Akureyri Northeastern Region, Iceland Travel Guide
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík serves as Iceland's main international gateway. Akureyri Airport (AEY) is a domestic airport south of Akureyri city, mainly serving flights from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV).
Flight the rate of occurrence is pricier in summer (June-August), with prices at their peak. Winter sees fewer options but generally lower prices. Booking in advance is recommended.
More flights, higher prices. Book early.
Fewer flights, lower prices (except for Northern Lights demand).
KEF has duty-free, restaurants, car rentals, free Wi-Fi.
Smyril Line's Norröna travels weekly from Hirtshals, Denmark (via Faroe Islands) to Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland. A long drive (5-6 hours) to Akureyri starting there.
Akureyri is a popular port of call in summer. Cruise ships dock in proximity to the city center, offering easy access to attractions.
No commercial passenger river transportation in Iceland. Rivers are often glacial, fast-flowing, and rather than navigable for transport.
You won't pay exit fees are paid directly by travelers. These are commonly included in ticket prices.
Get to know the facilities available at starting points.
For an international boat service arrivals at Seyðisfjörður, standard Schengen immigration procedures apply. Cruise ship passengers generally possess streamlined onboard immigration processes for port calls.
Not applicable for Iceland. As an island and part of the Schengen Area, no land borders need crossing for entry. All entries occur via air or sea.
Akureyri has an efficient and budget-friendly local municipal bus service, also named Strætó. The city does not have metro or tram systems. The bus network effectively joins the city's main areas.
Buses operate from early morning (around 06:30-07:00) until late evening (around 22:00-23:00) on weekdays, with reduced service on weekends and public holidays.
Akureyri city center is very easy to walk around.
Buses are useful for outlying areas or bad weather.
Real-time management helps minimize waiting.
Taxis offer a convenient, though more expensive, transportation option in Akureyri. They are easily identifiable with a "Taxi" sign on the roof, usually dark sedans or minivans. Hailing on the street is uncommon due to low traffic. Find them at designated taxi stands or book over the phone.
Ride-ride-sharing apps such As uber or Lyft do not operate in Iceland. Taxis remain the main on-demand car service. Taxis in Akureyri are very safe and regulated. Always use licensed taxis for protection and fair pricing.
A valid driving's license (Latin script) is needed. An IDP is recommended for non-EU/EEA licenses. A credit card for deposit. Minimum age is typically 20-23 years. Book in advance.
Consider comprehensive insurance (CDW, Gravel Protection, Beaches and Ash Protection, Theft Protection). Gravel Protection is highly recommended. Drive on the right. Headlights are always on. You must wear seatbelts. No off-road driving.
Paid parking in Akureyri zones (P1-P4) during certain hours (weekdays, 10:00-16:00). Motorcycle rentals are less common. No widespread bicycle sharing, but rentals exist from local shops.
Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt have locations at Akureyri Airport (AEY) and/or downtown, offering various vehicle types including 4x4 SUVs. Reserve through DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.
