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Port guide: compare transport from Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland 36 transport option(s) compared
120 min Recommended return before ship
Port exit : Easy

Reykjavik

Port call at Reykjavik (Iceland). Leaving the port is straightforward and the town centre is walkable from the pier. The cheapest option, Walk to Viðey ferry pier, is free, and the fastest takes around 0 min. A ship shuttle is also available, at around 20,00 €.

The capital of Iceland and the main hub for Nordic cruises. Skarfabakki Terminal is 3 km from the city centre. The Blue Lagoon is 50 km away, and the Golden Circle is 100 km away.

Reykjavik Cruise Terminal – Skarfabakki
Cheapest option Free Walk to Viðey ferry pier
Fastest option 0 min Train not available to city centre
Simplest option Walk to Viðey ferry pier Very simple
Ship shuttle 20,00 € Please contact the company for further information.

Practical tips

  • Strætó bus or shuttle from Skarfabakki to the city centre
  • Car hire or a guided tour is recommended for the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle
  • Book the Blue Lagoon well in advance

Warnings

  • Blue Lagoon is very popular – booking is essential
  • The Golden Circle is too long for a short stopover
  • Changeable weather
  • High prices

Contact us

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Best option summary

By choosing your cruise line's official shuttle, you opt for complete peace of mind: even if it isn't the cheapest option, this transfer is treated as an excursion, which means the ship will wait for the shuttle before setting sail.

Ship shuttle 20,00 €

Please contact the company for further information.

Recommended local alternative Walk to Viðey ferry pier

Free - 8 min - free

Quick access to the ferry to Viðey Island

Filter transport options

Choose whether you want to stay near the port, reach a connection, or go on a longer excursion.

Transport options

36 option(s) shown for Reykjavik

Walk to Viðey ferry pier

Skarfabakki Viðey ferry pier

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 8 min
Frequency free
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Quick access to the ferry to Viðey Island

Attention point

Interest depends on the boat schedule

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check departures to Viðey before you go

Source : Visit Reykjavík Viðey: https://visitreykjavik.is/videy-island | Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship

Shuttle cruise to Harpa

Harpa Concert Hall / city centre

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost 10,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency Cruise days, depending on ship or operator
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Easiest option to reach the centre from Skarfabakki

Attention point

Depends on the company and organisation of the day

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check the point of return and frequency on board or at the terminal

Source : Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship | Iceland Highlights shuttle: https://www.iceland-highlights.com/city-cruise-terminal-shuttle-reykjavik/

Taxi to Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 30,00 €
Estimated duration 12 min
Frequency available at the terminal or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Quick access to the centre without steps or waiting

Attention point

More expensive than bus or shuttle

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Good choice to optimise a short layover

Source : Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Taxi to Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available at the terminal or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Direct access to the iconic church and the top of the city centre

Attention point

More expensive than public transport

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; convenient to start the tour in Hallgrímskirkja

Source : Hallgrímskirkja: https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/ | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Taxi to BSÍ Bus Terminal

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available at the terminal or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Direct access to the main tour hub and long-distance buses

Attention point

Little use if tour picks up at port

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check if your tour departs from Skarfabakki or BSÍ

Source : Reykjavik Excursions BSÍ: https://www.re.is/ | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Taxi to Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Very simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to domestic flights

Attention point

Not to be confused with Keflavík International Airport

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check that the flight departs from Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Source : Isavia Reykjavík Airport: https://www.isavia.is/en/reykjavik-airport | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Bus Strætó 16 to Hlemmur

Hlemmur bus hub

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency Strætó schedules to check, especially depending on the day
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Cost-effective public option to the centre

Attention point

Frequency and days of service to check before departure

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; bus 16 stops near Skarfabakki according to Visit Reykjavík

Source : Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship | Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en

Bus Strætó 16 to city centre

Reykjavík city centre / Laugavegur

Bus Near the port
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 25 min
Frequency Strætó timetable to check
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Cheaper than a paid taxi or shuttle

Attention point

Requires walking to the stop and using Klapp or payment accepted

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check route and ticket in Strætó/Klapp

Source : Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en | Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship

Ferry to Viðey Island

Viðey Island

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost 10,00 €
Estimated duration 10 min
Frequency seasonal; please check ferry timetables
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Short excursion to a quiet island facing Reykjavík

Attention point

It is essential to check the return timetable

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; very convenient ferry from Skarfabakki area

Source : Visit Reykjavík Viðey: https://visitreykjavik.is/videy-island | Elding Viðey ferry: https://elding.is/videy-ferry

Shuttle cruise to Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja

Public shuttle Near the port
Estimated cost 12,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency Cruise days, depending on local offer
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct access to the Reykjavík icon without climbing from Harpa

Attention point

Failure not guaranteed depending on the operator

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; confirm if the shuttle goes to Hallgrímskirkja or only Harpa

Source : Visit Reykjavík: https://visitreykjavik.is/ | Reykjavik Excursions Skarfabakki: https://www.re.is/about-skarfabakki/

VTC to Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall

Private car (VTC) Near the port
Estimated cost 30,00 €
Estimated duration 12 min
Frequency on request, dynamic pricing
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Flexible to reach the centre quickly

Attention point

Variable price and port area to be confirmed

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Confirm the meeting point at the terminal

Source : Uber Reykjavík: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/reykjavik-is/ | Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship

Private driver to Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja

Private car (VTC) Near the port
Estimated cost 35,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency on request, dynamic pricing
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct access to the iconic church

Attention point

Price varies depending on demand

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check price before validation

Source : Uber Reykjavík: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/reykjavik-is/ | Hallgrímskirkja: https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/

Taxi to Perlan

Perlan

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 15 min
Frequency available at the terminal or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Fast-track access to the museum and panorama

Attention point

More expensive than bus and entrance to be provided

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check Perlan timetables and tickets before departure

Source : Perlan: https://www.perlan.is/ | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Taxi to National Museum of Iceland

National Museum of Iceland

Taxi Near the port
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 18 min
Frequency available at the terminal or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Major museum to understand Icelandic history

Attention point

Less close than Harpa or Hallgrímskirkja

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; check opening times before setting off

Source : National Museum of Iceland: https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/english | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Hop On Hop Off from Skarfabakki

Harpa / city sightseeing loop

Bus Near the port
Estimated cost 40,00 €
Estimated duration 60 min
Frequency Seasonal, cruise days and operator schedules
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Allows you to see multiple sites without managing public buses

Attention point

High price and frequency to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Simplified A-B route to Harpa; Full unmapped loop to keep the road clean

Source : Reykjavik Excursions cruise-friendly tours: https://www.re.is/cruise-friendly-tours/ | City Sightseeing Reykjavik: https://city-sightseeing.com/en/

Taxi to Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 55,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct access to a geothermal lagoon near Reykjavík

Attention point

Admission to be booked separately

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book entry and a return time

Source : Sky Lagoon: https://www.skylagoon.com/ | Hreyfill Taxi: https://www.hreyfill.is/en

Private Bike to Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 60,00 €
Estimated duration 20 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Flexible for a close geothermal outlet

Attention point

Reservation required

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Confirm Entry and Return

Source : Sky Lagoon: https://www.skylagoon.com/ | Uber Reykjavík: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/reykjavik-is/

Sky Lagoon excursion bus from the terminal

Sky Lagoon

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 120,00 €
Estimated duration 240 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Geothermal alternative closer than Blue Lagoon

Attention point

Admission to be reserved and places limited

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Check check-in time and return to the ship

Source : Sky Lagoon: https://www.skylagoon.com/ | Reykjavik Excursions cruise-friendly tours: https://www.re.is/cruise-friendly-tours/

Taxi to Keflavík International Airport

Keflavík International Airport

Taxi Station / airport
Estimated cost 160,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency available or by reservation
Complexity Simple
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the international airport

Attention point

Expensive and variable weather depending on weather/traffic

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct journey from A to B; book in advance if your flight is imminent

Source : Keflavík Airport: https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport | Cruise Iceland Reykjavík: https://cruiseiceland.com/harbor/reykjavik/

Walk to Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug swimming pool

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Local geothermal pool experience near the port

Attention point

Please check ticket prices and timetables

Accessibility : moyenne, marche urbaine vers Laugardalur

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Good local choice if you don't want to go far

Source : Visit Reykjavík: https://visitreykjavik.is/ | Reykjavík swimming pools: https://reykjavik.is/en/swimming-pools

Walk to Hlemmur

Hlemmur / food hall and bus hub

Walk Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency free
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Joins a bus and food hall hub closer than Harpa

Attention point

Less touristy route than the seafront

Accessibility : moyenne, marche urbaine depuis le port

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; useful for reaching city buses or Hlemmur Mathöll

Source : Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en | Visit Reykjavík: https://visitreykjavik.is/

Bus Strætó to BSÍ Bus Terminal

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Bus Station / airport
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 30 min
Frequency Strætó timetable to check
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Access to excursions and long-distance transfers

Attention point

Sometimes ask for a match

Accessibility : moyenne, correspondance possible

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; check today's itinerary with Strætó

Source : Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en | Reykjavik Excursions BSÍ: https://www.re.is/

Bus Strætó to Perlan

Perlan

Bus Near the port
Estimated cost 4,00 €
Estimated duration 35 min
Frequency Strætó timetable to check
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Public access to a major panorama museum

Attention point

Less direct than a taxi

Accessibility : moyenne, correspondance possible

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; check the best combination in Strætó

Source : Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en | Perlan: https://www.perlan.is/

Whale watching boat from Old Harbour

Reykjavík whale watching area

Public shuttle Distant excursion
Estimated cost 90,00 €
Estimated duration 180 min
Frequency Seasonal, several departures depending on operators
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Iconic activity from Reykjavík

Attention point

Non-guaranteed observation and marine weather

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; first reach Old Harbour from Skarfabakki

Source : Elding whale watching: https://elding.is/ | Special Tours: https://specialtours.is/

Blue Lagoon excursion bus from the terminal

Blue Lagoon

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 150,00 €
Estimated duration 300 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Easy access to Iceland's most famous geothermal site

Attention point

High price and time reservation required

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; check if Blue Lagoon admission is included in the price

Source : Reykjavik Excursions cruise-friendly tours: https://www.re.is/cruise-friendly-tours/ | Blue Lagoon: https://www.bluelagoon.com/

Private driver to Keflavík International Airport

Keflavík International Airport

Private car (VTC) Station / airport
Estimated cost 160,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency on request or by private booking
Complexity Intermediate
Main advantage

Direct transfer to the international airport

Attention point

Dynamic pricing and availability to check

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct route from A to B; book if your flight schedule is tight

Source : Keflavík Airport: https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport | Uber Reykjavík: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/reykjavik-is/

Walk to Sun Voyager

Sun Voyager / Sólfar

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 45 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Iconic photo point on the waterfront

Attention point

Long distance from the terminal

Accessibility : moyenne, longue marche le long du littoral

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; To be preferred only if the weather is correct and the weather is sufficient

Source : Visit Reykjavík: https://visitreykjavik.is/ | Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship

Walk to Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Allows you to reach the centre from the seafront for free

Attention point

Long distance, Icelandic weather and wind possible

Accessibility : moyenne, marche longue depuis Skarfabakki

Practical tip : Direct A-B route simplified; Walking is possible in good weather but shuttle or bus is often more comfortable

Source : Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship | Cruise Iceland Reykjavík: https://cruiseiceland.com/harbor/reykjavik/

Walk to Laugavegur

Laugavegur shopping street

Walk Near the port
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 55 min
Frequency free
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Direct access to Reykjavík's main shopping street

Attention point

Too long for some passengers from Skarfabakki

Accessibility : moyenne, marche longue vers centre-ville

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Prefer shuttle or bus if limited time

Source : Visit Reykjavík: https://visitreykjavik.is/ | Visit Reykjavík cruise: https://visitreykjavik.is/plan-your-travel/arriving-cruise-ship

Golden Circle Excursion Bus from Skarfabakki

Geysir geothermal area

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 95,00 €
Estimated duration 480 min
Frequency Cruise days, by reservation
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Classic excursion to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss

Attention point

Long day, return time imperative

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Geysir; Unmapped intermediate stops to keep a map simple

Source : Reykjavik Excursions cruise-friendly tours: https://www.re.is/cruise-friendly-tours/ | Reykjavik Excursions Golden Circle: https://www.re.is/tour/golden-circle-direct/

Taxi to Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 170,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency booking recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Flexible access to Blue Lagoon from the terminal

Attention point

Very expensive and mandatory hourly entry

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book entry and return before departure

Source : Blue Lagoon: https://www.bluelagoon.com/ | Reykjavik Excursions Blue Lagoon: https://www.re.is/blue-lagoon-tours/

Taxi to Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 180,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency Private bookings recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Flexible access to a major Golden Circle site

Attention point

Return to be organised and high cost

Accessibility : Good

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book round trip with sufficient margin

Source : Þingvellir National Park: https://www.thingvellir.is/en/ | Visit Iceland Golden Circle: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-golden-circle

VTC to Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Private car (VTC) Distant excursion
Estimated cost 180,00 €
Estimated duration 50 min
Frequency Private bookings recommended
Complexity Plan ahead
Main advantage

Flexible for Blue Lagoon without a shared bus

Attention point

High cost and essential return

Accessibility : moyenne, transfert longue distance

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Book entry and return before the stopover

Source : Blue Lagoon: https://www.bluelagoon.com/ | Uber Reykjavík: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/reykjavik-is/

Train not available to city centre

Reykjavík city centre

Train Station / airport
Estimated cost Free
Estimated duration 0 min
Frequency No train service
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

No city trains in Reykjavík

Attention point

No train options that can be used from the terminal

Accessibility : non applicable

Practical tip : There are no relevant urban or regional trains from Skarfabakki; Use bus, shuttle, taxi or excursion

Source : Visit Reykjavík transport: https://visitreykjavik.is/ | Strætó: https://www.straeto.is/en

South Coast Excursion Bus from Skarfabakki

Seljalandsfoss

Bus Distant excursion
Estimated cost 130,00 €
Estimated duration 600 min
Frequency Cruise days, long excursion by reservation
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Allows you to see a major waterfall on the south coast

Attention point

Very long, highly dependent on the stopover time

Accessibility : moyenne, très longue journée

Practical tip : Direct A-B route to Seljalandsfoss; Book only with guaranteed return

Source : Reykjavik Excursions cruise-friendly tours: https://www.re.is/cruise-friendly-tours/ | Visit South Iceland: https://www.south.is/

Taxi to Gullfoss

Gullfoss Waterfall

Taxi Distant excursion
Estimated cost 320,00 €
Estimated duration 110 min
Frequency by private booking only
Complexity Complex
Main advantage

Golden Circle Major Waterfall Private Tour

Attention point

Very time-consuming and expensive if done alone

Accessibility : moyenne, longue excursion

Practical tip : Direct A-B route; Bookable only with long layover and guaranteed return

Source : Visit Iceland Golden Circle: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-golden-circle | Gullfoss: https://gullfoss.is/

Indicative data based on local sources and field estimates.