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How to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik?

How to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik?

Author:
Dora Jonsdottir
|
Last Updated:
May 20, 2026
Find out how to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík, including private airport transfers, shuttle buses, taxis, rental cars, public transportation, prices, travel times, and local insider tips.

Sky Lagoon is one of the easiest geothermal spas to reach from Reykjavík, which is a big reason why it has become so popular with travelers visiting Iceland. Located only around 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center in Kópavogur, the lagoon is much closer than the Blue Lagoon and can easily fit into almost any Reykjavík itinerary.

The drive from downtown Reykjavík usually takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic, and there are several ways to get there including private airport transfers, shuttle buses, public transportation, rental cars, taxis, or even walking during good weather.

But while the distance itself is short, the experience can feel very different depending on which transportation option you choose.

This guide covers all the practical ways to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík, including prices, departure locations, travel times, and the important local details many first-time visitors don’t realize until after arriving in Iceland.

Where is Sky Lagoon?

Sky Lagoon is located at Vesturvör 44 in Kópavogur, directly along the Atlantic coastline just outside Reykjavík.

One of the reasons the lagoon has become so successful is its location. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, which requires driving out onto the Reykjanes Peninsula, Sky Lagoon feels almost connected to Reykjavík itself. You can leave central Reykjavík and be inside the lagoon within roughly 15 minutes.

Approximate driving times from popular Reykjavík locations:

The lagoon itself is built directly into the coastline overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, giving it a very different atmosphere from Iceland’s inland geothermal spas. The oceanfront infinity-edge design is one of the biggest reasons visitors choose Sky Lagoon over larger geothermal resorts.

Best Way to Get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík

The best way to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík for budget travelers is Strætó, while combining Sky Lagoon with a private airport transfer is becoming increasingly popular for the most convenient and time-saving experience. Taxis work best for last-minute visits, whereas rental cars are ideal for travelers continuing a self-drive trip around Iceland afterward.

Most Budget Friendly Most Convenient Last Minute Most Flexible
Service Reykjavik Public Bus System Private Airport Transfers with Sky Lagoon Local Taxis Rental Cars
Operator Strætó Private Airport Transfers by Snæland Travel (Est. 1945) Hreyfill Hertz Car Rental
Price From ~ $5.5 one way ~ $340 for approx. 4 hours with a private driver ~ $35 one way ~ $90 per day

Most Convenient: Add Sky Lagoon to Your Airport Transfer

For many travelers, the easiest and most comfortable way to visit Sky Lagoon is by combining it with a private airport transfer.

Because Sky Lagoon sits conveniently between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, it works perfectly as a stop either on arrival day or before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

This is where Private Airport Transfers by Snæland Travel becomes one of the smoothest options available.

Instead of checking out of your hotel, storing luggage somewhere in Reykjavík, organizing separate transportation to the lagoon, and then eventually arranging airport transportation later, everything becomes one continuous journey.

Your driver picks you up directly from your accommodation in Reykjavík and drives you to Sky Lagoon. While you enjoy the lagoon and the Skjól Ritual experience, your luggage stays safely stored inside the vehicle. Once you’re finished, your driver continues directly to Keflavík Airport afterward.

It’s a surprisingly relaxing way to end an Iceland trip.

After several busy sightseeing days, many travelers appreciate not needing to think about bus schedules, luggage logistics, or navigating Reykjavík one final time before flying home.

Founded in 1945, Snæland Travel is one of Iceland’s longest-running travel companies, and these private airport transfers are especially popular with couples, families, and small groups wanting a smoother departure-day experience.

Insider Tip: Adding Sky Lagoon to your airport transfer is often more time-efficient than visiting separately from Reykjavík the day before departure. Since the lagoon already sits along the route toward KEF Airport, you avoid unnecessary backtracking into the city afterward.

Cheapest: Public Bus to Sky Lagoon

Unlike many geothermal spas in Iceland, Sky Lagoon is actually reachable using Reykjavík’s regular public transportation system.

From Hlemmur Square in central Reykjavík, you can take Bus No. 4 toward Hamraborg. From there, you transfer to Bus No. 35 or 36 toward Bakkabraut. Once you arrive, it’s a short walk following the signs toward Vesturvör and the lagoon entrance.

The total journey usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on transfer timing.

Public transportation is by far the cheapest option, although it’s definitely less convenient for visitors unfamiliar with Reykjavík bus routes or Icelandic weather.

Insider Tip: Using the Strætó mobile app makes navigating Reykjavík’s public buses much easier, especially for checking real-time departures and transfer connections.

Last Minute: Taxi from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon

Taxis are available throughout Reykjavík and can take you directly to Sky Lagoon in roughly 10–15 minutes.

Pricing usually falls around $35 USD one way depending on traffic, time of day, and pickup location.

Compared to Iceland’s famously expensive airport taxis, this is actually a fairly reasonable taxi journey by local standards because of the short distance involved.

Most Flexible: Driving Yourself to Sky Lagoon

If you already have a rental car during your Iceland trip, driving to Sky Lagoon is extremely simple.

The route from central Reykjavík mainly follows Kringlumýrarbraut (Route 40) before continuing toward Kársnes and Vesturvör.

Compared to the Blue Lagoon, there’s far less driving involved and no need to worry about volcanic road closures or long-distance navigation.

Parking at Sky Lagoon is completely free with no time restrictions, and electric vehicle charging stations are available on site.

For travelers already doing a self-drive itinerary around Iceland, this is often one of the easiest transportation options overall.

Other Available Options

There are other options to consider when going from Reykjavik to Sky Lagoon.

Shuttle Services from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon

For travelers looking for a more affordable option, shuttle buses are one of the most common ways to get from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon.

Both Reykjavík Excursions and Gray Line operate regular transfers between the city and the lagoon throughout the day.

Reykjavík Excursions departures operate from BSÍ Bus Terminal, while Gray Line departures leave from Reykjavík Terminal at Skógarhlíð 10.

Both companies also offer optional hotel pickup services from selected Reykjavík accommodations and designated Reykjavík Bus Stops.

The shuttle schedules are very similar throughout most of the year. Both companies operate the same hours:

The drive itself only takes around 15 minutes from central Reykjavík, although hotel pickups can increase the overall journey time slightly.

One thing many travelers don’t realize beforehand is that hotel pickup in Reykjavík often works through the city’s designated bus stop system. Because larger shuttle vehicles cannot always enter narrow downtown streets, passengers may need to walk a few minutes to a nearby pickup stop before boarding.

Usually the walk is short, but it’s still something worth knowing ahead of time, especially during winter weather or while carrying extra clothing and towels.

Round-trip shuttle transportation generally costs around $19 plus admission fees.

Insider Tip: Many travelers accidentally book only one-way transportation and then realize later they still need to arrange their return trip to Reykjavík. Always double-check exactly what your booking includes before finalizing payment.

Walking or Cycling to Sky Lagoon

Because Sky Lagoon sits relatively close to Reykjavík, some travelers choose to walk or bike there during good weather.

From Hlemmur Square, the route is approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes on foot. The route mainly follows Rauðarárstígur before continuing through Suðurhlíð and toward Vesturvör.

Cycling is significantly faster and can actually be a very enjoyable option during summer, particularly on calm weather days.

That said, Icelandic wind and rain can make even shorter distances feel surprisingly long, so checking the forecast beforehand is always a good idea.

Do You Need to Book Sky Lagoon in Advance?

Sky Lagoon has quickly become one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and admission slots regularly sell out during busy travel periods.

While walk-in tickets are technically possible, arriving without a reservation can easily mean not getting in.

Sky Lagoon currently offers two admission tiers: the Saman Pass and the Sér Pass. Both include access to the lagoon, towel use, and the full seven-step Skjól Ritual experience, while the Sér Pass also includes private changing facilities.

Prices generally range between $70–110 USD depending on season and package type.

Insider Tip: Winter evening admission times are especially popular because visitors occasionally get views of the northern lights while relaxing in the lagoon.

Visiting Sky Lagoon After Landing in Iceland

Many travelers visit Sky Lagoon directly after arriving at Keflavík Airport, especially if they arrive on morning flights from North America or Europe.

Because hotel check-in in Reykjavík often isn’t available until mid-afternoon, visiting Sky Lagoon can be a relaxing way to recover from a long overnight flight before heading into the city.

Private Airport Transfers by Snæland Travel allow travelers to combine airport pickup with a stop at Sky Lagoon while luggage stays safely stored in the vehicle during the visit.

This is especially popular among travelers wanting:

Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik FAQs

How do you get from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon?

You can get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík by shuttle bus, public bus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. The most convenient and time-saving option is combining Sky Lagoon with a private airport transfer to Keflavík Airport, while Strætó public buses are the cheapest option.

How much is a cab from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon?

A taxi from Reykjavík to Sky Lagoon usually costs around $35 USD one way depending on traffic, pickup location, and time of day.

How long do you need at Sky Lagoon?

Most travelers spend around 2–3 hours at Sky Lagoon to fully enjoy the lagoon, the seven-step Skjól Ritual, sauna, steam rooms, and relaxation areas without feeling rushed.

Is Sky Lagoon Worth Visiting?

Sky Lagoon is worth it for travelers who enjoy luxury spa experiences and will treat it as such, ideally spending 2-3 hours there instead of rushing through or squeezing it between other activities. Sky Lagoon has a Tripadvisor rating of 4.5 from over 5000 travelers who frequently mention that Sky Lagoon was worth it.

Does Sky Lagoon have free parking?

Sky Lagoon offers free parking for guests with ample parking spaces available directly outside the entrance, so guests arriving by car should have an easy time finding parking. There are no parking time limits, and electric vehicle charging stations are also available on site.

So, what’s the best way to get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík?

That really depends on the kind of experience you want.

Shared shuttles work well for affordability, public buses are possible for budget-conscious travelers, and rental cars offer flexibility for self-drive itineraries.

But for many visitors, combining Sky Lagoon with a private airport transfer through Snæland Travel ends up being the smoothest and most relaxing option overall. It simplifies departure day logistics and turns airport transfer day into part of the Iceland experience itself.

Private Airport Transfers by Snæland Travel makes airport transfer the most relaxing part of your trip.

Airport Transfer Services

KEF Airport to Reykjavik

Book your private airport transfer from KEF airport to your hotel in Reykjavik.
Price p. vehicle from
€170
Book Now

Blue Lagoon Airport Transfer

Book your private airport transfer with a 2 hour stop at the Blue Lagoon.
Price p. vehicle from
€295
Book Now

Reykjavik Cruise Ports to KEF

A private airport transfer between Reykjavik cruise ports and KEF airport.
Price p. vehicle from
€170
Book Now

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