How to get to the Westman islands

The Westman Islands, known locally as Vestmannaeyjar, are a small archipelago located off the south coast of Iceland. They’re too far offshore for a bridge, yet despite the ocean that separates them from the mainland it’s surprisingly straightforward to reach Heimaey, their largest island. Let’s take a look at the transport options and show you how to get to the Westman Islands. 

Is it better to take the bus or car to Landeyjahöfn?

The cheapest option for would-be travellers to the Westman Islands is to hop on a ferry. The journey time takes around 35 to 40 minutes. Sailings are operated by Herjólfur and can be booked online if you are travelling independently. However to do so, first you need to reach the mainland ferry terminal at Landeyjahöfn. This is possible by public bus or by car.

From Reykjavik, there are two bus departures each day (weekends and public holidays included) in either direction. Currently, on a weekday they leave Reykjavík at 8am and 5.45pm; the journey takes about two hours. From Landeyjahöfn, buses head back to the capital at 10.35am and 8.40pm. You can keep abreast of changes to the timetable on the Strætó website. 

When you reach the city’s bus station, look for bus 52. This will take you all the way to Landeyjahöfn so you won’t need to worry about changing buses or missed connections. Note, however, that if the harbour is closed – for example because of bad weather – then the bus will turn around in Hvolsvöllur. However, this information is published on the ferry’s website. Therefore, it would be available to you before boarding the bus in Reykjavik and you won’t find yourself stranded.  

If you’ve rented a car, you’ll follow the same route but have much more flexibility. This is located a short distance, about a ten minute drive, from the ring road. If you are coming from Reykjavik, then about 20 minutes after the town of Hella you make a right turn. If you pass Seljalandsfoss waterfall, you’ve gone too far, so do a U-turn and cross back over the bridge. Follow route 254 all the way to the sea and you’ll see the ferry terminal.

What about taking the car on the ferry?

The ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey is a car ferry, so if you want to keep the rental car with you, it’s possible to do so. There’s also plenty of parking right beside the ferry terminal at Landeyjahöfn so if you prefer to leave it behind that’s also an option. Whether you feel you need a car on the other side depends on what you plan to do. Many of the activities that visitors come here to do, such as ATV rides or boat trips, depart conveniently from meeting points within a short walk of the ferry. 

It’s worth planning what you’d like to do in advance and perhaps then you can save yourself a bit of money. Regardless, then pre-booking the ferry is advisable, particularly if you are bringing a vehicle too. Space is limited and you might find your preferred sailing is sold out if you choose to buy your ticket in person at the port. This is especially the case if you are travelling during the peak summer months when demand is high.

Can I save time if I go by air?

The Westman Islands do have a small airport served by a small airline called Eagle Air. Planes leave from Reykjavik’s domestic airport – not Keflavik – and the number of departures varies according to the season. In winter 2023-24 it was four times a week with flights on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. It is an expensive option and really should be considered as a last resort given how easy it is to catch the ferry. 

Is Heimaey served by cruise ships?

It is possible to find a cruise that calls at Heimaey; the Cruisemapper website has a searchable, comprehensive list of sailings. For instance, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) sell a number of cruises, some of which circumnavigate Iceland while others connect to ports such as Hamburg in Germany.   

In addition, Holland America Line offers a range of cruises from ports like Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Alternatively Carnival offer a 12 day round trip cruise from Dover in the UK. Typically, you might have around eight hours in port, but note that ships must anchor offshore in deeper water and passengers have to disembark using tenders.Once you’re there, getting around is easy. Heimaey is small enough that you won’t need a car, though if you book our ATV tour it will make light work of covering much more of this striking island.