Getting Around Akureyri Without a Car: Buses, Boats and Walking

Akureyri is compact and walkable, but for trips further afield you'll need to know the local bus network, airport transfers and when a tour is the smarter choice.

Walking the City Centre

Most of central Akureyri sits on a flat strip between the Glerá river and the fjord, so walking is genuinely practical. From the bus station on Hafnarstræti, it's under ten minutes on foot to the church at Lækjargata, the botanical garden at Eyjafjarðarbraut, and the harbour. The main shopping street, Hafnarstræti, is pedestrian-friendly and lined with cafés and bookshops. Streets climb steeply east of the centre toward Brekkan and Þórunnarstræti, so if your hotel is up there, expect a short but stiff walk back from town — worth checking before you book.

Distances are short: the whole centre is about 1.5 km end to end. Pavements are well maintained, and in winter they are gritted, but compacted snow can linger on side streets from December to March. Good waterproof boots with grip are more useful than an umbrella. If you are staying near the bus station or along Hafnarstræti, you can cover nearly all city sights on foot. For anything involving the airport, the swimming pool at Þingvallastræti or the forest at Kjarnaskógur, you'll want wheels.

Local Buses and the Strætó Network

Akureyri's local buses are run by Strætó (straeto.is) and cover the town and nearby villages. Fares are flat and can be paid via the Strætó app or with a card on board; exact cash is not always accepted. The main hub is the bus station at Hafnarstræti 4, where routes fan out to neighbourhoods including Oddeyri, Naustahverfi and Giljabyggð. Buses run roughly every 30–60 minutes on weekdays, less frequently at weekends and in the evening. Services are reduced in summer, so always check the timetable for the day you travel rather than assuming a daily rhythm.

For Kjarnaskógur forest, about 5 km south of the centre, the number 5 or 6 bus gets you within a short walk of the trails in summer. For the airport at Akureyri (about 3 km south of town), the number 5 stops near the terminal, but the walk from the stop is not signed well. If you have luggage, a taxi from the centre takes around 10 minutes. The local bus is excellent value for reaching the swimming pool and the university area, but it is not designed for sightseeing and stops early in the evening.

Day Trips Without a Car

The headline day trip from Akureyri is Lake Mývatn, about 90 km east. There is no regular public bus aimed at tourists, but Strætó route 56 runs to Mývatn once a day in summer, and it's a long day: around two hours each way, with limited time at the lake. A organised coach tour is the realistic option if you want to see Dimmuborgir, the nature baths and Hverir in one day. Tours typically leave Akureyri around 8am and return by 6pm; book ahead in July and August. For whale watching in Eyjafjörður, boats leave from the harbour in Húsavík (80 km north) or from Akureyri itself in summer.

For Húsavík, the Strætó route 56 continues north, but again the schedule is thin. The alternative is a guided tour that combines whale watching with the journey. For the Goðafoss waterfall, 50 km east on Route 1, there is no practical public transport; a half-day tour or a taxi (expensive) are the only options. If you are based in Akureyri for several days and want flexibility, consider hiring a car for one or two days rather than relying on the bus. For everything inside the town, leave the car behind.

Where to Stay for Transport Access

If you are relying on public transport, the most convenient area is around Hafnarstræti and the bus station. Hotels here put you within a five-minute walk of the Strætó hub and the main shopping street, and you can walk to the church and the fjord in under fifteen minutes. The harbour area has a few guesthouses and is quiet at night. Avoid hotels high on the hill east of Brekkan if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage, unless you are prepared for a steep climb or a short taxi ride each time you go into town.

For summer visitors, book well ahead for the weeks around the Arctic Open golf tournament in June and the Akureyri Marathon in August, when central rooms fill. Winter prices are lower, but some outskirts guesthouses close. I would choose a hotel within two streets of Hafnarstræti for a car-free stay, because you can reach the bus station, tours and restaurants without planning. If you are mainly using Akureyri as a base for tours, confirm that the operator picks up from your hotel — many do, which saves a walk to the bus station.

Questions, answered

Can you get around Akureyri without a car?

Yes, the city centre is compact and walkable. Local Strætó buses reach the airport, swimming pool and Kjarnaskógur forest, but services are infrequent in the evening and at weekends. For day trips to Mývatn or Goðafoss, a tour or a short car hire is more practical.

How do you get from Akureyri airport to the city centre?

The airport is about 3 km south of the centre. Strætó route 5 stops nearby, but the walk to the terminal is not well signed. A taxi takes around 10 minutes and is the easiest option with luggage. There is no dedicated airport bus.

Is there a bus from Akureyri to Lake Mývatn?

Strætó route 56 runs once a day in summer, taking about two hours each way. The schedule leaves little time at the lake. Most visitors join an organised coach tour from Akureyri, which covers the main sights in a full day.

What is the best area to stay in Akureyri without a car?

Stay near Hafnarstræti and the bus station. From there you can walk to the church, the fjord and most restaurants, and reach the Strætó hub in minutes. Avoid hotels high on the hill east of Brekkan unless you are fit or willing to take taxis.

How much does the local bus cost in Akureyri?

Strætó fares are flat and can be paid via the app or by card on board. Exact cash is not always accepted. Prices are set by the operator and change, so check the Strætó app or website for the current fare before you travel.

Can you visit Goðafoss without a car?

There is no practical public transport to Goðafoss, which is about 50 km east of Akureyri on Route 1. The realistic options are a half-day organised tour or a taxi, which is expensive. A short car hire may be better value if several of you travel.

When is the best time to visit Akureyri for car-free travel?

June to August offers the most frequent buses and long daylight for walking, but book hotels early. May and September are quieter with lower prices, though some services are reduced. Winter is atmospheric but icy underfoot and many tours stop running.

Do tours pick up from hotels in Akureyri?

Many tour operators pick up from central hotels or the bus station on Hafnarstræti. Confirm the pickup point when you book, as some only collect from the bus station. If your hotel is on the outskirts, ask whether a pickup is possible or plan a short walk.

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