Explore on your own rating
The city is small, but the big sights are far and the terminal is out of town.
Where ships dock
- Skarfabakki (main large-ship berth, about 4 km from the center)
- Old Harbour / Miðbakki (central; smaller ships)
Getting to town
The free port shuttle no longer runs (as reported); check your ship for a shuttle, or use taxis or buses. Old Harbour berths are walkable to Harpa and downtown.
For the Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon, book tours with Skarfabakki pickup and a guaranteed return.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Entry: U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.
Top sights nearby
- Hallgrímskirkja
- Harpa concert hall
- Golden Circle (tour)
- Blue Lagoon (tour)
Beaches
- Nauthólsvík geothermal beach
Safety & tips
- Iceland is expensive.
- Weather changes fast; bring waterproofs.
- Book Blue Lagoon slots ahead.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Golden Circle tours take 6–8 hours. Use cruise-friendly tours.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.