Getting from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On the west coast of Iceland, the Snæfellsnes peninsula runs about 90 km out to sea and packs in mountains, a glacier, windswept beaches, fishing villages, horseback riding and wildlife watching. Icelandair's stopover guide notes it's sometimes called "Iceland in miniature", and that's fair. It feels a world away from Reykjavik, but it's close and easy to reach. On a clear day you can even see Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano at its tip and the heart of Snæfellsjökull National Park, from the city, more than 100 km away across the bay.

By car

Driving is the best way to see Snæfellsnes, because the sights are spread out and the bus only covers part of the peninsula. The drive is an easy one on paved main roads, and West Iceland's tourism board calls it a short two-hour drive from the capital area, accessible all year round.

From Reykjavik, head north on Route 1 (the Ring Road) through the Hvalfjörður tunnel to Borgarnes, then turn onto Route 54, which runs out along the peninsula. Without stops, it's about 175 km and 2 hours 40 minutes to Stykkishólmur, and about 200 km and 3 hours to Arnarstapi or Hellissandur at the far end, according to the OSRM route planner. Add time for road conditions and photo stops. Smaller roads loop around the glacier at the western tip and branch off to Stykkishólmur on the north coast.

You can drive it any time of year. Just give yourself extra time in winter, when daylight is short and wind can be a real problem on the exposed stretches. Check road conditions and the forecast before you set out, and see driving in Iceland and car rental in Iceland.

Day trip or overnight?

You could do it as a day trip, but it would be a long day and you'd be rushed. Plan on at least one or two nights in the area. If you don't have a car, the day tours from Reykjavik page lists tour options.

By bus

Strætó buses serve the towns on the north side of the peninsula. There are two routes, and they meet at the Vatnaleið stop:

• Route 58 runs between Borgarnes and Stykkishólmur, via Vegamót and Vatnaleið.
• Route 82 runs between Stykkishólmur and Hellissandur, via Vatnaleið, Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík and Rif.

To get to Borgarnes from Reykjavik, take route 57 or route 50. The countryside network was reorganized on 1 January 2026, and route 58 kept its frequency but got a new schedule.

Schedule (as of September 2026)

Both routes run twice a day, and neither runs on Tuesdays or Thursdays. On the weekday timetable:

• Route 58 leaves Borgarnes at 09:15 and 17:05 and reaches Stykkishólmur harbor at 10:40 and 18:30.
• At Vatnaleið (10:24 and 18:14), route 82 leaves at the same time for Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík and Hellissandur, arriving at Hellissandur at 11:21 and 19:11.
• Going back, route 82 leaves Hellissandur at 07:06 and 14:51, and route 58 reaches Borgarnes at 09:12 and 16:57.

One workable weekday trip from the city: take route 57 from Mjódd at 14:48, reach Borgarnes at 16:16, then catch the 17:05 route 58. That gets you to Stykkishólmur at 18:30, or to Grundarfjörður at 18:33 if you change at Vatnaleið. Always check the route planner for your date, since weekend times differ.

Fares

From Mjódd in Reykjavik, adult fares on Strætó's 2026 price list are:

• Stykkishólmur: 5,400 ISK
• Grundarfjörður: 6,000 ISK
• Ólafsvík: 6,600 ISK
• Rif or Hellissandur: 7,200 ISK

Youths and seniors pay half. You pay by card or cash when you board.

Traveling without a car

If you're getting around this area without a car, choose a hotel that runs activities, or book tours that include transportation. The villages are small, often not much more than a cluster of houses, and many hotels are in very rural spots. The bus doesn't go along the south side of the peninsula or around the glacier, so places like Arnarstapi are hard to reach without a car or a tour.

Going on to the Westfjords

Snæfellsnes is also the start of the ferry route to the Westfjords. The Baldur car ferry sails from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur, about 2 hours and 10 minutes. See getting from Reykjavik to Ísafjörður for the schedule and prices.

FAQ

Can I visit Snæfellsnes without a car?

Yes, but you'll see less. The bus links the north coast towns, and tours fill in the rest of the peninsula. Base yourself in Stykkishólmur or Grundarfjörður, where the bus stops.

Is Snæfellsnes worth it in winter?

Yes, if you're flexible. The roads are accessible all year, but the days are short and storms can close roads. Keep a spare day in your plans.

Where should I stay?

Stykkishólmur is the most convenient if you're taking the ferry or the bus. Ólafsvík and Hellissandur put you closer to the glacier at the western tip.

Photo by Greg Kruk