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10 March 2026How to get to Iceland
Iceland sits in the middle of the North Atlantic, so there are only two ways to get there: by plane, which is how the vast majority of visitors arrive, or by ferry from Denmark, which lets you bring your own vehicle. Here is how to pick the right option and what to sort out before you leave.
- Plane or ferry: which one is right for you?
- Flying to Iceland
- Taking the ferry to Iceland
- Entry requirements
- Getting around once you arrive
Plane or ferry: which one is right for you?
| Plane | Ferry (Norröna) | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Dozens of cities across Europe and North America, direct or with a connection | Hirtshals, northern Denmark |
| Arrival | Keflavík International Airport, about 50 km from Reykjavik | Seyðisfjörður, in the East Fjords |
| Travel time | About 3 to 4 hours from Western Europe, 5 to 6 hours from the US East Coast | About 2 days direct, or 5 days with a stopover in the Faroe Islands |
| Season | Year-round | February to November |
| Your own vehicle | No, you rent one locally | Yes: car, 4x4, van or camper |
| Best for | Short breaks, long weekends, winter trips | Long family road trips, bringing your own camper, travelers who don't fly |
Flying to Iceland
Flying is the fastest and usually the cheapest way to reach Iceland. Icelandair connects Keflavík with many European and North American cities all year round, and low-cost airlines also serve the island, with fares that don't include checked bags. Prices rise sharply in July and August, so booking several months ahead is still the best way to save.
Airlines, departure airports, flight times and sample fares are covered in detail in Flying to Iceland.
Taking the ferry to Iceland
Only one regular passenger route reaches Iceland: Smyril Line's Norröna ferry between Hirtshals in Denmark and Seyðisfjörður. Sailing into the East Fjords is an unforgettable first glimpse of the country, as we describe in our story about arriving in Seyðisfjörður.
The big draw is bringing your own vehicle and skipping the rental, which can get very expensive for a 4x4 or a camper. But the crossing itself isn't cheap, and since 2026 temporarily imported vehicles have to pay a mileage fee on arrival. So do the math: flights and rental saved on one side, crossing, mileage fee, fuel and extra travel days (including the drive to Denmark) on the other.
Sailing schedules, route options, the mileage fee and a sample budget are in Taking the ferry to Iceland.
Entry requirements
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area but not a member of the European Union. Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland only need a valid national ID card or passport.
Visitors from outside Europe, such as US, UK, Canadian or Australian citizens, need a passport and are registered in the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), live since October 2025. They will also need an ETIAS travel authorization once it launches, currently announced for late 2026. Check the latest rules on the EU's official travel website before you go.
More advice in our practical tips for traveling to Iceland.
Getting around once you arrive
From Keflavík Airport, buses (Flybus, Strætó) and taxis take you to Reykjavik in about 45 minutes, and most rental companies have a desk at the airport. After that, it all depends on how you like to travel:
Still deciding on dates? Read our guide on when to go to Iceland.
