Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss: Ultimate Guide 2025

Wondering how to get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss?

Then you’ve come to the right article as I’ve written a complete guide on getting from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and for good reason, it’s beautiful!

It’s on nearly everyone’s Icelandic bucket list, but it can be hard to know how to reach the waterfall from Reykjavik.

After spending 5 days in Iceland staying in Reykjavik and after making the trip to Seljalandsfoss, I feel confident to provide a guide for this journey.

So let’s crack on with it.

Where is Seljalandsfoss?

Before we discuss how to get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss, we need to understand where Seljalandsfoss actually is in Iceland.

Using this map of Iceland, we can see that Seljalandsfoss is in the south of the country, along the south coast.

Even though Iceland is a small country, the waterfall is still pretty far away from Reykjavik.

A map of Iceland split into regons. Reykjavik is in the southwest of Iceland and Seljalandsfoss is on the southcoast.

Seljalandsfoss is found just off the “Ring Road” which is the main highway that loops all the way around Iceland.

It’s closest to a small town called Hvolsvöllur.

And Seljalandsfoss isn’t just a standalone waterfall, it’s actually part of a network of waterfalls along the Seljalands River, which gets its water from the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull – the volcano which caused all the disruption in 2010.

But of course, Seljalandsfoss is the most famous waterfall out of the lot.

How far is Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik?

In terms of distance, Seljalandsfoss and Reykjavik are pretty far apart.

As the bird flies, which means in a straight line without considering any roads or obstacles, Seljalandsfoss is about 120 kilometers (roughly 75 miles) southeast of Reykjavik.

But to actually get there by taking roads, the distance between Seljalandsfoss and Reykjavik is about 129 kilometres (80 miles) and it takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes of driving to get there.

A picture of rainbow street in Reykjavik. It's a street with colourful houses and a rainbow painted on the road.

How to get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss

To get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, there are 3 main options.

Options

These options are:

  • South Coast Tour
  • Renting a car
  • Public Bus

Best Way

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In my opinion, the best way to get to Seljalandsfoss is by taking a South Coast Tour.

It’s the best way for a few reasons, but the main reason is that you get to see all of the other natural beauty spots in the south of Iceland.

There’s no point making the journey from Reykjavik just to see Seljalandsfoss, you may as well see the other waterfalls, glaciers, beaches in the area.

Taking a South Coast Tour is the perfect way to do this.

A picture on me in front of Seljalandsfoss, after taking a South Coast tour from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss: South Coast Tour

There are many advantages to taking a South Coast Tour as your way of getting from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

Firstly, taking a south coast tour means you don’t need to navigate your way to Seljalandsfoss, you’re taken there by expert drivers and guides who go there multiple times a week.

It also means you have that expert guide telling you facts about Seljalandsfoss and Iceland so you can learn more about the waterfall.

And the biggest reason in my opinion is that by taking a tour, it also means you get to see all of the famous beauty of the south coast of Iceland, rather than just one of the wonders.

A picture of Seljalandsfoss with the sun shining on the water.

An Iceland South Coast Tour will include stops at Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara Beach, Vík, and more. And of course, Seljalandsfoss.

Taking a south coast tour was one of my favourite days during my trip to Iceland. Seeing so many bucket list spots in one day was extraordinary.

It’s the perfect day out and it’s for sure the best way to see Seljalandsfoss. While you’re in the area, you may as well check out all of the other extraordinary sights.

The tours also include a photo stop at Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano glacier I mentioned earlier where Seljalandsfoss gets its water from. It’s pretty surreal seeing a volcano that had such an impact on the world in real life.

A picture of what looks like a mountain range but one is covered in snow, this is the volcano Eyjafjallajökull where Seljalandsfoss gets its water.
Eyjafjallajökull is the snowy landscape in the middle.

All in all, I can’t recommend an Iceland South Coast Tour enough, and it’s definitely the best way to see Seljalandsfoss.

Even though Iceland is expensive, the tour prices aren’t actually that bad! It’s more than worth it. You won’t regret it, I promise!

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss: Car Rental

Another option I would recommend for getting to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik is to rent a car in Iceland.

But there are some conditions to when I would recommend this. I would recommend renting a car if:

  • You have more than one week in Iceland
  • You are doing a road trip around Iceland
  • It’s not your first time in Iceland
  • You aren’t renting a car just to see Seljalandsfoss

If any of these don’t apply to you, I wouldn’t really recommend it. If you have less than one week in Iceland, you want to be as efficient as possible, and renting a car isn’t time-efficient especially since it’s pretty difficult to drive in Iceland.

Doing a road trip around Iceland is an unbelievable experience, but if you’re not doing this, there’s not much point in renting a car. It’s best to rent a car if you’re going past the touristy sights, in other words, to the east coast or the north of Iceland.

By the way, when you’re out and about in Iceland, make sure you don’t take any rocks or pebbles or anything. Most areas are protected, meaning it is illegal, and you can even be stopped in the airport if you are caught.

Instead, head to an Iceland souvenir store, and buy a volcanic rock necklace or other piece of jewellery, which is a similar idea to simply taking a rock, but more practical and most importantly, legal.

A picture of Seljalandsfoss from the main road. Renting a car is another option to get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

If it’s your first time in Iceland, I think it’s best to take a South Coast Tour as you can learn so much about the country and the sights you are seeing.

And I definitely don’t recommend renting a car just to go to Seljalandsfoss. It’s not worth the hassle, it’s easier and better to just take a South Coast tour.

But if you tick all of the boxes, then yes, renting a car is another great option for getting to Seljalandsfoss. Just note there is a parking charge of 700 ISK. If you visit in a tour, it’s completely free.

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss: Public Bus

A final option for getting from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss is by taking a public bus.

I do not recommend this option.

Iceland’s public transport is pretty expensive, especially for long journeys. And it also takes so much longer too, as you aren’t going the most direct route.

But the main reason I don’t recommend taking public transport in this case is that it doesn’t get you anywhere near Seljalandsfoss.

You can take bus 52 and get to the closest bus stop to Seljalandsfoss which is is Landeyjahöfn. It’s still quite far from Seljalandsfoss.

It’s about 3 hours 20 minutes of hiking to get to Seljalandsfoss from the bus stop, or a 13 minute drive. So perhaps you could hitchhike a lift to the waterfall, but it’s unlikely to be viable.

There is also no Uber in Iceland, so this isn’t an option either.

So if you really really want, you can get a public bus to Landeyjahöfn, but it’s really not worth your effort.

To repeat myself one last time, I recommend taking a South Coast Tour instead.

A picture of Seljalandsfoss from behind the waterfall. The sun is setting and looks beautiful looking out from behind the waterfall.

One thing that is good about the bus stop Landeyjahöfn though is that it’s where you go to get the ferry to the Westman Islands, which is one of the best winter day trips from Reykjavik.

But other than this, there’s no reason to take public transport to get to this bus stop. Especially not if you’re intending to go to Seljalandsfoss.

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss: FAQ

Below are some questions related to getting from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss along with my answers to each question.

How much does it cost to go to Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Visiting Seljalandsfoss waterfall itself is free; there’s no entry fee to view the falls. However, if you’re driving, there’s a parking fee which is around 700 ISK (Icelandic króna), or roughly 5 USD. This small cost goes towards the maintenance of the area to keep it pristine and accessible for everyone.

How long does it take to do the Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

To really enjoy Seljalandsfoss, you’ll want to set aside about 45 minutes to an hour. This gives you plenty of time to walk around, take photos, and if the path is open, wander behind the waterfall for a truly unique perspective. Remember, the paths can be slippery, so take your time and wear appropriate footwear.

Is Seljalandsfoss worth it?

Absolutely! Seljalandsfoss is a must-see when in Iceland. It’s one of the country’s most famous waterfalls, not just for its height and the power of the water, but also for the rare opportunity to walk behind the falls—a magical experience that’s definitely worth the visit.

How long does it take to get to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik?

The journey from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss takes about 2 hours by car, depending on the weather and road conditions it might take longer. The drive itself is part of the experience, showcasing Iceland’s stunning landscapes as you go.

Final Thoughts: Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss

And there you have it, a complete guide on getting from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss.

Remember, the three main options are by taking a South Coast tour, renting a car, or taking a public bus.

In my opinion, the best way is by booking the South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik.

Now that you know how to get from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss, next up on planning your Iceland trip is knowing how to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik.