How to Get to Landmannalaugar: With or Without a Car, Bus, Tour

If you’re here, you already know that Landmannalaugar is one of the most beautiful regions in Iceland.

That said, during your trip to Iceland, getting there isn’t exactly the simplest thing. Well, let’s just say you can’t go there the way you’d decide to head off to the Golden Circle, because the site isn’t accessible all year round.

Indeed, because of the weather conditions, the Icelandic Highlands are only accessible 3 or 4 months a year. Otherwise there’s too much snow, the rivers are too high, and it’s impossible to get there on your own. By the way, I’d also recommend this article to find out when to visit Iceland.

On top of that, you’ll have a little vehicle constraint, because only F-roads lead to Landmannalaugar. And as you know, only 4×4 vehicles are allowed on these roads.

Also, some roads have rivers to cross, so you’ll need permission from your rental company — for example, if you have a 4×4 campervan, then you’re not allowed (see Campeasy).

Anyway, let’s look at all the options!

Visiting Landmannalaugar with a tour company

If you don’t drive (you don’t need to drive to discover Iceland), don’t have the right car (because we’re heading onto F-roads), or simply don’t fancy venturing onto that kind of rough road, there’s a pretty simple solution (as is often the case in Iceland): book with a tour company. These guides take you there, show you the most beautiful spots, and on top of that you might even have time for a dip in the area’s hot springs 🙂

The good news is that you can visit Landmannalaugar in any season! Indeed, with a super jeep you can absolutely go in winter. As for me, the first time I went was in April, when there were still two metres of snow on the lava fields, in a super jeep — and it was quite an experience!

• Hiking in Landmannalaugar with departure from Reykjavik (or on site) — a guide will take you to the most beautiful spots on a fairly demanding hike
  • Info and booking
• Minibus tour: a serious 4×4 minibus! One that crosses the rivers and everything. You’ll discover the region’s essentials and can take a dip in the hot springs
  • Info and booking
• Landmannalaugar by Super Jeep! You’ll discover the region in a different way, in a small group, and you’ll have time for a hike as well as a swim
  • Info and booking
• Another super jeep, but one that runs all year round, including winter! This one is in a really small group, and if you come in the snow it’ll be a truly different experience
  • Info and booking

Getting to Landmannalaugar by car or campervan

First of all, you should check on the website umferdin.is (formerly road.is) whether the roads are open and what condition they’re in. It would be a shame to set off on the adventure only to find that the road is actually closed.

So yes, it’s possible to go to Landmannalaugar by car, and it’s not especially difficult if you’re properly equipped.

First of all, you ABSOLUTELY need a 4×4. Indeed, the 3 roads that go there are F-roads, and only 4x4s can take F-roads, as you already know (right :p ). And honestly, given the state of the roads, don’t even think about going in an unsuitable vehicle — you’ll really be in for some nasty surprises.

So there are 3 roads that go there:

• the F208 road coming from the west, after visiting waterfalls like Gjáin or Háifoss — the road is insane. You pass through Fjallabak, you’ll go past turquoise-coloured lakes, see volcanoes all over the place, some of them black and red, others covered in moss, lakes inside volcanoes. In short, everything you need for a feast for the eyes!
  You set off from road 26; this route is handy because there’s no ford to cross, and the road isn’t difficult apart from some nice big potholes all over the place

• The F225 road also comes off road 26 but further south, and is much quicker. You start with a vast field of nothing, end-of-the-world vibes, then it turns green and you find yourself among the moss-covered craters. There’s a ford to cross, nothing nasty, but you still need to have permission to cross fords with your vehicle

• The 208 road heading south-east — now this is another level. Firstly in terms of difficulty, because there are numerous rivers to cross; it’s not an easy road, you really do need a suitable vehicle. I don’t think small 4x4s like a Jimny can make it through. And then in terms of the spectacle, because you’re going to get an eyeful, and you’ll also pass through other superb areas, especially if you pick up the F210 heading south-west, which leads back towards Thórsmörk

Booking and paying for parking at Landmannalaugar

For the past few years, there’s been a new step not to forget: parking is now paid and, in high season, by reservation. It’s been put in place to manage the crowds, so it’s worth knowing before you set off to avoid any nasty surprises on site.

In practice:

• Reservation required if you arrive between 20 June and 13 September, in the 9am – 4pm window (check the exact dates for the year of your visit, they shift a little each season).
• Outside that window, no need to book: you pay directly on site. But the access fee is still due regardless of the time if you come during the season.
• The car park itself is open 24/7.

2026 rates (day pass, which also includes access to the toilets and changing rooms):

• 1 500 ISK (~10 €) for a standard car with up to 5 seats
• 2 450 ISK (~17 €) for a vehicle with 6 to 9 seats
• 750 ISK (~5 €) for a motorbike

Booking and payment are done on the website parka.is (reservations usually open in early April for the season).

P1 or P2? Choosing the right car park. There are in fact two car parks, and it matters depending on your vehicle:

• P1: the large car park located before the fords. If your vehicle is a bit borderline or you’re not comfortable crossing the river, this is where you should stop. From there, count on a 12 to 20 min walk (~950 m) to the campsite, going over the pedestrian footbridge above the river.
• P2: the car park right next to the hut and the campsite, after the fords. Handy because you’re just a few steps from everything… but you need a proper raised 4×4 and to be comfortable crossing the river to get there. When in doubt, stick with P1 — it’s not worth taking a risk to save 15 minutes of walking.

Getting to Landmannalaugar by bus

Yes, yes, you can come to Landmannalaugar by bus! Well, given the road, it’s not a regular bus — it’s a big 4×4-style bus with raised wheels to cross the rivers. By the way, I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of these buses crossing a ford (or even getting stuck!), it’s impressive!

Naturally, the trips only run 3 months a year, from mid-June to mid-September

The journey takes about 4 hours

There are two companies that run the route:

• Reykjavik Excursions (Icelandia brand)
  • Departure from Reykjavik BSÍ at 7:00am (or 6:30am from the Campsite)
  • Arrival at Landmannalaugar around 11:30am
  • Departure from Landmannalaugar at 3:45pm (back in Reykjavik ~7:30pm)
  • 2026 season: 13 June → 20 September
  • Price: from around 80€ one way
  • More info

• Travel Experiences (TRex)
  • Departure from Reykjavik City Hall at 7:30am (arrival 11:20am) and 12:30pm (arrival 4:20pm)
  • Departure from Landmannalaugar at 2:30pm (back ~6:15pm) and 6pm (back ~9:45pm)
  • 2026 season: 19 June → 6 September
  • Price: 14 900 ISK (~100€) one way, 29 800 ISK (~200€) return
  • More info

As you can see, you can do the round trip in a single day. If you do it with just one company, Reykjavik Excursions, you only get 4 hours on site. Well, that’s not bad, but not enough to really make the most of it.

So if you take the 6pm return, honestly that gives you 7 hours, which means good opportunities for hiking and also being able to pop into the hot springs. It’s a good option!

Otherwise you can also sleep on site — there’s a campsite open during the high season (there are quite a lot of people). And that way, you can set off hiking for several days, as there’ll always be a bus waiting for you.

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Getting to Landmannalaugar on foot: the Laugavegur trek

Let’s be clear right away: you do not reach Landmannalaugar on foot from Reykjavik or from a road! You’re right in the heart of the Highlands, ~180 km from the capital. If you see “Landmannalaugar on foot” somewhere, it’s actually talking about the Laugavegur trek.

Landmannalaugar is indeed the starting point (or finishing point) of the Laugavegur, one of the most beautiful treks in Iceland: roughly 55 km over 3 to 4 days, linking Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, sometimes extended all the way to Skógar and its famous waterfall. On the programme: multicoloured rhyolite mountains, lava fields, hot springs and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

But even to do the trek, you first need to get dropped off at the starting point. The simplest and most economical solution remains the highland bus: you hop on in Reykjavik, you get dropped at Landmannalaugar, and off you go hiking. On the way back, a bus picks you up at the other end (Thórsmörk or Skógar) to bring you home.

Book the bus for the start of the trek

Good to know before you set off:

• The trek is mostly done from July to early September, when the tracks and huts are open. But it generally opens in the 3rd week of June.
• You sleep in huts (to be booked well in advance, they fill up fast) or in a tent.
• You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be a good walker and well equipped (the weather is very changeable).
• Don’t fancy walking for several days? On site, several short loops (Brennisteinsalda, Laugahraun, ~2 to 4 hours) let you enjoy the most beautiful landscapes without doing the full trek.

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FAQ: getting to Landmannalaugar

Do you need a 4×4 to get to Landmannalaugar?

Yes, if you’re going under your own steam, a 4×4 is mandatory. The only roads that lead to Landmannalaugar are F-roads, off-limits to unsuitable vehicles, and some involve rivers to cross. If you don’t have a 4×4, go for the bus or an excursion.

Can you get to Landmannalaugar without a car?

Absolutely. A highland bus 4×4 links Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar during the summer, and it’s the simplest solution without a vehicle. You can also book a guided excursion (super jeep or minibus), which has the added advantage of running all year round.

When is Landmannalaugar accessible?

Under your own steam (car or bus), the area is only accessible 3 to 4 months a year, generally from late June to mid-September, the time it takes for the F-roads to open. Outside this period, only the agencies’ super jeeps can get there, including in the depths of winter.

How long is the drive from Reykjavik?

Count on about 3 to 4 hours of driving from Reykjavik (~180 km), depending on the route taken and the state of the tracks. Remember to check the road openings and conditions on umferdin.is before setting off.

Do you need to book parking at Landmannalaugar?

Yes in high season: reservation is mandatory for vehicles arriving between 9am and 4pm, over the summer period (roughly 20 June → 13 September). You book it on parka.is, and the price starts at around 10 € for a car.

How much does the bus to Landmannalaugar cost?

Count on roughly 80 to 95 € one way per person, so around 160 to 190 € for the round trip. The journey takes about 4 hours each way.

Can you do the round trip in a day?

Yes, it’s possible by bus. Depending on the times you choose, you’ll have 5 to 7 hours on site, enough for a lovely hike and a soak in the hot springs. To make the most of it, you can also sleep at the campsite and head back another day.

Can you get to Landmannalaugar on foot?

Not from a road or from Reykjavik: it’s far too far and right in the heart of the Highlands. On the other hand, Landmannalaugar is the starting point (or finishing point) of the Laugavegur trek towards Thórsmörk: so you do arrive on foot via the trek, but you first need to get dropped there by bus or 4×4.

In conclusion

• In the following article you can discover the essential info for your trip to Iceland !

There you go, now you know everything! So coming to Landmannalaugar is a question of season and vehicle. Luckily, thanks to the buses you can come even if you don’t have a car! The area isn’t open all year round, as we’ve seen, so you really need to pin down the period when you want to go.

What’s more, don’t forget that you need a suitable vehicle! A 4×4 for the F-roads and to cross the rivers.

But apart from all that, it’s perfectly doable! And above all the area is so beautiful, you won’t regret it 🙂

To make life and trip-planning easier, I’ve created an interactive map of Iceland. It includes:

• the must-see places
• the waterfalls, hikes, hot springs…
• the activities
• the accommodation
• in short, everything you need!

Other resources about Iceland

I’ve written quite a lot about Iceland. The following articles should interest you, at least I hope so!

General info about Iceland

• Planning your trip to Iceland – here’s all the essential info for your future trip to this superb country
• When to visit Iceland – discover month by month what you can do in the country
• What type of car to rent in Iceland – what type of car, do you need insurance, how to drive on F-roads, I’ll tell you everything!
• Discovering Iceland via the Ring Road – what are the main places to see along this itinerary
• The 30 most beautiful places in Iceland – I’ll point out what you mustn’t miss in the country!
• What to do in Iceland – ice caves, snowmobiling, northern lights… I’ll give you all the essential activities!
• The best map of Iceland – in this interactive map I put absolutely all the information, such as the most beautiful places, the walks, the waterfalls, the accommodation…
• What transport options between Reykjavik and the airport – buses, shuttles, taxis… here are all the ways to get from Keflavik airport to the city centre
• A free travel guide to Iceland – with all the essential information for a great holiday!

Articles about Reykjavik

• A weekend in Reykjavik – discover the most beautiful spots and the must-do activities to enjoy the city in a few days
• The best northern lights guides in Reykjavik – I’ll show you how to choose your tour company well
• The best places to stay in Reykjavik – tips for choosing your accommodation well

Other regions of Iceland

• Discovering Vik i Myrdal – discover the superb surroundings of this little town
• What to see in Myvatn – the must-see places in one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland
• What to see in the Golden Circle – here are the 5 incredible places to see in this iconic region
• The most beautiful places on Iceland’s South Coast – because it takes several days to discover this region
• The hotels on Iceland’s south coast – to advise you on the good places to sleep and avoid the traps