Best Highland Buses in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

Iceland’s Highlands form a remote region filled with mountains, lava fields, and rugged volcanic scenery. Many routes include rough F-roads and river crossings, so travel is only possible in summer with vehicles suited for difficult terrain.

Highland buses provide a safe and reliable way to reach these wilderness areas without renting a 4x4. These specially equipped vehicles are designed for gravel roads, river crossings, and steep mountain sections, making them ideal for exploring Iceland’s interior.

This network connects travelers to Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, and remote highland trailheads. It also provides access to rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, black-sand deserts, and other areas unreachable by standard vehicles.

Operating during Iceland’s summer time, from June to September, highland buses run on set schedules with multiple drop-off and pickup points. They offer a comfortable, convenient option for experiencing the interior while avoiding the challenges of driving on remote mountain roads.

Why Take Highland Buses in Iceland

Highland buses are ideal for travelers who want to explore Iceland’s interior without dealing with changing road conditions or route logistics. They run on set summer schedules and pair well with options like Highland tours when planning your route.

They’re also helpful for visitors who prefer not to track river levels or weather updates themselves. Drivers monitor conditions daily, which offers added peace of mind for shorter trips.

For hikers, especially those planning independent hiking in Iceland, Highland buses make reaching trailheads simple.  They’re often used to access areas featured in Landmannalaugar tours without needing a rental car.

Top Highland Destinations You Can Reach by Bus

Highland buses in Iceland provide easy access to some of the country’s most impressive natural areas, with routes that reach many of the top highland destinations. These areas offer colorful landscapes, geothermal features, and excellent hiking.

• Landmannalaugar – Famous for its rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and hiking routes like the Laugavegur Trail. It’s one of the most beautiful geothermal regions in Iceland.

• Thorsmork – A lush valley surrounded by glaciers and volcanic peaks. Known for deep river crossings, scenic trails, and dramatic viewpoints like Valahnukur.

• Kerlingarfjoll – Set in the central highlands, this geothermal mountain range has steaming vents, red hills, and otherworldly hiking terrain.

• Askja – Far from the Ring Road, this remote volcanic caldera has deep crater lakes, black deserts, and striking lava formations shaped by eruptions.

• Hveravellir – Along the Kjolur route lies a geothermal oasis with hot springs, fumaroles, and wide-open highland views.

Main Highland Bus Routes

These routes connect key towns with popular trailheads and give travelers simple options for day hikes, multi-day treks, or point-to-point travel.

The main seasonal routes include:

• Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar – A convenient line for day hikes, hot springs, and the start of the Laugavegur Trail.

• Reykjavik to Thorsmork – Ideal for travelers heading into this secluded valley for hiking or overnight stays. It’s also a convenient option for those completing or reversing the Laugavegur Trail, with buses running between Thorsmork and Reykjavik.

• South Coast to Landmannalaugar (via Hella or Selfoss) – A useful option for travelers already exploring the region.

• Reykjavik to Skogar – A great choice for travelers visiting the iconic waterfall or beginning the Fimmvorduhals hiking route, which connects Skogar and Thorsmork.

• Thorsmork to Skogar – Popular with hikers completing the Fimmvorduhals route and picking up their rental car near Skogafoss Waterfall.

• Myvatn to Askja – A highland connection for travelers in North Iceland visiting the volcanic Askja region.

• Kjolur Route to Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjoll – A scenic interior route linking geothermal areas and mountain ranges.

These routes help travelers reach some of Iceland’s most impressive landscapes safely and comfortably. They’re helpful for long-distance treks, day hikes, or exploring remote Highland areas without needing to rent a 4×4.

Recommended Highland Bus Transfer in Iceland

Taking a highland bus in Iceland is a simple way to access valleys, trailheads, and geothermal regions deep in the interior. These transfers help travelers begin hikes, link to nearby towns, or make their way back to Reykjavik.

• Highland Bus Transfer from Reykjavik to Thorsmork in Iceland - A convenient option for travelers heading directly into the valley for hiking or overnight stays. This one-way route is a simple way to begin your highland journey.

• Hikers Pass Highland Bus Transfer from Thorsmork to Reykjavik - Ideal for those finishing multi-day trails, this flexible pass allows travel in either direction on your selected day. It’s well-suited for hikers completing the Laugavegur route.

• Highland Bus Transfer from Thorsmork to Hella in South Iceland - A practical connection for continuing your journey along the South Coast. This route is useful for travelers moving on to nearby towns after exploring Thorsmork.

• Highland Bus Transfer from Reykjavik to Thorsmork in Iceland - Another available departure time for the same route, giving travelers more flexibility when planning their visit to the valley’s trailheads and viewpoints.

• Affordable Highland Bus Transfer from Landmannalaugar to Reykjavik - A straightforward option for ending a day hike or completing a multi-day trek in the area. This transfer makes returning to the capital from the geothermal mountains straightforward.

Tours to Pair with Highland Bus Transfers

Travelers joining meet-on-location tours in the Highlands often rely on Highland Buses to reach remote spots like Landmannalaugar. Since these tours don’t include transport, the bus network offers a convenient and safe way to get there without a 4×4.

• Small Group Landmannalaugar Tour and Hot Springs Adventure with Expert Guide - A guided 5-hour hike in Landmannalaugar that meets on location, requiring travelers to arrive by Highland Bus or 4×4.

• Action-Packed 5-Hour Hiking and Hot Springs Tour of Landmannalaugar - A guided day hike with hot-spring bathing in Landmannalaugar that meets on location, with travelers reaching the starting point by Highland Bus or 4×4.

• Small-Group 5-Hour Landmannalaugar And Hot Springs Trekking Tour - A flexible highland trip that assumes travelers make their own way to Landmannalaugar before the hike begins. 

When Highland Bus Routes Are Open

Highland bus routes operate only in summer, usually from late June to early September. Services begin once F-roads open for the season, offering safe access to Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, and other interior areas during the most stable weather months.

By early September, schedules narrow as conditions become less predictable, and some routes may close with little notice. Outside this period, no public transport operates in the Highlands, making summer the only time travelers can reach the interior by bus.

What to Expect When Traveling with Highland Buses

Iceland’s highlands are a remote region of gravel roads, river crossings, and rugged landscapes. Because these routes require specialized vehicles, a highland bus offers a safe and reliable way to reach the area. Here’s what to keep in mind before traveling:

• Season: Highland buses run only during summer, usually from mid-June to early September. 

• Roads: F-roads in the interior are rough gravel tracks with river crossings and uneven surfaces. 

• Safety: You won’t need to drive on mountain roads yourself, as trained drivers monitor conditions and safely handle river crossings. They use updates from road.is to stay informed about changing road conditions.

• Weather: The highlands have unpredictable weather, with quick shifts in wind, rain, and temperature even in summer. Checking vedur.is before your trip helps you stay updated on current forecasts.

• Stops: Many routes include several designated drop-off and pick-up points. This makes it simple to begin day hikes, join longer trails, or explore popular viewpoints.

• Travel Time: Routes vary by destination, but most highland bus journeys take several hours. Trips between Reykjavik and Landmannalaugar typically last around four hours.

• Comfort: Buses are designed for off-road travel but still offer good visibility and comfortable seating. Large windows make it easy to enjoy views of mountains, valleys, and geothermal landscapes along the way.

• Booking: Summer departures can fill quickly, especially during peak weeks. Booking ahead is recommended, and most journeys begin from Reykjavik or larger South Coast towns with set meeting points.

• Preparation: Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, snacks, and water, using guides on what to wear in Iceland and how to pack to help you prepare.

Start Planning Your Highland Bus Adventure in Iceland

Exploring Iceland’s highlands is a memorable way to experience the country’s raw nature. Summer brings open mountain roads and access to colorful mountains and geothermal landscapes, with a wide variety of experiences in Iceland to help plan your trip.

You might be heading to Landmannalaugar for the day or trekking through Thorsmork. Whatever your plan, there’s a Highland bus route that fits your itinerary.

Reliable departures and comfortable vehicles keep the journey easy from the start. With experienced drivers, reaching these remote areas becomes simple and stress-free.

Start organizing your trip today and discover why traveling by highland bus in Iceland is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience the country’s wild landscapes.