By car

The route is the Ring Road, and the distance from Reykjavík to North Iceland is about 390 km (242 miles) with about five hours of driving. Traffic between Reykjavík and Akureyri can get busy, especially in July. Check road conditions on SafeTravel before each drive. From September to May, watch the high passes at Holtavörðuheiði, Öxnadalsheiði and Möðrudalsöræfi: they can close during storms or high winds, sometimes even in summer. Visit Iceland says a 4x4 is useful for gravel roads, mountain routes and some winter trips, and that roads can close with little warning, so check umferdin.is and safetravel.is. See how to get around Iceland and Iceland 4x4 rental.

By plane or bus

Flying to Akureyri takes about 45 minutes, with Icelandair flying several times daily. Strætó runs a daily bus service between Reykjavík and Akureyri. If the weather turns, the plane and the bus are alternatives to the road, but check schedules yourself because public transport schedules can be unpredictable outside summer (Visit Iceland, Ring Road).

Stopping on the way and what Akureyri offers

Akureyri has more hotels, restaurants and services than anywhere else in North Iceland, making it a natural base for a first visit. Its sights include the town centre, the Botanical Garden, Akureyri Church and the Hlíðarfjall ski area; allow one to two days. See Akureyri and where to stay in Akureyri. Beyond Akureyri:

  • Goðafoss sits along the Ring Road on the way to Mývatn.
  • Mývatn is a volcanic lake area with geothermal sites, including Hverir and the Krafla area; the Mývatn Nature Baths are open year-round.
  • Húsavík is a coastal town known for whale watching and a whale museum; see Húsavík.
  • Dettifoss is described as Europe's most powerful waterfall, dropping about 44 m; see Dettifoss.

The Diamond Circle

The Diamond Circle links Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon and Húsavík. From Akureyri it is about 310 km (193 miles), or more than four hours of driving before stops. The paved west road to Dettifoss is open most of the year, but the gravel east road usually closes in winter.

Season

Northern lights season runs from late August to mid-April, and winters in the north are colder than in the south. Húsavík whale tours generally run from about April to October. In the cold months the Hlíðarfjall ski area near Akureyri is often open until late April. For the dark season see Iceland in winter; for the summer calendar see Iceland in July.

Whale watching from Akureyri

If the aim is whales, Akureyri has its own departures. We recommend the Akureyri 3-hour classic whale watching tour by ship: 4.6 out of 5 from 3,844 reviews, from €92 on 6 November 2026. It fits a stay in the north rather than the drive itself; a family tour from Húsavík is another option in Iceland whale watching tour. If you prefer to drive yourself, the Discover Cars page for Iceland in the box above lets you compare cars.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Starting a winter drive without checking umferdin.is.
  • Treating the five hours as non-stop: Goðafoss, Mývatn and Húsavík all lie ahead.
  • Planning the east road to Dettifoss in winter: the gravel route usually closes.
  • Assuming July roads are empty: traffic can get busy.

FAQ

How far is Akureyri from Reykjavik?

About 390 km (242 miles), roughly five hours by car.

How long is the flight?

About 45 minutes, with Icelandair several times daily.

Is there a bus?

Yes, Strætó runs daily between Reykjavík and Akureyri.

Can the road close?

Yes. High passes can close during storms or high winds, and roads can close with little warning.

When is Húsavík whale watching?

Tours generally run from about April to October.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.