Akureyri Airport (IATA: AEY) is the main gateway to North Iceland, and it is small enough that the journey into town is short and simple. The terminal is about 3 km south of the town centre on the shore of Eyjafjörður, so the choice is less about distance and more about whether you want a driver waiting, a car for the north, or the cheapest way in. If you can book a pre-arranged airport transfer in Iceland, it removes the guesswork for late or early arrivals, when taxis are scarce.
Options at a Glance (2026)
| Option | Approx. cost (ISK) | Time to centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 2,500-3,500 per car | 5-10 min | Most arrivals, hotel drop-off |
| Pre-booked private transfer | 4,000-8,000 per vehicle | 5-10 min | Late or early flights, groups |
| Rental car (at airport) | From roughly 12,000-20,000 per day, plus fuel and insurance | 5-10 min | Mývatn, Húsavík, Goðafoss day trips |
| Local bus | Local buses in town are generally free, but check whether a stop serves the terminal | Varies | Light packers with spare time |
| Walking | Free | About 40 min | Good weather, one small bag |
| Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt) | Not available in Iceland | - | Use a taxi or transfer instead |
Prices are approximate figures as of 2026 and move with season and fuel costs, so confirm with the operator before you travel.
Taxi
Taxis are the default choice. A fare from the terminal to the centre or to a hotel on Hafnarstræti costs approximately ISK 2,500 to 3,500, and the drive takes under ten minutes. The main local operator is BSO (+354 461 1010). Taxis meet scheduled domestic arrivals but are not guaranteed after a late or unscheduled flight, so phone ahead if you land outside normal hours.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer
A fixed-price transfer arranged in advance is worth it if you arrive late at night, travel with a group, or carry skis or a lot of luggage in winter. You can compare private transfer options before you fly, and the driver tracks your flight for delays. Because Akureyri is a short hop from the terminal, the saving over a taxi is small for solo travellers, but it removes the wait when several flights land together.
Rental Car
If you plan to see more than the town, a rental car from the airport is the most practical choice. North Iceland rewards driving: Goðafoss is about 45 minutes away, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík about an hour each. Book well ahead for summer and ski-season weekends, and read our Iceland driving guide before picking up. If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, browse Akureyri tours for whale watching and Mývatn day trips that collect you in town.
Local Bus and Walking
Akureyri runs a town bus network, and these buses have generally been free to ride. Whether a route stops at the airport terminal varies by year and timetable, so check the operator’s current map at straeto.is before relying on it. Walking is realistic only with one small bag and decent weather: the road into town is flat, but wind off the fjord and winter ice make it unattractive from October to April.
Arriving from Keflavík or Reykjavík
Most international visitors reach Akureyri in one of three ways:
- Domestic flight from Reykjavík: about 45 minutes from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), several departures daily. If you land at Keflavík first, you need to get across to RKV before connecting: see our Keflavík to Reykjavík transfer guide and allow generous time between flights.
- Direct international flights: seasonal services to AEY have been operated from some European cities, including Zurich. Schedules change, so check with the airline and the airport.
- Drive: roughly 390 km on the Ring Road from Reykjavík, 5 to 6 hours without stops. Add 45 to 55 minutes if you start at Keflavík.
Check live airport information on the official Isavia Akureyri Airport page before you travel.
Winter Notes
From November to March, northern roads can close at short notice and domestic flights get delayed by wind. Keep a buffer of several hours between a domestic arrival and any onward commitment, and check road conditions at road.is before driving. Taxis and transfers continue to run in snow, which is another reason to pre-book for a night arrival.
Where to Stay After Landing
The town centre is compact and most hotels are a short taxi ride from the terminal. See our where to stay in Akureyri guide for areas and budgets, and our Akureyri guide for what to do once you have checked in.