Ferry Day Trips from Iceland's Coastal Towns: What Works

Which Icelandic ferry crossings genuinely reward a day of your time, where they leave from, and how to fit one around a hotel stay on the coast.

The Short Crossings That Actually Fit a Day

Iceland's most practical ferry day trip is the Baldur crossing from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords, run by Sæferðir. It takes roughly two and a half hours each way, and the reason it works as a day out rather than a transit is Flatey, the flat island in Breiðafjörður where the boat calls in summer. You get a couple of hours ashore among the turf-roofed houses and the 1864 church before the return sailing. Book a hotel in Stykkishólmur for two nights rather than attempting this from Reykjavík, which is a two-hour drive each way on Route 54.

The second crossing worth planning around is Viðey, the island in Kollafjörður just off Reykjavík. The ferry leaves from Skarfabakki pier in Sundahöfn, a short bus or taxi ride east of the city centre, and the crossing is under ten minutes. It is not a scenic voyage in itself, but the island has the Imagine Peace Tower, a small 18th-century settlement and easy walking paths. This suits a half-day, ideally between May and September when the schedule is fuller. Skip it in winter unless you have checked sailing times for your exact dates.

Westman Islands and the South Coast

Herjólfur sails from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey in the Westman Islands in about 35 minutes, and this is the single best ferry day trip in the country for most visitors. The drive from Reykjavík along the Ring Road to Landeyjahöfn takes around two hours, so base yourself in Hvolsvöllur or Vík for the night before. On Heimaey, walk to Eldfell, the volcanic cone that buried part of the town in 1973, and take the coastal path to Stórhöfði. The island is small enough to cover on foot or by a short taxi ride in a single day.

The crossing itself is short and often choppy, so take a tablet if you are prone to seasickness. Summer sailings are frequent; outside June to August the schedule thins considerably and you should confirm the return leg before committing. Rather than attempting this as a day trip from Reykjavík, which makes for a long and tiring drive, book a hotel in Vík for two nights and treat the ferry as the centrepiece of one full day. That also leaves time for Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey on the way back, weather permitting.

What to Skip and When to Go

Not every ferry in Iceland is a day trip. The routes to Grímsey, Hrísey and the more remote Westfjord settlements are genuine transport links with infrequent sailings, and treating them as leisure excursions tends to produce a rushed and expensive day. Grímsey, on the Arctic Circle, is worth visiting but needs an overnight or a flight, so do not try to compress it into a crossing and back from Akureyri in one afternoon. The same applies to the ferry to Hornstrandir, which is a hiking destination requiring several days and proper gear, not a sightseeing outing.

Best months for ferry day trips are June, July and August, when timetables are at their fullest and the weather, though still changeable, is least likely to cancel a sailing. May and September are workable on the main routes with fewer fellow passengers. Wind is the main risk on all crossings, and cancellations happen with little notice, so build a spare day into any itinerary that depends on a boat. Check the operator's own site the evening before, and again on the morning, and keep your hotel booking flexible where you can.

Building the Trip Around a Base

The practical rule is to stay within an hour of the ferry terminal the night before. That means Stykkishólmur for the Snæfellsnes crossing to Brjánslækur, Vík or Hvolsvöllur for the Westman Islands, and central Reykjavík for Viðey. Distances on paper are misleading: Route 54 around Snæfellsnes is slow and winding, and the drive from Reykjavík to Landeyjahöfn is around 130 kilometres with limited overtaking. Allow more time than your maps application suggests, particularly in wind and rain, and fill the tank before you leave the larger towns.

For a first trip, I would book the Westman Islands crossing and a two-night stay in Vík, using the ferry day as the anchor and the South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches as the days either side. Add Stykkishólmur only if your itinerary already includes Snæfellsnes, since the peninsula rewards two nights on its own. Reserve the Reykjavík crossing to Viðey for a low-effort final afternoon when you are staying in the city anyway, and skip the longer Westfjords routes unless you have a week or more to give them.

Questions, answered

How far in advance should I book ferry tickets in Iceland?

For the Herjólfur crossing to the Westman Islands and the Baldur sailing from Stykkishólmur, book a few days ahead in July and August, when vehicles fill up. Foot passengers rarely have trouble. Outside summer, day-of booking is usually fine, but always confirm the return sailing exists before you travel.

Can I take a hire car on Icelandic ferries?

Yes on Herjólfur and Baldur, and it is often the easiest way to explore Heimaey or reach the Westfjords. Vehicle spaces are limited and priced separately from passenger tickets, so reserve both together. Check your rental agreement for ferry permissions, as some contracts restrict crossing to certain routes.

What is the sea crossing like to the Westman Islands?

The Herjólfur crossing from Landeyjahöfn takes around 35 minutes and can be rough, especially in southerly winds. It is short enough that most travellers manage, but if you are prone to seasickness, sit outside or toward the middle of the vessel and take medication beforehand. Winter crossings are less frequent.

Do I need a car to reach the ferry terminals?

For Landeyjahöfn and Stykkishólmur, effectively yes, as public transport is limited and infrequent. The Viðey ferry from Skarfabakki in Reykjavík is reachable by city bus or a short taxi ride. If you are relying on buses, plan your whole itinerary around Reykjavík and skip the rural crossings.

Which Icelandic ferry trip is best for families?

The Westman Islands crossing suits families well: short sailing, walkable town, easy paths to Eldfell and a small aquarium near the harbour. Viðey is even easier for young children. The longer Baldur crossing is beautiful but the two-and-a-half-hour sail each way can be tiring for small children.

Are ferry crossings in Iceland affected by weather?

Yes, wind especially. Sailings on exposed routes like Baldur and Herjólfur can be cancelled or delayed at short notice, and winter schedules are reduced. Build a spare day into any plan that depends on a boat, and check the operator's website the evening before and again on the morning of travel.

What should I pack for a ferry day trip in Iceland?

Layers, a waterproof outer shell, sturdy shoes and something to eat and drink, as onboard catering is limited. Take a hat and gloves even in summer, since it is markedly colder on deck. Bring cash or a card for the island cafes, and a charged phone for timetables and weather checks.

Is a ferry day trip worth it compared with driving?

For the Westman Islands, yes: the boat is the only practical way there and Heimaey rewards a full day. For Grímsey and Hornstrandir, the crossings are long and better treated as part of a multi-day trip. For Viðey, the ferry is simply a short hop rather than an attraction in itself.

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