Reykjavik to Selfoss: Routes, Travel Tips, & More
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.
- Jonathan N.
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
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
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
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.
Reykjavik to Selfoss Itinerary
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.
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Iceland, also read through our Iceland guide and our guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
