Reykjavik and Selfoss are two must-visit destinations in Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital city, offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse architecture, and rich history, whereas Selfoss provides a tranquil escape into the countryside, where you can immerse yourself in natural beauty and marvel at geological marvels. Make the most of your Iceland tour by exploring both destinations, which aren’t far apart, with just 60 kilometers between them.
Set out on an enchanting trip from Reykjavik to Selfoss, exploring the wonders of southern Iceland along the way. Begin your adventure by visiting Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland's largest church, renowned for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city. Continue to iconic destinations such as the Blue Lagoon and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Arriving in Selfoss, a picturesque town on the banks of the Ölfusá River, don't miss the Kerid Crater—a volcanic caldera with a vibrant blue lake. Also, add Eyjafjallajökull Strokkur to your itinerary while exploring Selfoss.
Ways to Get to Selfoss from Reykjavik
The distance from Reykjavik to Selfoss is approximately 60 kilometers (59.3 km to be exact), and it can be covered by a car, a taxi, or a bus via the Ring Road (Route 1).
By car
Rent a 4x4 car while embarking on a self-driving trip from Reykjavik to Selfoss so you can drive to nearby tourist attractions on the f-roads.
If you’re looking to travel at your own pace, then renting a car in Reykjavik and then driving it all the way to Selfoss and back is an ideal budget-friendly option. The straightforward route from Reykjavik to Selfoss isn’t hard to trace. Under normal traffic conditions, if you drive without making any stops in between (which you can), you can reach Selfoss from Reykjavik in about one hour.
Pro tips:
While the route from Reykjavik to Selfoss is direct, it is advisable to use a GPS to familiarize yourself with the areas along the way, locate gas stations, and avoid overlooking any significant tourist attractions located between or near the two destinations.
Although the Ring Road is smooth and the stretch from Reykjavik to Selfoss can be traveled in a regular car, consider renting a 4x4 car for added safety and flexibility. If you plan to take the F-roads during your road trip, you would be better off with a vehicle with torque on all four wheels.
Before setting off, check the road conditions and weather forecast using the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's website. This will help you prepare for any potential road closures or challenging conditions.
Observe the speed limit, which is usually around 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph) on the paved Ring Road, and adhere to the road signs.
By taxi
Experience hassle-free travel with reliable taxi services available for booking all year round to start your journey from Reykjavik to nearby destinations, including Selfoss.
Iceland has 80 percent of its taxi services available from Reykjavik. So if you prefer a more direct and hassle-free journey from Reykjavik to Selfoss, hiring a taxi is the most convenient, albeit expensive, option. Taxis are also the quickest mode of transport to get between the two destinations, with the whole ride taking only about 45 minutes.
Pro tips:
Hailing a cab is not a practice in Iceland. You have to hire one from the many designated taxi ranks or book one online. If you have difficulty, simply ask your tour operator to arrange a taxi for you.
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Iceland.
To visit the Hveragerði Geothermal Park, a major tourist attraction between Reykjavik and Selfoss, ask the taxi driver if the meter will continue running. If it does and you wish to spend more time in the park, it's best to pay the fare from Reykjavik to Selfoss and hire another taxi from Hveragerði to Selfoss.
You can pay your taxi fare with any worldwide-accepted credit card, but if you’re paying in cash, it is best to have Icelandic Krona with you.
By bus
Discover Iceland's wonders on comfortable buses that go straight from Reykjavik BSI Bus Terminal at the KEF airport to Selfoss, with some stops in between.
To reach Selfoss from Reykjavik, you can take a bus from Reykjavik Keflavik Nas (KEF) via Reykjavik BSI Bus Terminal, Gamla Hringbraut, and Mjódd. Alternatively, you can also opt for a guided group tour that includes transportation by bus, offering a convenient and organized way to explore the area. An average bus ride from Reykjavik to Selfoss takes about 49 minutes under normal traffic conditions. It is also the cheapest way to travel.
Pro tips:
Take advantage of the direct bus service from Mjódd to Selfoss – Ráðhúsið, which runs five times a day.
If you are traveling from Reykjavik on a bus, it is advisable to book your tickets online or get them from the designated bus stations so that you can use your credit card.
If you spontaneously get on a bus in Iceland, be sure you have the exact amount of Icelandic krona available, as buses may not be readily available with the change for larger bills.
An itinerary that goes straight from Reykjavik to Selfoss starts with sightseeing tours in Reykjavik. A standard Reykjavik excursion includes places of historical and cultural significance, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, the Viking Museum, and the National Museum of Iceland. Without venturing from your way to Selfoss, you can also add a quick stop at the town of Hveragerði, which falls 45 kilometers east of Reykjavik. There you can visit the Hveragerði Geothermal Park and relax in one of the hot springs. Then, you pick up your pace and reach Selfoss, where attractions such as the Kerid Crater, Strokkur, Volcano Eyjafjallajokull, and Ljosafoss Power Station await. Half a day is the ideal time to complete your trip to Selfoss from Reykjavik and back following this itinerary.
Want to explore beyond traveling to Selfoss from Reykjavik? Fill out our Iceland customized trip form so our experts can craft you the itinerary of your dreams.
Picture yourself beneath the glowing aurora on the 'Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights' tour, a seven-day group journey that loops through Reykjavik and Vik. This moderately active trip is perfect for those who want to chase the northern lights while exploring Iceland’s epic natural wonders.
Cruise under the stars in search of the aurora borealis, traverse the famed Golden Circle to landmark sites like Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall, and walk on a black volcanic beach. Delve into Icelandic history at the Skógar Museum, gaze at floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón lagoon, and soak away your cares in the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters.
What sets this trip apart is its fusion of daytime adventure and magical nighttime skywatching, creating an unforgettable Icelandic experience that pairs natural marvels with the thrill of the aurora hunt.
Seeking a comprehensive Icelandic adventure? The "Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula" tour is a 9-day beach and sightseeing trip designed for those who crave immersive exploration. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this small group journey takes you to Vik, Akureyri, and more, with highlights that include erupting geysers, glacier lagoons, and thunderous waterfalls.
Photograph black-sand beaches, relax in geothermal hot springs, and feel the living earth beneath your feet. This trip’s unique selling point is its perfect blend of action and comfort—combining Iceland’s most iconic sights with hidden gems, all in one seamless package.
If you're looking for a fast but full visit around Iceland, this seven-day trip fits the bill perfectly. It has tons of hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, combined with free time to experience plenty of the highlights, like erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure and get ready to feel Iceland under your feet.
Let Iceland’s legendary landscapes captivate you on the “Journeys: Explore Iceland” tour package. Beginning and ending in Reykjavik, this nine-day guided journey invites you to experience the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Traverse the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, stroll along haunting black sand beaches, and hike to vibrant, rainbow-streaked waterfalls. Delve into the geothermal power of active volcanoes and witness the dynamic meeting point of two continental plates. Along the way, your itinerary weaves in cultural encounters, offering insight into Icelandic traditions and the resilient spirit of its people.
This sightseeing tour moves at a comfortable pace, allowing you to fully absorb the otherworldly beauty that has inspired fantasy writers from Jules Verne to Tolkien and George R. R. Martin. Each day unveils a new facet of Iceland’s ‘fire and ice’ allure—whether you’re marveling at glacial lagoons, exploring historic villages, or relaxing in cozy accommodations included in your package.
A key highlight of this trip is the blend of nature and culture: not only do you witness natural phenomena up close, but you also gain a deeper understanding of local life through guided experiences and authentic interactions. Perfect for travelers eager to combine scenic beauty with meaningful exploration, this small-group tour ensures a memorable and immersive Iceland adventure.
Experience the iconic sights of Iceland as you gasp in awe at the exploding hot springs in Geysir and lose yourself in the Northern Lights dancing overhead in Reykjavik. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and the majesty of the dormant Hekla volcano to the allure of the Golden Circle and the dramatic Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this one-week tour has it all. Uncover Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre en route to Vik, meet the distinctive Icelandic horses and their passionate owners at Sturlureykir Horse Farm, and hone your horticultural knowledge at the impressive greenhouse tomato farm in Friðheimar. Discover how Iceland was settled at a fascinating exhibit in Borgarnes and conclude your tour with a Local Expert in Old Reykjavik as they guide you through the capital.
Let the magic of Iceland envelop you on the "Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle" tour—a 5-day winter adventure starting and ending in Reykjavik. Timed perfectly for peak aurora viewing, this trip immerses you in a world of steaming geothermal springs, icy waterfalls, and snow-dusted landscapes.
Highlights include hiking in Þingvellir National Park, meeting the iconic Icelandic horse, and exploring ancient lava caves. The star attraction? Chasing the ethereal Northern Lights, an experience that transforms the Arctic night into a dazzling spectacle.
With accommodation, transport, and hearty meals included, this tour package is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Iceland’s wild beauty with comfort and expert guidance. The unforgettable combination of adventure and natural wonder is what makes this trip truly special.
Iceland’s wild landscapes and celestial displays await on the "Iceland Adventure: Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula" tour. Over 7 days, this guided small group trip invites you to journey from Reykjavik to Snaefellsjokull and Álftröð, exploring waterfalls, lava caves, and the legendary Icelandic horse. Hike through Þingvellir National Park, soak in geothermal hot springs at the Sky Lagoon, and keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights—a spectacle worth the trip alone.
This adventure tour is ideal for travelers eager to balance action and awe, discovering the best of Iceland’s natural wonders with local insight. The unique selling point is the combination of varied landscapes and the high likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights, making it an unforgettable trip for nature lovers.
Unwind in one of Earth’s most enchanting landscapes with the Wellness Iceland tour—a seven-day yoga journey based in and around Reykjavik. Start your adventure hiking up Öskjuhlíð Hill for panoramic city views before venturing along the storied Golden Circle and into Thingvellir National Park. Meditate on the black sands of Reynisfjara beach and soak in the famed Sky Lagoon, where geothermal waters soothe both body and mind. This small-group trip’s unique selling point lies in its artful blend of wellness, iconic Icelandic sights, and moments of deep tranquility, creating a sanctuary for travelers eager to escape distractions and reconnect with themselves amid nature’s grandeur.
Iceland’s southern wonders await on the Land of the Northern Lights – 5 days tour, designed especially for experienced travelers and seniors seeking awe-inspiring sights with easy activity. Start and end in Reykjavik, traversing from the iconic Blue Lagoon to erupting geysers and thunderous waterfalls. Each day blends city sophistication with untamed nature, capped by the magical pursuit of the elusive Northern Lights.
This trip stands out for its expertly crafted itinerary, ensuring you see Iceland’s best highlights in a short time—no strenuous hiking required, just maximum wonder and comfort.
The USP? A winter adventure that combines relaxation, natural beauty, and the Northern Lights, all packaged into a seamless, unforgettable Icelandic getaway.
Iceland may appear small on the map, but in person its enormous and cinematic landscapes barely feel like Earth at all. Get outdoors and into the action on this six-day active adventure through some of the most epic scenery in the entire country. Hike to the bases of pounding waterfalls, breathtaking in their strength. Travel through landscapes filled with towering peaks, massive glaciers, sprawling icefields, black sand beaches, and wild fjords. Set off on some of the best hikes in the region through spots like Múlagljúfur Canyon, the Skaftafell Glacier, Mt. Laki, and Brennisteinsalda volcano where you can bathe in a natural hot pool. Start and finish the trip in weirdly wonderful Reykjavík and discover how the people lucky enough to call this place home live full-time.
Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between either a visit to the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland's one-of-a-kind exhibition to experience Iceland’s natural beauty or experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power from renewable energy sources.
Witness the raw beauty of Iceland in full on this immersive adventure, which starts with world-renowned natural wonders, before heading away from the crowds. First up is the understandably popular Golden Circle, before we circumnavigate the island to visit landscapes well away from the typical tourist track. Stark coastlines, immense glaciers and the Eastern Fjords await, as do the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – a highlight for many, but far too often missed.
Picking your dates: Choose between the frozen landscapes of winter, with the chance to witness the Northern Lights, and the endless days of summer with 24-hour daylight.
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