Reykjavik – Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn)

Reviewed · 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
Book on Viator →

Westman Islands start with an easy ferry connection. This Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn transfer takes the stress out of the drive and lines you up with the ferry to the Westman Islands. The ride itself is comfortable, and the Wi-Fi onboard means you can plan your island day while you roll toward the harbor.

I like two things right away. First, the pickup convenience in central Reykjavik (Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg area) makes it simple to start, even if you are not renting a car. Second, the bus has Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, so the 2-hour journey feels like time well used instead of dead time.

One thing to consider: you do not get the ferry ticket with this transfer. You will need to book the ferry on your own, and the schedule only works if both parts of your plan (bus timing and ferry ticket) line up.

Key things to know before you go

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Key things to know before you go

  • Small group size (max 19), which helps the transfer feel more controlled and less chaotic.
  • Wi-Fi on board, handy while you wait for ferry check-in or map out your island stops.
  • Air-conditioned bus, a big comfort win on changeable Iceland weather days.
  • You handle the ferry ticket, so you are in charge of how you build the rest of your Westman Islands day.
  • Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so plan your arrival at Höfðatorg early rather than right at departure time.

Why this Landeyjahöfn connector matters for the Westman Islands

The Westman Islands are one of those Iceland trips where the hardest part is not the destination, it is getting there smoothly. From Reykjavik, the ferry starts from Landeyjahöfn, and that is where the day either feels easy or it turns into a logistical scramble.

This bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn is built for the simplest possible goal: get you to the harbor on time so you can focus on your island plans. It is a connector, not a guided tour with a long lecture and rushed stops. That format is a real advantage when you want flexibility once you are off the boat.

It also helps you avoid the most common problem with island days in Iceland: when the drive and timing are off by even a little, you end up burning time at the terminal. With this kind of planned transfer, you do the minimum you need to do up front, then you switch to ferry mode.

Getting picked up at Höfðatorg without last-minute stress

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Getting picked up at Höfðatorg without last-minute stress
The start point is Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. Pickup begins at the departure time, and the pickup window may take up to 30 minutes.

That timing detail matters more than it sounds. In Reykjavik, it is easy to think you are early enough, then discover you are standing in the wrong spot or late for the exact curb where the driver stops. Your best move is to treat this like a “be there early” day.

Here is how I would plan it:

  • Arrive at Höfðatorg near the bus stop earlier than you think you need. Since pickup can run up to 30 minutes, give yourself cushion.
  • Keep your phone handy for your mobile ticket.
  • If you are using public transportation to get there, build in a buffer, because being just a few minutes behind can feel bigger when you are headed to a ferry.

The good news is that the pickup location is in a central area and is near public transportation, so you are not forced into a complicated route before you even start.

The 2-hour bus ride: comfort, Wi-Fi, and a calm start

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - The 2-hour bus ride: comfort, Wi-Fi, and a calm start
After pickup, the transfer takes you on a roughly 2-hour drive to the harbor in Landeyjahöfn. The total duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes including the connection time you need to reach the ferry area.

Two comfort features are included: the bus has Wi-Fi and it is air-conditioned. In Iceland, weather shifts fast, and having a climate-controlled ride helps a lot, especially if you start the day with layers you want to shed once you are on board.

The Wi-Fi is more than a nice-to-have. If you are heading to the Westman Islands and you want to decide your plan after you arrive, you can use the time to:

  • review your ferry timing and arrival plan
  • check the location of your next step once you reach Landeyjahöfn
  • look up practical info for moving around after you get off the ferry

One more practical point: the group size is capped at 19 travelers. That usually means you can expect a smoother boarding rhythm than larger mass shuttles. Also, smaller groups tend to make it easier to stay calm and keep track of where you need to be.

What happens when you reach Landeyjahöfn harbor

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - What happens when you reach Landeyjahöfn harbor
The end point is Landeyjahöfn, specifically Landeyjahafnarvegur. Once you arrive, your job shifts from travel logistics to ferry logistics.

Here is the key detail: the ferry ticket is not included, and you need to book it yourself. The service sets you up to get to the harbor, but it does not handle your ferry reservation.

I like this approach because it gives you control. You can choose the ferry option that fits your plan rather than getting pushed into a single tight schedule. But it also means you should not leave ferry booking to the last moment.

A smart rule of thumb from the practical guidance here:

  • book your ferry ticket and bus ticket at least 24 hours before departure
  • if either ticket is unavailable, free cancellation is possible when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time

In other words, the transfer helps you with the drive. You stay in charge of the ferry piece of the day.

Other ways to spend the same day out of Reykjavik

Planning your ferry connection like a pro

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Planning your ferry connection like a pro
Because the ferry is separate, you need to think like the coordinator of your own day. The transfer’s role is to deliver you to Landeyjahöfn at the right time, but you still need to have your ferry plan ready.

When I plan this kind of connection, I focus on three things:

1) Match your timing.

Make sure the bus departure time you book aligns with the ferry sailing you booked. If you pick a ferry that is too tight, any minor pickup delay can put you in the awkward zone.

2) Have your ticket ready on your phone.

The transfer uses a mobile ticket, and keeping everything in one place saves stress at the terminal.

3) Build a small buffer for the terminal.

Even when transfers are punctual, terminals still involve getting to the right check-in point and staying aware of boarding times.

The positive side of the setup is clear: the ride is organized to get you to the harbor without you needing to drive or navigate yourself. And the end of the transfer is the exact moment you want, when you can focus on the ferry rather than the route.

Price and value: what $60 buys you (and what it does not)

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Price and value: what $60 buys you (and what it does not)
The price is $60.00 per person for the bus transfer. That number can look simple on its face, but the value comes from what is included and what you avoid.

What you get:

  • Pickup offered in Reykjavik at the stated bus stop
  • a ride to Landeyjahöfn (about 2 hours of driving)
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • air-conditioned vehicle
  • a small group limit (max 19)
  • you are handed off to the harbor area, which is where the next step begins

What you do not get:

  • ferry tickets (you book those yourself)
  • any hop-on, hop-off bus ticket on the islands (that is separate)

So is it worth it? In my view, yes, if you value time and lower stress more than you value DIY control. If you are not planning to rent a car, a direct connector is often the easiest way to make the Westman Islands work without extra driving fatigue.

Also, the price is paying for reliability and simplicity. The bus connector approach is basically you buying the benefit of someone else handling the route and timing for the mainland segment.

Riding with a small group: the practical benefits

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Riding with a small group: the practical benefits
A maximum of 19 travelers sounds like a minor detail, but it affects how the transfer feels.

Smaller group size usually means:

  • easier movement when boarding
  • fewer chances of confusion about where everyone is supposed to be
  • a more predictable experience if you are traveling with a phone, small bag, and ferry ticket plan

Another point I would keep in mind is that the service allows service animals. It also notes it is near public transportation and that most travelers can participate. That combination generally makes it easier for different travel styles to fit, from solo travelers to couples building an island day on their own.

Comfortable travel, but keep your plans flexible

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn) - Comfortable travel, but keep your plans flexible
This is not a long sightseeing day. The core experience is the transport to Landeyjahöfn. That means you should pair it with ferry plans and then your own island time.

Once you are on the islands, you are free to choose your pace. The guidance here also mentions that a hop-on/hop-off bus option exists, but the ticket is not included with the connector. If you want to use it, you should plan to purchase it separately once you arrive.

The transfer being focused on the drive is a feature, not a flaw. You avoid getting tied to a fixed tour route, which matters because island experiences can be weather and timing sensitive.

Weather matters, because ferries matter

The experience notes that it requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

That is one reason I like booking both parts thoughtfully. Iceland can change fast, and ferry travel can be affected. When you have control over the ferry ticket timing (and you are within the free cancellation window), you have a better shot at adapting your day without losing money.

Who should book this transfer

This connector is a good match if:

  • you want the Westman Islands but do not want to handle driving and navigation from Reykjavik
  • you prefer a straightforward plan, bus to harbor, then your own ferry time
  • you like having Wi-Fi so you can plan your island day while you travel
  • you want a small group setting rather than a huge coach

It may not be the best fit if:

  • you already have a rental car and prefer full control of your schedule
  • you plan to keep your itinerary extremely spontaneous, since the ferry ticket timing is on you
  • you do not want to manage a two-part booking (bus plus ferry)

Practical checklist before you go

Use this as a fast pre-trip sanity check:

  • Book your bus transfer and ferry ticket at least 24 hours before departure.
  • Arrive at Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg area early, because pickup can take up to 30 minutes.
  • Keep your mobile ticket ready on your phone.
  • Confirm you know the end point area: Landeyjahafnarvegur in Landeyjahöfn.
  • If you want island transport like a hop-on/hop-off bus, plan to buy it separately.

Do that, and the transfer stays exactly what it is meant to be: a calm, efficient bridge between Reykjavik and island time.

Should you book this Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn transfer?

If your goal is to reach the Westman Islands with minimal stress, I think this is a solid booking. The value comes from the included Wi-Fi, the air-conditioned ride, the central Reykjavik pickup, and the small group size. You get the drive handled, and once you land in Landeyjahöfn, you move on to your ferry schedule and island plans.

The main reason to hesitate is also simple: the ferry ticket is not included. If you are comfortable booking the ferry yourself and you plan ahead by at least 24 hours, this connector is one of the cleaner ways to make the Westman Islands work from Reykjavik.

FAQ

Is the ferry ticket included with the bus transfer?

No. You need to book your ferry ticket yourself. The bus is only the connector from Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn.

Where is the pickup in Reykjavik?

Pickup starts at Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long does the transfer take?

The bus ride to Landeyjahöfn is about 2 hours, and the full experience duration is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Does the bus have Wi-Fi and air-conditioning?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included on board, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.

How late can pickup be?

Pickup starts at the departure time and may take up to 30 minutes.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.