Reykjavík Cruise Port (Skarfabakki): Getting to the City, Airport and Tours

If your ship is calling at the Reykjavík cruise port, you probably have somewhere between six and ten hours ashore, and a lot of Iceland you would like to see. Most large ships dock at Skarfabakki, a few kilometres east of the city centre, while smaller vessels may use the old harbour closer to downtown. Your cruise line will tell you which one applies to your sailing.

This guide explains how the port connects to the city, what is realistic in a single day, and how to get to Keflavík Airport at the start or end of your cruise.

Where you arrive: Skarfabakki and the old harbour

Skarfabakki is a working cargo and cruise terminal, not a place with cafés on the quayside. Expect a short walk or shuttle from the gangway to the gate, then a road into town. The old harbour, by contrast, is within walking distance of the main sights, including the shops and restaurants of the city centre and the Harpa concert hall.

Always check your cruise line's arrival time, berth and all-aboard time on the day. They can differ from what you booked months earlier, and the all-aboard time is the one that matters.

From the port to central Reykjavík

The city centre is only a short drive from Skarfabakki, but it is too far to walk comfortably with luggage or in bad weather. You usually have three choices:

• A shuttle bus run by the cruise line or a local operator. Check current prices, times and whether it returns to the ship.
• A taxi from the port. Check the current fare before you ride, and agree how you will pay.
• A pre-booked private car with a driver who knows the port and the traffic.

If you only want to see downtown, a shuttle is often enough. If you want to see more than the centre, or you are travelling as a family, a private car becomes good value because the fare covers the whole car, not each person.

What you can see in a port day

Short stops reward focus. Pick one main plan and leave a generous margin before all-aboard time.

• City highlights: the old harbour, Harpa, the Sun Voyager sculpture by the seafront and Hallgrímskirkja church, all in a compact area.
• A scenic half day: the Golden Circle is the classic Iceland day trip, but it is a long outing. Check our Golden Circle guide to see whether it fits your port time.
• A geothermal soak: the Blue Lagoon is on the Reykjanes peninsula, roughly 50 km from Reykjavík, so it is feasible only on a longer port day.

Why a private driver suits a cruise day

With a private tour you have your own driver, so you can set the pace and cut a stop if the clock is running. We keep the vehicle to your group: an Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers or a Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7. Larger groups of 8 to 16 can travel by minibus on request, so message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 with your ship, port time and group size and we will tell you what is possible.

See our private tours for ideas, or the Golden Circle tour if you are tempted by the classic route. We agree the meeting point with you in advance, so you know exactly where to find your driver.

Cruise to flight: getting to Keflavík Airport

Many cruises start or end in Reykjavík, so you may be heading to or from Keflavík Airport (KEF), roughly 50 km and about 45 minutes away by car. For disembarkation day, remember that ships often unload in stages and your luggage may arrive at the terminal later than you do.

• Look at your flight time and work backwards: allow for disembarkation, the drive, and check-in at the airport.
• Book a car for a time that matches your disembarkation slot rather than the earliest possible time.
• Add your flight number when you book, so we have your travel details to hand.

Our airport transfer from Keflavík to Reykjavík starts from 18,900 kr per car, with a fixed price and no meter. For the full picture of options, see every way from Keflavík to Reykjavík, and read our arrivals guide if you land there before the cruise.

FAQ

Where do cruise ships dock in Reykjavík?

Can I walk from the cruise port to the city?

Is there enough time for the Golden Circle on a cruise day?

Can you take me from the ship to Keflavík Airport?

Can I cancel if my cruise plans change?