Flights & Travel Planning: Getting to Akureyri, North Iceland

There are a few things to consider when booking your flights to Iceland. Some of you may choose to spend extra time in Reykjavík before or after the retreat, while others may fly straight to Akureyri on Saturday, November 6, the retreat’s arrival day.

We recommend booking your flights early, especially if you plan to arrive in Akureyri on the first day or return home immediately after the retreat. Getting to Akureyri generally involves two separate flights, and you’ll need to allow enough time to transfer between airports in the Reykjavík area.

Getting to Akureyri: Your Two Flights

Flight 1: Your international flight to Keflavík (KEF)

Everyone will fly internationally into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s main international airport. It is approximately 45–60 minutes from central Reykjavík and Reykjavík Domestic Airport, depending on traffic and transportation.

If you’re arriving on the morning of November 6 and traveling directly to Akureyri, your international flight must arrive early enough for you to collect your luggage, clear passport control, and transfer to Reykjavík Domestic Airport for your connecting flight.

Icelandair may offer convenient flight schedules for this itinerary, depending on your departure city. Its North American hubs include cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Minneapolis, and Seattle. You may also find suitable flights on other airlines. International round-trip fares can vary considerably, so we encourage you to compare options and book early.

Flights from North America typically depart on Friday to arrive in Iceland on Saturday morning.

If you’re spending extra days in Reykjavík before the retreat, you’ll have more flexibility when choosing your international flight.

Flight 2: Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri (AEY)

The second flight is a short, approximately 40-minute flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri Airport (AEY).

Book this regional flight directly through Icelandair, even if you book your international flight with another airline.

Our recommended arrival time

If you’re flying to Akureyri on Saturday, November 6, we recommend choosing a flight that arrives between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Flight schedules vary by season and date, so please check the available options for your travel day.

This arrival window allows our local hosts to arrange a group pickup, provide a brief orientation, and transfer everyone to Hotel Akureyri.

If you arrive on an earlier or later flight, taxis are available at Akureyri Airport. The drive to the hotel takes approximately 5–7 minutes. Hotel rooms are generally available between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. If your room isn’t ready, the hotel can store your luggage while you explore the town.

Our first group gathering will be dinner at a destination within walking distance, giving everyone a relaxed opportunity to meet and settle in.

Traveling Between Keflavík and Reykjavík

If you’re arriving early, staying in Reykjavík before the retreat, or transferring between airports, you’ll need transportation from Keflavík International Airport to your next destination.

Taxi: A direct taxi transfer may cost approximately $120 or more, depending on the provider and service. If three or four people arrive together, sharing a taxi may be a convenient option.

• Taxi Reykjavík Airport Service
• Hreyfill Taxi

Flybus: A more economical option is the Flybus airport transfer. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and fares have been approximately $40–$50 per person. Check current pricing and drop-off options when booking.

Allow approximately 45–60 minutes to travel from Keflavík to the Reykjavík area, plus any additional time required for your transfer.

If you’re staying in Reykjavík before the retreat, Reykjavík Domestic Airport is close to the city center. A taxi from your hotel typically takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on its location and traffic.

Important: If You Arrive on November 6

If you land at Keflavík on the morning of November 6 and are connecting to Akureyri that same day, allow at least 3.5–4 hours between your scheduled arrival at KEF and your departure from RKV.

This gives you time to clear passport control, collect your luggage, and travel between airports. Keep in mind that delays can happen, so additional time is helpful whenever possible.

Optional Stop at the Blue Lagoon

If you’re arriving a few days early and would like to visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavík, there are transportation options that can make this possible.

The Blue Lagoon offers transportation arrangements that may allow you to travel from Keflavík Airport to the lagoon, enjoy a couple of hours there, and then continue to Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Check the current transfer schedule and booking requirements, and coordinate your transportation with an appropriate entry reservation.

• Blue Lagoon

If several people would like to visit together, you could also arrange a private transfer with a stop at the lagoon:

• Airport Shuttle Iceland

Please plan this option carefully if you have a connecting flight. Allow sufficient time for your visit, transportation, and airport check-in.

Returning Home: Flights from Akureyri

On the final Saturday, regional flights from Akureyri Airport (AEY) to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) typically include morning departures between approximately 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., arriving in Reykjavík between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. There may also be a flight around 1:20 p.m., arriving close to 2:00 p.m.

Please check the actual schedule for your departure date before booking your international flight home. Regional flight times and availability can change.

Connecting to an International Flight at Keflavík

If you’re flying home from Keflavík (KEF) on the same day, remember that you’ll need to travel from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Keflavík International Airport. The transfer generally takes 45–60 minutes, and international airlines commonly recommend arriving at the airport 2–3 hours before departure.

For example, arriving at RKV around 2:00 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. international departure from KEF would leave very little time for the transfer and check-in. A later international flight may provide more flexibility, but you should calculate your timing carefully and allow for possible delays.

Our recommendation: If you prefer a more relaxed departure, consider spending an extra night in Reykjavík after the retreat. This gives you more flexibility and an opportunity to enjoy the city before heading home.

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Packing & Money Suggestions

Packing for Iceland 🇮🇸

Come prepared for the magic — and Iceland’s weather personality!

Iceland is spectacular and a little unpredictable. Since we’ll be visiting in late autumn, packing warm layers and waterproof gear will help you stay comfortable while we explore as it is possible for us to be in some light snow.
Temps will be average high of 35-42 degrees F and at night 22-33 degrees F. There will be a possible mix of flurries, light rain, and you can bet on the wind joining us!

Clothing & Layers

• Base layers: Thermal tops and bottoms to keep you warm if you tend to run cold.
• Middle layers: Fleece, wool sweaters, or other cozy insulating layers.
• Outer layers: A windproof, waterproof jacket and pants. The pants could be nice on our outdoor excursions.
• Warm accessories: A warm hat, insulated gloves or mittens, and a neck warmer/ Buff or balaclava (full face cover typically made from wool)
• Footwear: Tennis shoes are fine with good socks but waterproof hiking or walking boots with good grip, plus warm, moisture-wicking socks are best. Bring an extra pair of socks to pack for the day trips, just in case.
• Indoor comfort: Comfortable clothes and shoes for relaxing at the hotel and exploring town.

Think layers, layers, and one more layer. The wind can have quite a personality here, and we want you enjoying the scenery rather than negotiating with your frozen fingers!

Hot Springs & Geothermal Baths

• Swimsuit: Essential for jacuzzis, geothermal hot springs and lagoons. There is something wonderfully Icelandic about soaking in warm water while the air around you is chilly.
• Small wet bag: Handy for carrying your swimsuit afterward.
• Towels are generally provided at the geothermal facilities, so save that suitcase space for something more exciting.

The Everyday Essentials

• European plug adapter: Iceland uses standard European two-prong plugs (Type C/F). Check that your devices support Iceland’s 230V electrical supply or bring a converter.
• Daypack: Bring a small backpack for excursions, extra layers, and anything else you want handy.
• Refillable water bottle: Iceland’s tap water is wonderfully fresh and clean. The water straight out of the tap is glacial and cleaner than most bottled water! Bring a bottle and refill as you go!
• Hair conditioner: Hotels provide hairdryers, towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. However, it is recommend bringing your favorite conditioner. Iceland’s mineral-rich water can leave some hair feeling a little different.

A Little Room for Shopping

Akureyri has lovely shops, and you may find an Icelandic accessory or two that simply has to come home with you! Just keep in mind that clothing and outdoor gear can be considerably more expensive than in the US, so bring your winter essentials with you.

Money Matters

• Credit card: Cards are widely accepted and are the preferred way to pay in Iceland.
• Icelandic cash: You generally won’t need to carry Icelandic krona.
• Foreign transaction fees: Check with your credit card company and bring a card with no foreign transaction fees if possible.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Iceland and it is not as customary as in the US, but 10% is a nice gesture if you want to tip your driver or waiter. 

Your Final Iceland Check

Before each excursion, make sure you have your warm layers, waterproof outerwear, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear. The weather may be doing something entirely different by the time we return!

And remember, we’re going to Iceland for the beauty, the magic, the angels, the faeries, and the adventure. Staying warm simply makes it easier to enjoy all of them.

I can’t wait to explore this extraordinary place with you!

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