In short
Reykjavík is Iceland's cruise port: large ships berth at Skarfabakki in Sundahöfn, about 4 km from the centre, and smaller ones at the Old Harbour. Icelandair flies direct from Amsterdam and Brussels in about three hours; Keflavík airport is 50 km from the city. Cruises run from May to September, most in July, usually for 10–14 nights or longer.
Port at a glance
Reykjavík
Iceland
- Where ships go
- Iceland and Greenland
- Usual length
- 10–14 or 15+ nights
- Terminal
- Skarfabakki in Sundahöfn, 4 km from the centre; smaller ships at the Old Harbour
- Getting there
- About 3 hours from Amsterdam or Brussels; Keflavík airport is 50 km away
Important: international flights land at Keflavík, 50 km from Reykjavík — not at the small city airport, which handles domestic flights. Allow about an hour from the plane to the ship.
Pick a month in the cruise finder →Why Reykjavík
- All of Iceland without driving. A cruise around the island links fjords, waterfalls, whale-watching bays and towns such as Akureyri and Ísafjörður — no need to cover more than 1,300 km of the Ring Road yourself.
- The midnight sun. In June and July it never really gets dark: an 11 p.m. sail-away still happens in daylight.
- Close to home. About three hours' flight from Amsterdam or Brussels, and Iceland is in Schengen — no passport control on flights from the Netherlands or Belgium.
- Iceland before you board. Arrive a day or two early and you can see the Golden Circle — Þingvellir, the Geysir area and Gullfoss waterfall — or soak in a geothermal lagoon.
Where cruises from Reykjavík go
The season is short — May to September — and almost every sailing goes around Iceland. These are the main options:
| Route | Typical length | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around Iceland | 10–14 nights, often 15 or more | May to September, busiest in July | The main route: Akureyri, Ísafjörður, the East Fjords, sometimes the Westman Islands; longer sailings occasionally add Greenland |
| Shorter Iceland loops | 6–9 nights | May to August, now and then | A few departures a season — fewer ports, the same landscapes |
| Norway and Northern Europe | 10–14 nights or longer | June to August, only a few | Usually one-way: the ship sails on to the Norwegian fjords and ends in a Northern European port — check which one |
| Greenland and Canada | 10–14 nights or longer | August and September | One-way across the North Atlantic with calls in Greenland; you fly home from North America |
Based on cruise line schedules for 2026–2027. Ships, ports and dates change; always check the specific sailing and its final port.
Which season to choose
Spring and white nights
Around 9–12°C by day. May has only a couple of departures; June has more, and the nights stay light until morning.
Cruises in June →Peak season
The warmest month, usually 12–15°C, and almost half of the year's sailings. Book early: cabins and hotels in Reykjavík fill up fast.
Cruises in July →Late summer
Still light and green, and by mid-month the puffins leave their cliffs. This is when the first sailings to Greenland and Canada depart.
Cruises in August →End of season and winter
September brings the last departures: cooler days, darker nights and, with luck, the first northern lights. From October to April no cruises leave Reykjavík.
Cruises in September →Getting to the terminal
Large ships berth at Skarfabakki in Sundahöfn, the city's main cruise harbour, about 4 km east of the centre; a new passenger terminal has been built there for embarkation. Smaller ships moor at Miðbakki in the Old Harbour, a few minutes' walk from downtown. Your boarding documents show exactly which quay you need.
- From the Netherlands and Belgium. Icelandair flies direct from Amsterdam and Brussels in about three hours. From Eindhoven and other airports you will need a change. The Icelandic low-cost airline PLAY stopped flying in 2025. Fly in at least the day before: summer flights are full, and the weather can cause delays.
- From Keflavík airport. The airport is about 50 km from Reykjavík. The Flybus meets arriving flights and takes about 45 minutes to the BSÍ bus terminal in town; from there it is around 10 minutes by taxi to Skarfabakki. A taxi or pre-booked transfer straight to the port takes 45–50 minutes.
- Cruise line transfer. Many cruise lines offer their own transfer from the airport to the ship — on embarkation day it is often the simplest option.
- From the city centre. Skarfabakki is about 10 minutes by taxi. On foot it takes 40–50 minutes — fine for a stroll, not with suitcases. From Miðbakki, downtown is a 5–10-minute walk.
Terminal and route on the map
These links open Google Maps with the route ready — handy on embarkation day. Google shows the travel time for your day and hour.
Terminals
Getting there
- Keflavík Airport → Skarfabakki (Sundahöfn)By car / taxiPublic transport
- BSÍ bus terminal → Skarfabakki (Sundahöfn)By car / taxi
- Keflavík Airport → Miðbakki (Old Harbour)By car / taxiPublic transport
Check your boarding documents for your terminal or pier: each route leads to the one named in its row.
The night before: where to stay
Flying in on embarkation day puts a three-hour flight and another hour on the road between you and the ship — and Icelandic weather can delay flights. A night in Reykjavík removes that risk, and the summer evening stays light for a walk.
Downtown and Laugavegur
The main shopping street, cafés and Hallgrímskirkja, all within walking distance. About 10 minutes by taxi to Skarfabakki.
Old Harbour and Grandi
Harpa, fishing boats, whale-watching piers and seafood restaurants. If your ship berths at Miðbakki, you can walk to it.
Laugardalur
A green district with the city's largest swimming pool and a botanic garden, about 5 minutes by taxi from the terminal.
Near Keflavík airport
Hotels in Keflavík and Reykjanesbær are 5–10 minutes from the airport. In the morning, allow about 50 minutes to the port.
If you have half a day in Reykjavík
Most of this is in or near downtown; from Skarfabakki, take a taxi or the ship's shuttle if there is one:
- Harpa and the Old Harbour. The glass concert hall on the waterfront, and next to it the old harbour with fishing boats, cafés and whale-watching trips.
- Sun Voyager. A steel sculpture of a ship on the shore path, with Mount Esja across the bay behind it.
- Hallgrímskirkja and Laugavegur. The concrete church you can see from anywhere in town — a lift takes you up the tower for the best view of Reykjavík — and the main shopping streets below it.
- A geothermal pool. Swimming pools are part of everyday life in Iceland: Laugardalslaug is close to Skarfabakki, Sundhöllin is in the centre. One rule: shower without a swimsuit before you get in.
- Perlan. A glass dome on top of hot-water tanks, with a viewing deck and an exhibition on glaciers and volcanoes.
The day you come back
Ships dock early in the morning, and guests leave in groups until around 9 or 10 a.m. Many flights to Europe leave Keflavík in the morning and are out of reach on disembarkation day, so choose an afternoon flight or stay another night. With time to spare, the Blue Lagoon is on the way, about 20 minutes from the airport: book ahead and check that it is open, as volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula have closed it more than once. If your cruise ended in Greenland or Canada, plan the flight home from there in advance.
Practical tips
- Layers and a waterproof jacket. Even in July it is usually 10–14°C, windy and showery — and colder still on deck in the fjords.
- An expensive country. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe: restaurants, taxis and excursions cost noticeably more than at home. Plan your budget in advance. Tap water is excellent, so carry a bottle.
- Cards everywhere. You can pay by card almost everywhere, even for small amounts; cash in Icelandic krónur is rarely needed.
- Sleeping in daylight. In June and July the nights are bright. If light keeps you awake, pack an eye mask — hotel curtains are not always blackout.
- ID for everyone. Iceland is in Schengen but not in the EU. Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Canada have their own entry rules. If you do not hold a European passport, check every country on the route in good time — what to check.
Rather not fly?
Iceland cruises also leave from Rotterdam, Hamburg and Southampton — round trips of about two weeks, with the Faroes or Norway on the way. Rotterdam is a train ride from home. Cruises from Rotterdam →
Common questions
Which cruises leave from Reykjavík?
Mostly cruises around Iceland, usually 10–14 nights, with quite a few of 15 nights or more. Some sailings continue one-way to Norway and Northern Europe, or to Greenland and Canada. The season runs from May to September and is busiest in July.
Where is the cruise terminal in Reykjavík?
Large ships berth at Skarfabakki in Sundahöfn, about 4 km east of the centre — around 10 minutes by taxi. Smaller ships moor at Miðbakki in the Old Harbour, within walking distance of downtown. Your boarding documents show which quay you need.
How do I get to Reykjavík from the Netherlands or Belgium?
Icelandair flies direct from Amsterdam and Brussels in about three hours. From Keflavík airport, 50 km from the city, take the Flybus to the BSÍ terminal (about 45 minutes) and a taxi to the port, or a taxi or transfer straight to the ship.
Where should I stay the night before a cruise from Reykjavík?
Downtown around Laugavegur or by the Old Harbour is the most convenient — especially if your ship berths at Miðbakki. Closest to Skarfabakki is the Laugardalur district. If you land late at night, you can stay near Keflavík airport, but allow about 50 minutes to the port in the morning.
Is Iceland in Schengen?
Yes. Iceland is in the Schengen area but not in the EU: there is no passport control on flights from the Netherlands and Belgium, but do bring a valid passport or ID card. The currency is the Icelandic króna. Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Canada are outside Schengen.
Do all cruises from Reykjavík return to Reykjavík?
Most round-Iceland cruises do, but not all. Some sailings end in Norway, another Northern European port or Canada. Check the final port before you buy your flight home.
How the club fits in
Cruises from Reykjavík that are available in the club work on the same terms as any other route. You choose one way to pay per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing), roughly 17% below the listed price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the cruise price. They do not add up. To pay up to 100% with points, you need to have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure.
Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search, or ask us and we will tell you which Reykjavík dates are available in the month you have in mind.
How booking with points works →
Seasons and destinations are summarised from cruise line schedules for 2026–2027 and may change; check the current itinerary and terminal information before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.