Reykjavik to Akureyri

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Iceland has no railway network — a fact that surprises many visitors. Getting from Reykjavik to Akureyri, the country's second city, means choosing between the scheduled bus, a quick domestic flight or the unforgettable drive up the Ring Road. Each has its own merits, and none of them requires a train. Here is how they compare.

No trains in Iceland: what this means

Iceland is one of the few countries in Europe — and the world — with no passenger rail service of any kind. The terrain, the sparse population and the cost of building rail in a volcanically active, sparsely inhabited island have meant it was never developed. Do not search for a train between Reykjavik and Akureyri — there simply is not one. Your options are bus, fly or drive.

The scheduled bus: Strætó and Sterna

The main scheduled bus service between Reykjavik and Akureyri is run by Strætó, Iceland's main public bus operator, along with services by Sterna and other coach companies during the tourist season. Journey times are typically around five to six hours, following the Ring Road (Route 1) north through the interior of the island.

Buses depart from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, not far from the city centre. Services run year-round but are more frequent in summer. This is the most budget-friendly option after driving yourself, and the bus passes through some striking scenery — lava fields, mountain passes and the Holtavörðuheiði plateau. If you travel in winter, the pass sections can be closed or slow in bad weather, and services may be disrupted.

Book ahead in summer, when seats fill up. The bus does not stop at many places en route, so it is a fairly direct journey.

The fastest way: domestic flight

Iceland's domestic airline Icelandair operates flights between Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) and Akureyri Airport (AEY). The flight takes around 45 minutes. Eagle Air has also served this route at times. Fares are not always cheap — this is a thin domestic route — but if you are tight on time or travelling in winter when roads can be challenging, a flight can be worth it.

Reykjavik Domestic Airport (different from Keflavík International, where most international flights arrive) is centrally located near the old harbour. Akureyri Airport is only a short taxi or bus ride from the town centre.

The most rewarding way: driving the Ring Road

The drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri is roughly 380–400 km on the Ring Road (Route 1) and takes around four and a half to six hours without stops — but stops are the entire point. The Ring Road north from Reykjavik passes through some of Iceland's most famous landscapes: the Hvalfjörður tunnel or coastal detour, the hot-spring city of Borgarnes, the dramatic scenery around Hvammstangi and the seal-watching coast of the Vatnsnes peninsula.

Travelling independently by hire car is how the majority of visitors to Iceland explore the country. You can pick up a hire car at Keflavík Airport when you land and drive it around the whole island if you wish; Akureyri makes an excellent first or second overnight stop.

What to see between Reykjavik and Akureyri

The drive — or bus — north opens up several worthwhile detours:

• Hvammstangi and the Vatnsnes Peninsula: Iceland's best seal-watching coast, with seals hauled out on rocky beaches.
• Blönduós: a small town on the Blanda River, unremarkable in itself but a useful fuel and coffee stop.
• Skagafjörður: a wide fjord famous for horse-breeding and an old turf-farm museum.
• Akureyri Botanical Garden: surprisingly lush given the latitude, one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens.

About Akureyri

Akureyri is a compact and genuinely enjoyable city with around 20,000 people — Iceland's largest settlement outside the capital region. It sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, and the surrounding landscape is greener and more sheltered than much of Iceland. From here you can visit Lake Mývatn (about an hour's drive east, with extraordinary volcanic landscapes and bird life), the Goðafoss waterfall, and the broader north Iceland region.

Which should you choose?

If you have a hire car — and most visitors to Iceland do — the drive is by far the most rewarding option. It lets you stop at will, see the landscape at your own pace and arrive with transport at the other end. The bus is the right choice if you are travelling without a car and want an affordable, direct connection. Flying makes sense in winter when road conditions are serious, or if you are very short on time. There is simply no train to consider.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a train from Reykjavik to Akureyri?

No. Iceland has no passenger railway of any kind. Your options are bus (around five to six hours), domestic flight (about 45 minutes in the air) or driving the Ring Road (around five to six hours with stops).

How long does the bus from Reykjavik to Akureyri take?

Around five to six hours on the Ring Road, operated mainly by Strætó and Sterna. Services run year-round but are more frequent in summer.

Is driving in Iceland safe in winter?

It can be challenging. Winter driving in Iceland requires 4WD or AWD, winter tyres and careful attention to road conditions. Always check the Vegagerðin (Icelandic Road Administration) road condition website before setting out. Some mountain roads close entirely in winter.

What is the best time to travel to Akureyri?

Summer (June to August) offers the midnight sun and the most reliable road conditions. Winter (November to March) brings the northern lights — visible from Akureyri on clear nights — but requires more care with travel logistics.