How to Get to Iceland

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring the island’s volcanoes, or immersing yourself in Icelandic food, drink, and culture, here are the best ways to make your way to this exceptional destination.

Iceland may feel otherworldly, but it’s closer than you might think. Typical flight times to Iceland from major cities include: New York (JFK): 5h 45m, London (LHR): 3h 10m, Barcelona (BCN): 4h 20m, Seattle (SEA): 7h 15m, Denver (DEN): 7h, Munich (MUC): 4h 20m, Copenhagen (CPH): 3h 20m.

By plane

Flying is the quickest and most common way to reach Iceland, with year-round connections from Europe and North America.

Flights & planning

Airfares vary by season and demand, but planning ahead or staying flexible with travel dates can make a noticeable difference. Iceland is well-connected to major international hubs, making it easy to compare routes and schedules.

Main carrier

Icelandair is Iceland's flag carrier and primary international airline offering nonstop flights from many cities in Europe and North America. Its long-running stopover program allows travelers to add a stay in Iceland on transatlantic journeys, turning a connection into part of the experience.

Seasonal considerations

Travel patterns change throughout the year. Winter tends to be quieter, while summer brings longer daylight hours and higher demand. Choosing when to fly often depends on whether you’re hoping to see the northern lights, experience the midnight sun, or explore in between.

Regional arrivals

For travelers heading straight to North Iceland, Akureyri Airport provides a convenient international arrival point at certain times of year, with direct flights from London and Manchester offering easy access to the region’s landscapes without traveling via Reykjavík.

By ferry

The ferry offers an adventurous alternative for those who prefer traveling by land and sea.

The M/S Norröna, operated by Smyril Lines, sails year-round between Denmark and Iceland, stopping in the Faroe Islands. It’s the only ferry that transports vehicles, making it ideal for travelers planning a road trip with their car, camper, or motorcycle. Naturally, the ferry crossing takes longer than a flight, but it adds another dimension to your travel story. Friendly reminder: Before transporting a vehicle to Iceland, you must pre-register it with the Icelandic Transportation Authority.

Onboard Experience: This ferry is more than just a means of transportation; it is an experience. With over 360 cabins ranging from basic couchettes to luxury suites, the ship also boasts a gourmet restaurant, bar, cinema, swimming pool, and even a sauna.

Routes and Schedules: The ferry operates year-round between Hirtshals, Denmark, and Iceland, with a stop in the Faroe Islands. Sailing frequency, departure ports, and travel time vary depending on the season. Travelers are advised to check the latest routes, schedules, and availability directly with the operator before planning their journey in as far in advance as possible. View current ferry routes and schedules.

By cruise ship

A cruise is an unforgettable way to combine relaxation and pampering with exploration of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Many cruises circumnavigate the island, stopping at spectacular sites for perspectives otherwise difficult to access. Sail past the puffin-filled cliffs of Heimaey, sail close to the volcanic Surtsey Island (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or dock at popular ports like Akureyri (gateway to the Diamond Circle), Grundarfjörður near the iconic Kirkjufell mountain (think Game of Thrones), and Snaefellsjokull National Park in West Iceland, Ísafjörður in the Westjords region, and Seyðisfjörður nestled at the end of a stunning fjord in East Iceland.

Peak Season: The cruise ship season runs generally from May to September, with options ranging from four-night adventure-based trips to luxurious 10-day voyages featuring locally sourced gourmet dining and excursions.

Why Iceland?

No matter how you choose to get here, Iceland promises a journey as unforgettable as the destination itself. With its mix of modern conveniences and wild, untamed landscapes, getting to Iceland is just the first step in an extraordinary adventure.

If you'd like to leave the navigation to someone else, there is a range of cruise options that will allow you to see areas inaccessible by land. Most cruises circumnavigate the island, making a few choice stops.

You can sail past the nesting puffins of Heimaey or view Surtsey Island, which was created by a volcanic eruption in the 1960s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many cruises make port calls in Akureyri, a major fishing port and gateway to the Diamond Circle; Seyðisfjörður, perched at the end of an 11-mile fjord; and Grundarfjordur, under the shadow of Kirkjufell mountain, and close to the glaciers and lava fields of renowned Snaefellsjokull National Park. Some will also include a stop in the Faroe Islands.

Peak cruise season runs from about May to September. Options range from four-night excursions offering hikes and Zodiac rides to 10-day trips in a luxurious suite on ships sporting marble floors and crystal chandeliers.