✔️ Other Major Airlines – British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and SAS also operate direct flights to KEF.
Flight Duration (Approximate):
- London to Reykjavík: 3 hours
- New York to Reykjavík: 5–6 hours
- Toronto to Reykjavík: 5 hours
- Paris to Reykjavík: 3.5 hours
🏆 Verdict: If speed and convenience are your priorities, flying is the easiest way to get to Iceland.
2. Alternative Option: Take a Ferry to Iceland 🚢
While not the fastest option, taking a ferry to Iceland is an exciting way to travel—especially if you want to bring your own car, motorcycle, or camper van.
Smyril Line: The Only Passenger Ferry to Iceland
🚢 Route: Hirtshals, Denmark → Tórshavn, Faroe Islands → Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
🕒 Duration: ~66 hours (2.5 days)
📍 Port of Arrival: Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland)
How to Reach the Ferry Port in Denmark from the UK or Europe:
- Ferry from the UK to mainland Europe (e.g., Dover to Calais, Newcastle to Amsterdam).
- Drive or take a train to Hirtshals, Denmark, where the Smyril Line ferry departs.
🏆 Verdict: Best for road-trippers and slow travelers, but not ideal for quick trips.
3. Can You Drive to Iceland? 🚗
Technically, no—you cannot drive directly to Iceland, as there’s no bridge or tunnel. However, you can take the ferry from Denmark with your car.
✔️ Perfect for: Travelers who want to explore Iceland with their own vehicle.
❌ Downside: Long travel time (~3–4 days total, including transit to Denmark).
🏆 Verdict: Best for adventure travelers who don’t mind the extra time and effort.
4. Cruise to Iceland 🛳️
Several cruise lines include Iceland as a stop on North Atlantic or Arctic voyages.
Popular Cruise Routes:
- UK to Iceland: Many cruises depart from London, Southampton, or Scotland.
- Europe to Iceland: Departures from Germany, Denmark, and Norway.
- North America to Iceland: Some cruises leave from Boston, New York, and Canada.
🏆 Verdict: Best for luxury travelers who want a slow, scenic journey.
Best Way to Get to Iceland Based on Travel Style
| Travel Style | Best Way to Get to Iceland |
|---|---|
| ⏳ Fast & Easy | Fly to Reykjavík (KEF) |
| 🚗 Road Trip Adventure | Ferry from Denmark (Smyril Line) |
| 🛳️ Scenic & Relaxed | Cruise to Iceland |
| 🌍 Multi-Destination Stopover | Icelandair’s Stopover Program |
Final Verdict: The Easiest Way to Get to Iceland
For most travelers, flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Iceland. If you’re looking for adventure and flexibility, taking the ferry with your own vehicle or cruising to Iceland can offer a more scenic journey.
No matter how you get there, Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs are well worth the trip! 🌋❄️✨