Review · PRIVATE DRIVERS

Westman Islands – Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn)

★ 5.0 · 2 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $65 Operated by Magic Iceland Travel · Bookable on Viator
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Back to Reykjavik without the fuss. This simple return transfer pairs a clean, air-conditioned bus with a useful pickup at Landeyjahöfn, making it an easy way to finish a Westman Islands day trip. I like the included WiFi and the small maximum group size of 19 passengers. The main catch is important: your ferry ticket is not included, so you must arrange that separately.

I also like the clear travel plan. The bus ride takes about two hours, and city drop-off can take up to another 30 minutes depending on traffic and your selected location. At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to move around Iceland, but it can be fair value if you want a reserved seat, a direct ride, and less worry after getting off the ferry.

Key points at a glance

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

  • Pickup at Landeyjahöfn: You can board at the ferry port after arriving from the Westman Islands.
  • About two hours to Reykjavik: The ride is designed as a direct return transfer rather than a sightseeing tour.
  • Ferry ticket not included: You must book the ferry and bus separately, ideally at least 24 hours ahead.
  • Small group limit: The vehicle carries no more than 19 passengers, which should make boarding and arrival easier to manage.
  • Comfort features included: You get air conditioning and WiFi on board.
  • Helpful cancellation protection: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, subject to the stated weather terms.

Leaving Heimaey at Landeyjahöfn

The practical value of this service begins when your ferry reaches Landeyjahöfn on Iceland’s south coast. Instead of finding a separate ride, you go directly to the arranged pickup point at Landeyjahafnarvegur, postal code 861.

That matters because Landeyjahöfn is a port, not Reykjavik’s central bus station. Once you arrive, the journey is not finished. You still need to cover the roughly two-hour road trip into the capital. A prebooked transfer removes one decision from a day that already depends on ferry timing.

You should pay close attention to your ferry and bus schedules. The ferry ticket is entirely separate from this service. Book both parts before your travel day, with at least 24 hours of advance planning recommended. A bus seat without a ferry reservation does not solve much, and the reverse is also true.

The pickup arrangement is offered at Landeyjahöfn, but the provided details do not name a specific pier-side meeting sign, staff member, or exact waiting area. For that reason, keep your confirmation available on your phone and check the pickup instructions before sailing. The booking confirmation is sent at the time of reservation.

The two-hour ride toward Reykjavik

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

This is a transfer, not a sightseeing excursion. Once you board, you can settle into the vehicle and let the driver handle the road while you rest, check messages, or use the onboard WiFi.

The ride takes approximately two hours. That estimate is useful for planning, but it is not a promise of door-to-door arrival at an exact time. After reaching Reykjavik, drop-offs may take up to 30 additional minutes, depending on traffic and the locations selected for passengers.

I would build that extra half hour into any onward plan. If you have a restaurant booking, airport connection, domestic flight, or another timed activity, avoid scheduling it too tightly after the stated two-hour ride. Icelandic weather and road conditions can also affect timing, and this service requires good weather to operate.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is welcome after time on a ferry and a day outdoors. WiFi is included, though the service does not provide details about speed, reliability, or whether every part of the route has coverage. Treat it as a useful extra, not as a guarantee that you can conduct important work from the road.

Reykjavik drop-off and the final half hour

Westman Islands - Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn) - Reykjavik drop-off and the final half hour

The destination is Reykjavik, but the exact drop-off location can vary. Your final stop may take up to 30 minutes after the bus reaches the city, depending on traffic and the selected locations.

This shared-drop-off system keeps the service practical for a small group, but it may not feel as quick as a private taxi. If you are the first person dropped off, you benefit from a faster arrival. If your stop comes later, you spend more time on the final city section.

That tradeoff is normal for a shared transfer. You pay less than you would for a private vehicle, while gaining a planned ride and a set arrangement at the port. If you want a precise, immediate arrival at one particular address, check the available drop-off choices before booking. The supplied information confirms city drop-off, but it does not list every location.

What $65 buys you

Westman Islands - Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn) - What $65 buys you

At $65 per person, the price is easiest to judge against convenience rather than distance alone. You are paying for a reserved bus service from a remote ferry port into Reykjavik, with air conditioning, WiFi, and a group cap of 19 passengers.

That can be good value after a Westman Islands visit. You do not need to negotiate a ride at the port, search for a last-minute bus, or drive yourself after a long day. The service also gives you a simple plan to work around when booking your ferry.

The value is weaker if you already have a cheaper confirmed ride, access to a rental car, or a flexible schedule that lets you wait for another option. The bus is not a guided tour, and there are no included sightseeing stops or extra attractions on the way. You should think of it as reliable transport, not an activity with a full program.

The small vehicle limit helps justify the fare. With no more than 19 passengers, the ride should be less crowded than a large coach service, and the final drop-off process may be easier to handle. Still, the exact vehicle layout and seat assignment process are not provided, so do not book expecting a particular seat.

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Why the small group size matters

Westman Islands - Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn) - Why the small group size matters

A maximum of 19 passengers gives this transfer a more manageable feel than a full-size coach. Boarding at a ferry port can be busy, and a smaller group makes it easier for the driver to account for passengers and organize the road journey.

A past passenger praised the bus for arriving on time and being very clean. That same account also highlighted a friendly driver who shared more information about the Westman Islands and got the passenger back to a hotel on time. Those details point to the service’s strongest qualities: punctuality, vehicle condition, and a pleasant human touch.

The driver commentary should be treated as a welcome extra, not as a formal guided tour. The experience is still primarily transportation. You should not expect scheduled stops, a tour lecture, or a full explanation of every place along the route unless the driver happens to offer useful local information.

Planning the ferry and bus as one journey

Westman Islands - Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn) - Planning the ferry and bus as one journey

The ferry connection is the part you need to manage most carefully. Your ferry ticket is not included in the $65 fare, and the ferry must be booked separately.

The safest plan is to reserve both tickets at least 24 hours before departure. This gives you time to confirm that the ferry arrival and bus departure work together. Keep the booking details for both services in the same place, and check the local departure times rather than relying only on memory.

There is some useful protection if availability changes. If either the ferry or bus ticket becomes unavailable, you may cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. That makes advance planning less risky, provided you stay within the cancellation window.

Do not assume you can make major changes on the day of travel. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock carefully if you are booking from another country.

Weather and reliability in Iceland

Westman Islands - Reykjavik (Bus transfer from Landeyjahöfn) - Weather and reliability in Iceland

The service requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

That policy is fair for Iceland, where ferry and road plans can be affected by conditions outside the operator’s control. It also means you should avoid building an important same-day connection around the tightest possible schedule. Give yourself room if you have a flight, a tour, or a hotel check-in that cannot easily be changed.

In normal conditions, punctuality is one of the strongest reasons to choose this transfer. The available passenger account specifically praised the bus for showing up on time and reaching the hotel on schedule. No transport service can promise perfect timing, but that is the performance detail I would care about most on this route.

Who should book this transfer?

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

I would recommend it to you if you are visiting the Westman Islands without a car and want a clear route back to Reykjavik. It suits people who prefer to arrange transport in advance, couples or families who want a straightforward port pickup, and anyone who values a clean vehicle and WiFi more than the lowest possible fare.

It also works well for a day visit, provided your ferry schedule and bus reservation match. The direct road transfer saves you from piecing together several local connections after returning to the mainland.

You may want another option if your plans are highly flexible, if you need a precise arrival at a specific address, or if $65 feels high for a ride without sightseeing. You should also think twice if you cannot allow extra time for the possible 30-minute city drop-off process.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The service is near public transportation, which may help with the next part of your trip, though the provided information does not specify the exact connections or walking distances.

My booking advice

Book the ferry first or at least confirm its schedule before paying for the bus. Then reserve the bus no later than 24 hours ahead, keeping the two confirmation details together.

I would also check three things before finalizing:

  • Your ferry arrival time at Landeyjahöfn
  • The exact bus pickup instructions
  • The available Reykjavik drop-off location

Allow roughly two and a half hours from bus departure to final city drop-off. Add more time if you have a fixed appointment. Carry your confirmation on your phone, and arrive ready to board at the stated pickup point rather than assuming the bus will wait for late arrivals.

Should you book it?

Book this transfer if you want a simple, prearranged return from Landeyjahöfn to Reykjavik and are comfortable arranging the ferry separately. The clean bus, WiFi, air conditioning, small group limit, and strong punctuality report make the $65 fare reasonable for convenience.

Skip it if you need a private car, an exact arrival time, or a cheaper ride and have the patience to arrange alternatives. For most people finishing a Westman Islands visit, though, this is a sensible transport choice. Just remember that the ferry is a separate booking, and give the final Reykjavik drop-off enough time.

FAQ

Where does the bus transfer start?

The transfer starts at Landeyjahöfn, Landeyjahafnarvegur, 861, Iceland.

Where does the bus take you?

The bus takes you to Reykjavik, with city drop-off locations depending on the selected arrangements.

How long does the bus ride take?

The drive takes approximately two hours. City drop-off may take up to 30 additional minutes depending on traffic and selected locations.

Is the ferry ticket included?

No. You must book the ferry ticket separately from the bus transfer.

How far ahead should I book the ferry and bus?

The recommended timing is at least 24 hours before departure for both the ferry and bus tickets.

What happens if a ferry or bus ticket is unavailable?

You may cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure if either the ferry or bus ticket becomes unavailable.

What is included in the bus transfer?

The transfer includes an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board.

How many people can join the transfer?

The service has a maximum group size of 19 passengers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.

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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