What ferries operate in Iceland?

Three main routes: Herjólfur connects Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar (35 min, daily); Baldur crosses Breiðafjörður between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur (2.5 hours, connecting the Snæfellsnes and Westfjords regions); and Smyril Line runs weekly international sailings from Seyðisfjörður to the Faroes and Denmark.

Ferries in Iceland: Westman Islands, Westfjords & Faroe 2026

Iceland’s ferry network

Iceland is an island, but internal ferry routes are few and specific. The main services fill gaps where roads are long, expensive to build, or absent — the Westman Islands, the Breiðafjörður crossing to the Westfjords, and the international Smyril Line route to continental Europe.

Unlike Scandinavia or Scotland, Iceland does not have an extensive coastal ferry network. Most inter-regional travel is by road or domestic flight.

Herjólfur — Landeyjahöfn to Westman Islands

The car and passenger ferry Herjólfur connects mainland Iceland to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), a cluster of volcanic islands about 15 km off the south coast. The crossing from Landeyjahöfn takes 35 minutes — one of the shortest sea crossings in Iceland.

Schedule: Multiple daily crossings; roughly 8–10 sailings per day in summer, fewer in winter. Check current schedules at herjolfur.is.

Prices (2026 indicative):

Adult passenger: 1,700–1,900 ISK one way
Standard car + driver: 5,500–6,500 ISK one way
Bicycles: 700 ISK

Important: The crossing can be cancelled in rough sea conditions — the South Atlantic sends swells that make Landeyjahöfn approach unsafe. In winter, cancellations happen multiple times per week. An alternative route exists via Þorlákshöfn (longer, also in south Iceland) with less frequency.

Getting to Landeyjahöfn: The terminal is about 140 km from Reykjavik, off Road 1 near Hvolsvöllur. No regular public transport — you need a car or organised transfer.

What’s on the Westman Islands? The town of Heimaey is the only inhabited island, with a population of about 4,000. The islands are famous for the 1973 Eldfell eruption (which nearly consumed the harbour), the world’s largest puffin colony (summer), Atlantic puffin rescue programmes, and dramatic sea cliffs. A visit of 1–2 nights does the main sites justice. See Westman Islands.

Baldur — Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur

The Baldur ferry crosses Breiðafjörður bay between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula town of Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur at the southern edge of the Westfjords. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours.

This route is primarily useful as a road shortcut: instead of driving the long route south to Reykjavik and back north into the Westfjords, the ferry cuts directly across the bay and saves 4–6 hours of driving.

Schedule: Two crossings per day each way in summer, reduced to one daily in off-season. Check seatours.is for schedules.

Prices (2026 indicative):

Adult passenger: 3,200–3,600 ISK one way
Standard car + driver: 10,500–12,000 ISK one way

Practical notes: The Baldur passes through the islands of Breiðafjörður, which is a scenic bonus — bring binoculars for birdwatching (eiders, gulls, possible white-tailed eagles). The ferry is popular in summer; book car spaces at least a week ahead during July–August. Walk-on passengers can almost always get on.

Connecting itinerary: A classic route takes visitors from Reykjavik to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Snaefellsnes Peninsula, 2 days), then the Baldur ferry to Brjánslækur, and onward into the Westfjords (Westfjords). This avoids a 650 km round-trip through Reykjavik.

Smyril Line — international ferry from Seyðisfjörður

Smyril Line operates the M/S Norröna, the only regular passenger ferry linking Iceland to continental Europe. It departs from Seyðisfjörður in the East Fjords, with stops at the Faroe Islands and onward to Hirtshals (Denmark).

Route: Seyðisfjörður → Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) → Hirtshals (Denmark). Return route reverses. Total voyage Seyðisfjörður to Hirtshals: approximately 4–5 days.

Frequency: Weekly in summer (roughly April–October), less frequent in winter. Specific schedules vary by year — check smyril-line.com.

Prices (2026 indicative, person + vehicle):

Seyðisfjörður to Tórshavn: from around 25,000–40,000 ISK per person (cabin included)
Seyðisfjörður to Hirtshals: from around 45,000–80,000 ISK per person (cabin + car varies widely by cabin class and season)

The Smyril Line experience is an event in itself — the ship is large and comfortable, with restaurants, bars, a gym, and lounges. Crossing the North Atlantic in the Norröna in July is a particular experience, especially if the Faroe Islands are a goal. It is slower and more expensive than flying but uniquely suited to travellers who want to bring their own car into and out of Iceland.

Seyðisfjörður: A small fjord town in the East Iceland region, known for colourful houses and a vibrant arts scene — worth a night’s stay on either side of the crossing. See Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður.

Grímsey Island ferry

A small passenger and cargo ferry, the Sævar, serves Grímsey — Iceland’s only inhabited island north of the Arctic Circle. The ferry departs from Dalvík (north of Akureyri) and takes about 3 hours each way. Service is about 3 times per week. Eagle Air also flies to Grímsey from Reykjavik.

Grímsey is primarily visited for the Arctic Circle claim. The island has seabird colonies and a permanent population of around 100. Not a mainstream tourist route, but worth knowing for travellers with time in the north.

Summary: which ferry for which purpose

Route	Use case	Duration	Book at
Herjólfur (Landeyjahöfn–Vestmannaeyjar)	Westman Islands visit	35 min	herjolfur.is
Baldur (Stykkishólmur–Brjánslækur)	Snæfellsnes to Westfjords shortcut	2.5 hrs	seatours.is
Smyril Line (Seyðisfjörður–Faroes–Denmark)	Europe connection with vehicle	4–5 days	smyril-line.com
Sævar (Dalvík–Grímsey)	Arctic Circle island visit	3 hrs	samskip.is

Frequently asked questions about ferries in Iceland

Can you take a ferry from the UK to Iceland?

No direct UK–Iceland ferry service currently operates. Smyril Line’s Norröna route connects Iceland to Denmark via the Faroe Islands. From the UK, you would take this ferry to/from Denmark or fly.

How rough is the crossing to the Westman Islands?

It depends on the day. The 35-minute crossing can be smooth or quite rough, depending on Atlantic swell. People who experience seasickness should take precautions. The ferry occasionally cancels — if this matters to your plans, build a spare day or consider flying (Air Iceland Connect serves Vestmannaeyjar).

Do I need to book a car on the Herjólfur in advance?

In summer, yes — car spaces sell out. Walk-on passengers rarely have issues. Book at herjolfur.is.

Is the Baldur ferry suitable for large campervans?

The Baldur carries campervans and motorhomes. Measure your vehicle and book accordingly — large vehicles require specific deck placement. Contact Seatours for vehicle width and height limits.

Can I visit the Faroe Islands from Iceland on a day trip?

No — the Smyril Line crossing to the Faroes takes approximately 36–38 hours from Seyðisfjörður. The Faroes are not a day-trip destination from Iceland. A minimum of 3–4 nights in the Faroes makes the journey worthwhile.

Is there a ferry between Reykjavik and Akureyri?

No. There is no passenger ferry along Iceland’s west or north coast. The only options between Reykjavik and north Iceland are driving (5.5–6 hours), a domestic flight (45 minutes), or a long-distance bus.

Using the Baldur ferry in your itinerary

The Baldur crossing between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur is the most practically useful ferry for route planning. Here’s how travellers typically incorporate it:

Westfjords without doubling back

The direct road from Reykjavik to the Westfjords goes north through Borgarnes, then west to Reykhólar, and then the Westfjords circuit begins. The return via the same route is essentially the same 4–5 hours.

The alternative with the Baldur: drive from Reykjavik to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (1.5–2 hours), take the ferry to Brjánslækur in the south Westfjords (2.5 hours on the water), then drive north into the Westfjords from there. On the return, drive south to Reykhólar or Ísafjörður (depending on your Westfjords circuit), and drive back to Reykjavik on the northern Ring Road.

This makes the Westfjords a natural extension of a Snæfellsnes visit rather than a separate out-and-back.

What to see between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur

The ferry passes through Breiðafjörður, an archipelago of hundreds of small islands (the number is famously uncountable — Icelandic legend says you cannot count all the islands and the stars simultaneously). Highlights visible from the deck:

White-tailed eagles: Iceland has a growing population; they’re regularly spotted from the ferry
Eider ducks: dense populations on the island clusters
Flatey Island: a small inhabited island in the middle of the bay, sometimes a brief stop. Has a church with modern fresco artwork inside and a handful of year-round residents.

Bring binoculars. The wildlife density on Breiðafjörður is genuinely impressive.

Herjólfur cancellations and what to do

When the Herjólfur cancels (most common in winter and during Atlantic low-pressure systems), you have limited options to reach the Westman Islands:

Wait for the next sailing: Cancellations are usually 12–36 hours in duration
Fly via Air Iceland Connect: Reykjavik to Vestmannaeyjar takes 25 minutes; check availability quickly as seats go fast when the ferry cancels
Extend your mainland stay: Build a buffer day into any Westman Islands itinerary if visiting between October and April

The other Westman Islands ferry terminal at Þorlákshöfn operates when Landeyjahöfn is closed by conditions. It’s a longer crossing (about 3 hours) but provides a backup. The website herjolfur.is lists current operating status in real time.

The Smyril Line experience in detail

The M/S Norröna is a large vessel by North Atlantic standards — 35,400 gross tonnes, capacity for over 1,500 passengers and several hundred vehicles. The crossing from Seyðisfjörður to Hirtshals (Denmark) via Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) takes approximately 4.5–5 days including port stops.

What’s on board:

Cabins ranging from 4-berth inside cabins to outside premium suites
Multiple restaurants (from self-service cafeteria to sit-down dining)
Tax-free shop (competitive alcohol and perfume prices)
Bar with live music on some sailings
Small pool and sauna
Children’s play area

Who takes the Smyril Line:

Travellers bringing their own car into Iceland for a long stay (6+ weeks)
People using Iceland as a stopover on a broader Nordic journey
Those specifically wanting the Faroe Islands as a destination
Expedition travellers and motorcyclists who want their bike

For a 7–14 day Iceland holiday, the economics rarely work compared to flying. But for a 6-week road trip through Iceland arriving by ferry, the Norröna makes the trip itself part of the experience.

Getting to Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is in the East Iceland region, 26 km east of Egilsstaðir on a winding mountain road (Road 93). In summer, this road is fully passable. In winter, it can close due to avalanche risk — check conditions before driving. Eagle Air connects Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir in about 1 hour; a taxi or rental car covers the last stretch to Seyðisfjörður.

The town itself is worth 1–2 nights regardless of the ferry: colourful wooden houses, a renowned arts and music scene (the LungA festival in July draws international attention), and dramatic fjord scenery. See Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður for what to do.

When to use each ferry: summary decision guide

Use the Herjólfur if:

The Westman Islands are on your itinerary (they’re worth it for 1–2 nights)
You want puffin watching in summer (May–August) or Eldfell volcano hiking
Your car or van needs to go with you
Weather is favourable — check herjolfur.is the morning before you drive to Landeyjahöfn

Use the Baldur if:

You’re combining Snæfellsnes with the Westfjords
You want to avoid the 500+ km detour through Reykjavik
You want to see the Breiðafjörður birdlife from the water
Car space is booked (do this in advance for July–August)

Use Smyril Line if:

You’re bringing your own vehicle to Iceland for a longer stay
The Faroe Islands are a specific travel goal
The crossing experience itself is part of your trip
You prefer not flying and have time for a 4–5 day sea voyage

Skip all ferries if:

Your trip is short (7 days or less, focusing on the Ring Road only)
You’re flying domestically to cover regional distances
Weather is bad for the Herjólfur crossing and you don’t have flex days

The ferries and Iceland’s coastal geography

Iceland’s shoreline is 4,970 km — proportionally very large for a country of this size due to the extensive fjording of the Westfjords and East Fjords coastlines. Despite this, Iceland has developed road rather than maritime connectivity as its primary transport infrastructure.

The reason is practical: Iceland’s fishing industry required a network of small boats rather than passenger ferries, and the main population centres (Reykjavik, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir) are connected more efficiently by road or air than by coastal shipping.

The existing ferry routes all serve specific geographic constraints: the Westman Islands (separated by open sea), the Breiðafjörður crossing (where the fjord is too wide for a practical bridge), and the international Smyril Line (where no road connection is physically possible).

Future ferry infrastructure development in Iceland is unlikely in the near term. The country has prioritised road investment and the Ring Road system provides connectivity to most inhabited areas.

Safety on Iceland’s ferry crossings

Iceland’s maritime safety standards are rigorous. All ferries operating in Icelandic waters comply with Samgöngustofa (Icelandic Transport Authority) safety regulations. Life jacket demonstrations are conducted before departure. Emergency procedures are posted in cabins and passenger areas.

The North Atlantic and the coastal waters around Iceland can produce significant swell. The Herjólfur crossing, despite being short (35 minutes), occasionally sees rough conditions. The Smyril Line’s North Atlantic crossing can be genuinely challenging in autumn storms — the Norröna has a modern stabiliser system but is not immune to heavy Atlantic swells.

Travellers with severe seasickness should take prescription medication rather than relying on over-the-counter motion sickness pills for the Smyril Line crossing.

Booking and advance planning

Herjólfur: Online at herjolfur.is. Passenger-only travel requires no advance booking; car spaces sell out in summer.

Baldur: Online at seatours.is. Book car spaces 1–2 weeks ahead in summer minimum.

Smyril Line: Online at smyril-line.com. Cabin categories range significantly in price; book 3–6 months ahead for summer sailings. The cheapest option is a recliner seat rather than a cabin on short legs.

For all ferry bookings, have your vehicle registration details to hand if travelling with a car.

For getting to and from these ferry terminals, see public transport Iceland for bus and transfer options, and renting a car in Iceland for road access.

What ferries reveal about Iceland’s geography

Iceland’s ferry network, sparse as it is, tells you something important about the country’s geography: connections to offshore and distant regions that roads cannot cheaply serve.

The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) rise sheer from the Atlantic with no causeway — nature made the ferry the only surface option. The Breiðafjörður bay is 50 km wide at its narrowest crossing point — a bridge would be an engineering feat comparable to the Great Belt in Denmark, economically unjustifiable for the population served. The international Smyril Line serves Iceland’s role as a mid-Atlantic waypoint between Europe and Greenland, a position it has held since the Norse settlement.

Understanding why ferries exist where they do helps you assess whether they’re genuinely useful for your trip. The Herjólfur is essential if Vestmannaeyjar is your goal. The Baldur is a real route saving for the Westfjords circuit. Smyril Line is for a specific kind of extended travel.

For most Iceland Ring Road visitors, ferries are optional enhancements to the core itinerary rather than necessities. For those targeting the Westman Islands or Westfjords specifically, the ferry options are the defining transport logic of the trip.

Ferries and the overall Iceland transport picture

Iceland’s transport hierarchy, from most-used tourist method to least:

Rental car (Ring Road, self-drive: dominant for 80%+ of visitors)
Day tours from Reykjavik (structured group transport: for visitors who prefer not to drive)
Domestic flights (Akureyri, Westfjords, East Iceland time savings)
Ferries (Westman Islands, Westfjords shortcut, international)
Public buses (Strætó city network in Reykjavik; limited intercity)
Hitchhiking (summer only; complement to bus travel for budget travellers)

Ferries occupy a specific niche that car rental, flights, and buses can’t replace for the specific routes they serve. For a comprehensive Iceland itinerary, knowing where each of these modes fits helps you make efficient, cost-effective transport decisions.

For the full Iceland transport picture: see public transport Iceland, domestic flights Iceland, renting a car Iceland, and getting from Keflavik airport.