🚌 Ring Road Long-Distance Route

Strætó Route 57: Reykjavík ↔ Akureyri

The essential north-bound Ring Road connection. Travel from the capital city of Reykjavík to Akureyri, the Capital of the North, passing through scenic fjords and mountain passes.

Open Route 57 on Live Map →

📍 Route Overview & Travel Times

Connect Reykjavík to the Capital of North Iceland

Route 57 covers a distance of ~388 km along Route 1 (Ring Road 1), taking approximately 6.5 hours of driving. It is the most economical way to travel overland between Reykjavík and Akureyri, offering breathtaking window views of Borgarfjörður, Hrútafjörður, and the majestic mountains of Skagafjörður.

Key Stops along the Journey

  • Reykjavík (Mjódd): The southern terminus and main public transit hub in the capital area.
  • Borgarnes (Hyrnan): A popular rest stop on a scenic peninsula. Great spot to grab a bite or use restrooms.
  • Staðarskáli (Hrútafjörður): The iconic halfway service station in Northwest Iceland, connecting the West, Westfjords, and North.
  • Blönduós (N1): A historic seaside town situated where the glacial river Blanda meets the sea.
  • Varmahlíð: A small service community in Skagafjörður, famous for Icelandic horse history.
  • Akureyri (Hof): The northern terminus located at the Hof Cultural and Information Center.

Frequency & Timetable

Route 57 generally operates 1 to 2 times daily in each direction. Since departures are limited, missing a bus means waiting until the next day. We highly recommend booking connecting travel with safe buffers and checking updated departure times on the interactive map or inside the official Klapp app.

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Important: Winter Weather Closures

During winter (October to May), parts of Route 1 (such as Öxnadalsheiði pass before Akureyri) frequently experience heavy snow and closures. Check weather alerts on Vedur.is and road conditions on Umferdin.is before departing.

🎫 Fares & Ticket Pricing

Understand zone fares and payment methods

Strætó countryside lines charge based on the number of zones crossed. The journey between Reykjavík and Akureyri on Route 57 spans 22 zones:

  • Single Ticket Cost: Standard single zone tickets cost ~570 ISK.
  • Total One-way Fare: 22 zones × 570 ISK = 12,540 ISK (check updated Strætó pricing tables for final rates).
  • Payment Methods: Country buses support contactless credit/debit card payments onboard, payment via the Klapp App, or paper ticket zones. Cash is not accepted.