Review · PRIVATE DRIVERS

Reykjavik – Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn)

★ 5.0 · 6 reviews 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $60 Operated by Magic Iceland Travel · Bookable on Viator
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A simple bus ride opens the island door. This Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn transfer takes the strain out of reaching the ferry for the Westman Islands, with a clean, air-conditioned bus, onboard Wi-Fi, and a maximum group size of 19. I like the direct connection from Reykjavik and the fact that you can explore Heimaey at your own pace instead of following a fixed island tour. The main catch is important: your ferry ticket is not included, so you must arrange that separately.

The price is $60 per person, which can be fair if you value an easy connection and do not want to drive. I also like that pickup is offered, though the pickup process may take up to 30 minutes, so you should allow extra time and avoid booking a ferry with a tight connection.

Key points at a glance

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Key points at a glance

  • The bus goes to Landeyjahöfn ferry harbor, making the first part of the Westman Islands trip straightforward.
  • The ride takes about two hours, with the full service listed at approximately two hours and 30 minutes when pickup timing is considered.
  • Wi-Fi and air conditioning are included, useful on a longer transfer through Iceland.
  • The ferry ticket must be booked separately, and you should arrange both tickets at least 24 hours before departure.
  • The vehicle carries no more than 19 people, giving this a smaller feel than a large coach service.
  • Pickup begins at the scheduled departure time and may take up to 30 minutes, so keep your schedule flexible.

Why this transfer matters for a Westman Islands day

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Why this transfer matters for a Westman Islands day

The Westman Islands sit off Iceland’s south coast, and the ferry leaves from Landeyjahöfn rather than Reykjavik. That sounds simple on a map, but it creates a transport puzzle if you are not driving. You need to reach the harbor at the right time, then board a separate ferry to the islands.

This service handles the Reykjavik to harbor leg. You still need to arrange the ferry yourself, but you do not have to navigate Iceland’s roads, manage a rental car, or figure out parking near the port. For many visitors, that is the real value.

The transfer is best understood as a connection, not a complete Westman Islands tour. It does not include island sightseeing, a guide on Heimaey, or a ferry crossing. Once you reach the island, you make your own plans. That can be a weakness if you want a tightly organized tour, but it is a strong point if you prefer freedom.

A previous passenger praised the clean bus, the punctual arrival at the ferry terminal, and the chance to use the island’s hop-on, hop-off bus or taxis independently. That gives you a useful picture of the experience: the bus gets you into position, then the rest of the day belongs to you.

Meeting at Bus Stop 12 in central Reykjavik

The listed departure point is Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg, at Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. This is the place to focus on when planning your morning or afternoon.

Pickup starts at the stated departure time and may take up to 30 minutes. That does not necessarily mean the bus will be late in the usual sense. It means the pickup process itself can take time, so you should arrive ready before departure and keep your phone available for any service updates.

I would not plan a last-minute sprint from a hotel or another attraction. Give yourself enough time to reach Bus Stop #12 calmly. Reykjavik is compact, but weather, walking speed, luggage, and other pickups can all affect your timing.

The pickup option is helpful if you are carrying bags or staying away from the main bus stop, but the supplied details identify Bus Stop #12 as the start point. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking, especially if you expect a hotel pickup rather than meeting at the listed stop.

The two-hour ride from Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - The two-hour ride from Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn

After pickup, the bus heads south toward Landeyjahöfn. The transfer itself takes about two hours, while the overall experience is listed at approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The difference likely reflects the pickup window and normal service timing, so I would use the longer figure when planning your ferry connection.

The ride is not a guided sightseeing excursion. You are paying for transport, not commentary or scheduled photo stops. Still, the route gives you a chance to watch Iceland pass by from a comfortable seat instead of concentrating on the road.

The bus has Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Those features matter more than they may sound on a long connection. Wi-Fi can help you check ferry details, contact your accommodation, or plan your time on Heimaey. Air conditioning gives you a more controlled ride when Icelandic weather changes quickly.

The vehicle is limited to 19 people. That is much smaller than a full-size tour coach and can make boarding and luggage handling less hectic. The available information does not promise a particular seating layout or luggage service, so pack in a way that lets you manage your own belongings easily.

There is no stated meal stop or comfort stop. For that reason, I would handle food, water, and personal needs before departure. A two-hour ride is manageable, but you will be happier at the harbor if you are not counting the minutes.

Arriving at Landeyjahöfn before the ferry

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Arriving at Landeyjahöfn before the ferry

The final stop is Landeyjahöfn, at Landeygafnarvegur, 861, Iceland. This is the ferry harbor for the Westman Islands connection. The bus service ends here, so you should know what happens next before you leave Reykjavik.

Your ferry ticket is not included. You must book it independently, and the transfer price does not cover that cost. This is the single most important planning detail. Do not assume that buying the bus ticket gives you a place on the ferry.

The operator recommends booking the bus and ferry at least 24 hours before departure. That is good advice. If one ticket is unavailable, you can cancel the tickets for free when cancellation is made at least 24 hours before departure. This gives you some protection, but it does not remove the need to check both services before committing to the trip.

You should allow a sensible gap between the bus arrival and ferry departure. The information provided does not give a guaranteed arrival buffer, so I would not choose the last possible ferry based on a tight calculation. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and road conditions or port timing can change your plans.

The service is also weather dependent. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is useful in Iceland, where transport schedules can be affected by conditions outside the operator’s control. Still, keep your wider itinerary flexible if the Westman Islands are a major part of your trip.

Worth a second look around Reykjavik

What you arrange after reaching the islands

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - What you arrange after reaching the islands

This transfer does not include island transportation. A hop-on, hop-off bus ticket is specifically excluded, and taxis are also not included. You will need to plan how you want to move around once you arrive.

That independent setup can work very well. You can choose your own pace, stop where you wish, and avoid staying with a tour group. A hop-on, hop-off bus or taxi can give you more freedom than an all-inclusive excursion, especially if you already know which parts of the island interest you.

The drawback is that the total cost is higher than the advertised $60 once you add the ferry and any island transport. The bus price covers only the Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn section. I would compare the full transport cost with a complete Westman Islands tour before booking.

The service also does not provide a guide on the island. If you want background information, sightseeing commentary, or a planned route, you will need to arrange that separately. If you prefer to make your own choices, the lack of a guide is a benefit rather than a problem.

Is $60 a fair price?

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Is $60 a fair price?

At $60 per person, this is not the cheapest possible way to travel if you have access to a car and are already comfortable driving in Iceland. A rental car may give you more flexibility, though it also brings fuel, insurance, parking, and driving responsibilities.

The $60 price makes more sense for you if:

  • You are staying in Reykjavik and do not want to rent a car.
  • You want a direct connection to the ferry harbor.
  • You value Wi-Fi and air conditioning during the ride.
  • You are traveling alone or as a small group and do not want to organize a private transfer.
  • You prefer independent sightseeing on the Westman Islands.

The value is less convincing if you expect a full-day tour. This is not a ferry package, island excursion, or guided sightseeing service. You pay for a practical bus transfer and still need to buy the ferry ticket and arrange transport on Heimaey.

The small vehicle limit helps justify the price. With no more than 19 people, the service avoids the scale of a large coach. The strongest praise focuses on the bus being clean and reaching the ferry terminal on time, which are exactly the qualities you want from a connection service.

Who should book this service?

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Who should book this service?

I would recommend it to independent visitors who want to visit the Westman Islands without driving. It is also a good fit if you want to combine a ferry trip with your own island plans rather than buy a guided package.

Solo visitors and couples may find the service especially useful. Organizing a car or private ride for one or two people can cost more and add extra work. A scheduled transfer gives you a clear starting point from Reykjavik.

Families and small groups should check the full price carefully. The bus may be convenient, but the separate ferry tickets and island transport can add up. The maximum of 19 people is reassuring, though the supplied details do not specify child pricing or special luggage arrangements.

This is not the best match if you need a guaranteed door-to-door hotel pickup, a tour guide, or a single booking that covers every part of the journey. It also may not suit you if your ferry departure leaves almost no time after the expected bus arrival.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The bus is air-conditioned, but no specific mobility details are provided, so you should confirm any special access needs before booking.

Booking and cancellation details that matter

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Booking and cancellation details that matter

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, which helps you coordinate the bus with the ferry. I would book the ferry first or check ferry availability before finalizing the bus, since the two services are separate.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The cut-off follows local Iceland time. Keep that in mind if you are booking from another time zone or changing plans late at night.

Poor weather is handled differently from a personal change of plans. If the service is canceled because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That protection is valuable, but it is still wise to avoid building an immovable international flight connection around the same day.

My practical verdict on the ride

The best part of this service is its clarity. It solves one specific problem: getting from Reykjavik to the Landeyjahöfn ferry harbor without driving. The clean vehicle, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and small group limit make the two-hour ride easier.

The main weakness is also clear. You must build the rest of the trip yourself. Ferry tickets, island transport, and sightseeing are outside the $60 price. That is not a flaw if you want freedom, but it can surprise you if you expect an all-in-one excursion.

I also appreciate the positive practical details: the bus reached the ferry terminal on time, and the independent setup allowed sightseeing by hop-on, hop-off bus or taxi. Those are useful signs for anyone who sees the Westman Islands as a place to explore at their own pace.

Should you book the Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn transfer?

Book it if you want a straightforward Reykjavik connection and are comfortable arranging the ferry and island transport separately. It offers a sensible balance of convenience and independence, especially for visitors who do not want to drive.

Skip it if you want a guide, a complete ferry package, or a tightly managed day with every ticket included. Before paying, check ferry availability, leave a generous timing buffer, and calculate the total cost beyond the bus.

For the right kind of trip, this is a useful transport service rather than a flashy tour. It gets you to the harbor, keeps the ride comfortable, and leaves the Westman Islands open for your own plans.

FAQ

Where does the transfer start in Reykjavik?

The listed starting point is Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg, at Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the bus end?

The bus ends at Landeyjahöfn harbor, at Landeyjahafnarvegur, 861, Iceland.

How long does the transfer take?

The journey to Landeyjahöfn takes about two hours. The overall service duration is listed as approximately two hours and 30 minutes, and pickup may take up to 30 minutes.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup begins at the scheduled departure time and may take up to 30 minutes.

Is the Westman Islands ferry ticket included?

No. You must book the ferry ticket yourself. The bus price covers the transfer to Landeyjahöfn, not the ferry crossing.

How far in advance should I book the bus and ferry?

You are advised to book both tickets at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Is Wi-Fi available on the bus?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included onboard, along with air conditioning.

How many people can join the transfer?

The service has a maximum capacity of 19 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the service?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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