Most cruise ships in Reykjavik berth at Skarfabakki, in the Sundahöfn harbour about 4 km east of the city centre, so unlike many Northern European ports you cannot simply stroll off the ship into town. Smaller luxury and expedition ships often get the better deal, tying up at the Old Harbour right in the centre. Either way, Reykjavik is a superb port of call: a compact, walkable capital with Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa at its heart, and the Golden Circle, geothermal lagoons and whale watching all within reach. This guide explains where ships dock, how to get into town and which excursions fit your time ashore.
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Reykjavik at a glance
- Where ships dock: Skarfabakki (served by the new Vör passenger terminal) for large ships; Miðbakki in the Old Harbour for smaller ships. A few ships call at Hafnarfjörður, about 12 km south of the city.
- Walk to town: From the Old Harbour, yes. From Skarfabakki it is about 4 km, roughly 45 to 55 minutes on foot along a working port road, so most people ride.
- Must-do: Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa in the city, then the Golden Circle if you have a long day.
- Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK). Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere.
- Best for: waterfalls, geysers, geothermal bathing and a lively small capital.
Where cruise ships dock in Reykjavik
Skarfabakki is Reykjavik’s main cruise berth and takes the largest ships. It sits in Sundahöfn, the commercial harbour on the north side of the city, about 4 km from Harpa. A new passenger terminal building, named Vör, opened there in 2026, so your cruise documents may use either name for the same quay. The drive into the centre takes about 10 minutes.
The port authority’s free shuttle between Skarfabakki and Harpa, which ran during the terminal’s construction, has ended. When we checked, shuttles were being arranged by individual cruise lines instead, sometimes for a fee, so read your daily programme or ask at guest services. Taxis wait at the terminal, and most organised excursions collect passengers right at the quay.
Smaller ships use Miðbakki in the Old Harbour, beside Harpa and the whale-watching boats. From here the city centre is a few minutes’ walk away and you will not need any transport at all.
Things to do within walking distance of the city centre
Most shuttles and taxis drop you near Harpa, which makes a good starting point for a walking loop.
- Harpa: the glittering glass concert hall on the waterfront, free to wander inside.
- Sun Voyager (Sólfar): the steel sculpture of a Viking-style ship on the seafront path, a short walk east of Harpa.
- Hallgrímskirkja: Reykjavik’s landmark church at the top of Skólavörðustígur. Take the lift up the tower for a view over the coloured rooftops.
- Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur: the main streets for design shops, wool sweaters, cafés and bars.
- Tjörnin: the city pond beside City Hall, with birdlife and pretty old houses around its edge.
- The Old Harbour and Grandi: food halls, small museums and the whale-watching piers, a pleasant stroll west of Harpa.
Best Reykjavik shore excursions
Iceland’s big sights lie outside the city, and the most popular tours sell out weeks ahead in the summer cruise season, so book before you sail.
| Excursion | Time from the ship | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Circle | A full day, allow at least 8 hours | Þingvellir National Park, the Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall in one classic loop |
| Blue Lagoon | About 45 minutes’ drive each way; allow 4 to 6 hours in total | The famous milky-blue geothermal spa set in a lava field |
| Sky Lagoon | A short drive to Kópavogur; allow 1 to 2 hours in the lagoon | An oceanfront infinity pool and seven-step spa ritual, ideal on a shorter call |
| Whale watching | From the Old Harbour, about 3 hours on the water | Minke whales, humpbacks and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay, with no long coach ride |
| Icelandic horse riding | About 2 to 3 hours, on the edge of the city | Riding the sure-footed local breed across lava fields, suitable for beginners |
If your ship is in port for less than about 9 hours, skip the full Golden Circle and pair whale watching or Sky Lagoon with a walk around the city. A rushed Golden Circle is far less enjoyable.
Food and drink
Reykjavik punches above its weight for food. Try a lamb soup, fresh Icelandic cod or Arctic char, and a pot of skyr, the thick local dairy product. The hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur near the harbour is a much-loved quick lunch. Iceland is expensive, with alcohol especially pricey, so a food-hall lunch at the Old Harbour or Grandi is good value by local standards.
Tips for a day in Reykjavik
- Check your berth. Your daily programme will say whether you are at Skarfabakki, the Old Harbour or Hafnarfjörður, which changes your whole plan.
- Confirm the shuttle. There is no longer a free port shuttle, so find out what your cruise line offers before you go ashore.
- Dress in layers. Even in July the weather can turn cold, wet and windy within an hour.
- Book the lagoons ahead. Both Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon use timed entry.
- Leave a buffer. Coaches from the Golden Circle can be slowed by traffic, so allow plenty of time before all-aboard.
Thinking about an Iceland voyage? Our guide to cruises to Iceland from the UK covers the lines, ports and best time to go.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from the Reykjavik cruise port to the city centre?
From the Old Harbour, yes, in a few minutes. From Skarfabakki it is about 4 km, a walk of roughly 45 to 55 minutes along a busy port road, so most people take a shuttle, taxi or tour.
Is there a free shuttle from Skarfabakki?
Not any more. The port authority’s free shuttle has ended, and shuttles are now arranged by individual cruise lines, sometimes for a charge.
Is the Golden Circle possible on a cruise stop?
Yes, on a long call. Allow at least 8 hours, and book a tour that guarantees your return to the ship.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon on a cruise?
Blue Lagoon is the bucket-list choice but takes about 45 minutes each way. Sky Lagoon is much closer to the port, so it suits a shorter day.
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