Cheap Flights to Reykjavik

Discover Reykjavik

Why visit Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, in Iceland, is the world’s northernmost capital. On the southern shore of Faxa Bay in southwestern Iceland, the city is compact yet always bustling, and is famous for its late-night bars and clubs. It is also powered by clean energy and, because of its close proximity to nature, has a big focus on health and wellbeing and spas.

A fun fact about Reykjavik is that it is the only capital city on earth that’s home to a major puffin breeding colony. In fact, an estimated three to four million pairs of the Atlantic puffin nest in Iceland each year.

Things to do in Reykjavik

When visiting Reykjavik, tourists should spend time at the National Museum of Iceland; swim in some of the city’s thermal pools and spas; explore Heidmork Nature Reserve on the outskirts of the city; see the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church (Reykjavik’s main landmark); attend a film, theatre, design or music festival; and learn about whales at Whales of Iceland, the largest whale exhibition of its type in the world. Don’t miss a visit to the Imagine Peace Tower either. This work of art was conceived by Yoko Ono as a beacon of world peace and as a memorial to John Lennon.

Best time to visit Reykjavik

The best time to visit Reykjavik is from June to August when the weather is warmer (although it’s also more expensive then), or in March or April if you want to see the Northern Lights.

Expect to pay

The currency in Reykjavik is the Icelandic krona.

Expect to pay approximately AUD$5.75 for a regular-sized coffee in Reykjavik.

Arriving in Reykjavik by plane

Your flight to Reykjavik will land at Keflavik International Airport, about 50km away (an hour or so drive) from the CBD.

Many airlines operate flights from Australia to Reykjavik. Some of these are China Southern, SAS, Emirates, Finnair, British Airways, Lufthansa and Qantas.

Visa requirements

Australians do not need to apply for a visa to visit Reykjavik.

Transportation to city centre

A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost around $170. Alternatively, you may prefer to organise car hire or airport transfers online.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

During a stay in Reykjavik you might choose to stay in the new hot spot of Old Harbour; the historical heart of the city, and focal point of many walking tours, Old Reykjavik; Laugardalur, which takes in the verdant land 4km east of the CBD; or Seltjarnarnes, a coastal area about 5km from the city centre that feels like it’s in another world.

For the most affordable accommodation rates, it pays to book a hotel online.

Useful tips before you go

It is polite to remove your shoes before entering a home in Iceland. In addition, if you’re staying at someone’s home it is considered rude to present them with a gift as a thank you. However, it is often customary to bring a small gift or some flowers when you’re meeting someone for the first time.

For more information on visiting Reykjavik, check out Smart Traveller, the trusted source of travel data.

Please note: all information is correct as of June 2016.