Akureyri The North, 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 frequency is higher 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 from there.
Akureyri is a popular port of call in summer. Cruise ships dock near the city center, offering easy access to attractions.
No commercial passenger river transportation in Iceland. Rivers are often glacial, fast-flowing, and not navigable for transport.
No specific exit fees or taxes are paid directly by travelers. These are typically included in ticket prices.
Familiarize yourself with the facilities available at departure points.
For international ferry arrivals at Seyðisfjörður, standard Schengen immigration procedures apply. Cruise ship passengers typically have 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 public bus system, also named Strætó. The city does not have metro or tram systems. The bus network effectively connects 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 highly walkable.
Buses are useful for outlying areas or bad weather.
Real-time tracking 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 by phone.
Ride-sharing apps like 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 safety and fair pricing.
A valid driver'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, Sand and Ash Protection, Theft Protection). Gravel Protection is highly recommended. Drive on the right. Headlights are always on. Seatbelts mandatory. 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. Book via DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.
