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430 km
About 6 h 45 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
North · from KEF
About Akureyri and the drive
Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland and the country's largest town outside the Reykjavík area, set at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord with snow-streaked mountains on both sides. It has a lively centre with cafés, restaurants and shops, the stepped Akureyrarkirkja church above the main street, a botanical garden and a ski area at Hlíðarfjall in winter. It is also the natural base for Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and whale watching in the bay to the north and east.
By road from Keflavík Airport, Route 1 takes you through Reykjavík, under Hvalfjörður and past Borgarnes, then over two mountain passes: Holtavörðuheiði and, near the end, Öxnadalsheiði, before descending into Eyjafjörður. On the way you pass the volcanic crater of Grábrók, the towns of Blönduós and Varmahlíð, and the turf houses of Skagafjörður. It is a long day, so plan proper breaks, and be honest with yourself about doing it straight after an overnight flight.
If you would rather not spend the day in a car, domestic flights from Reykjavík to Akureyri are an alternative; we can take you from Keflavík to Reykjavík's domestic airport instead. Otherwise, your driver brings you door to door to your Akureyri hotel or apartment. See our Akureyri travel guide for ideas once you arrive.
Seasons and roads
Holtavörðuheiði and Öxnadalsheiði are high passes that can close temporarily in winter storms, and December days in the north are very short. We check the forecast before every long winter drive and may advise changing the time or splitting the journey.
