Getting around — North and Akureyri

The North and Akureyri are explored mainly by hire car.

From Reykjavik, two options: the road (380 km on Route 1 north, 5-6 h non-stop) or the domestic flight (Reykjavik RKV-Akureyri AEY, 45 min, €70-130 return with Air Iceland Connect, 4-6 daily flights). The flight is very relevant for a short trip focused on the North (3-4 days); the road is necessary in a Ring Road road trip framework.

At Akureyri, car hire possible at Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Lotus at the airport or in town. Count €70-100/day for a 2WD compact, €120-180/day for a 4x4 (recommended for highlands or in winter). The main roads (1, 82, 87, 85) are paved and well maintained. For the Tröllaskagi peninsula, the road tunnels (free since 2018) greatly facilitate circulation.

Track 862 (west side of Dettifoss, paved) is accessible year-round. Route 864 (east side of Dettifoss, gravel track) is accessible May to September, closed in winter. F-roads of the highlands (F88 to Askja, F26 Sprengisandur, F910 Askja-Kárahnjúkar) are accessible only to 4x4 from 15 June to 15 September — check vedur.is/road.is before committing.

From Akureyri to Mývatn: 100 km via Route 1 (1 h 30, paved year-round). Stop at Goðafoss halfway (30 min from Akureyri). From Akureyri to Húsavík: 90 km via Route 85 (1 h 30). From Mývatn to Húsavík: 90 km via Route 87 (1 h 15).

By organised tour, several operators offer Mývatn or Húsavík days departing from Akureyri (€80-150/person). Multi-day tours Reykjavik-Akureyri-Mývatn-Egilsstaðir are a good option for travellers who don't wish to drive (€500-1,200/person over 5-7 days with lodging).

In winter, Route 1 between Akureyri and Egilsstaðir (crossing the Möðrudalur highlands, alt. 530 m) can be closed several days during blizzards. The Akureyri-Reykjavik route remains drivable most of the time. Systematically check road.is and adapt your itinerary if necessary.