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Westman Island Ferry: Best Way to Visit Westman Islands

ByElizabeth

Are you wanting to visit the Westman Islands in Iceland, but you aren’t sure how to get there?

If you want the amazing opportunity to visit The Westman (Vestmannaeyjar) Islands, there are three ways to get there…by the Westman Island ferry, by cruise boat, or by air.

The Westman Island Ferry, also known as the Herjólfur ferry, is the most common and cost-efficient way to get to the largest island in the Westman Islands, Heimaey. It cost our family $120 USD round trip for 4 people and our car.

If you are a cheapskate like me and wondering if it is worth the money, it absolutely is! Visiting Heimaey was one of our favorite things we did while we were in Iceland. Here is everything you need to know about using the ferry to Westman Islands.

Herjolfur Ferry

How to get to Westman Islands

The ferry departs from the port of Landeyjahöfn, located on the south coast of Iceland, approximately 93 miles (150 km) from Reykjavik. This is a 2 hour drive, but you can also get there by bus if you don’t have a car. In the winter or bad weather, you can also choose to leave from Þorlákshöfn, which is only 33 miles (53 km) from Reykjavik, but the ferry ride is much longer.

Westman Island Ferry Schedule

The Westman Island Ferry operates year-round, but the schedule may vary depending on the season. The ferry ride from Landeyjahöfn to the Westman Islands takes approximately 35-40 minutes.

During peak season, there are multiple daily departures, while in the offseason, the frequency of sailings may be reduced. It’s important to check the ferry schedule in advance to plan your trip accordingly. The Westman Island Ferry schedules can be found here.

Westman Island Harbor

Ticket Purchase at Landeyjahöfn (Mainland)

All of my research said it is recommended to purchase your ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy periods. However, our family visted the Westman Islands at the beginning of June (the beginning of busy season) and we bought tickets on our drive to the ferry terminal.

We wanted to make sure that the weather was good the day that we went, so we watched the weather and switched our itinerary around. Tickets can be purchased online through their website or at the ticket office located at Landeyjahöfn.

Make sure to have your ticket ready when it is time for boarding, as they scan it before you can get on. If you will not have phone service away from your hotel, make sure to print off the tickets or screen shot them on your phone.

Landeyjahöfn Ferry

Ticket Purchase Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

You can also get tickets on Heimaey at the Vestmannaeyjar ticket office. We bought our return ticket at the Heimaey ticket office because we didn’t want to be rushed while on the island and trying to make it back by a certain time, but we made sure that there were plenty of open spots before making this plan.

Be sure to have your ticket ready when it is time for boarding, as they scan it before you can get on. If you will not have phone service away from your hotel, make sure to print off the tickets or screen shot them on your phone.

Westman Island Puffin

Boarding the Ferry to Westman Islands

Arrive early! You do not want to have your precious time in Westman Islands cut short due to missing the ferry.

When you purchase your ticket, it says it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process. This will allow you time to check in and secure a good spot on the ferry.

The good news is that there is a small playground at the Landeyjahöfn terminal for your kids to play at while you wait. There is also a really fun park located close to the ferry terminal in Vestmannaeyjar. The park is a 5 minute walk, so make sure to plan that in to your schedule.

Westman Island Park

Boarding the Westman Island Ferry with a Car

We took our rental car across with us, so we lined up in the car lines (they told us to make sure we arrived 30 minutes early). Make sure to follow all directions given by the ferry staff.

You will need a reservation for your car as well as all of the people in your party, so make sure you have that when you purchase your tickets.

After they scanned our tickets, they directed us onto the ferry. They really pack the cars in tight and I was worried we were going to hit another car, but the ferry staff guided us in and we did not have any issues.

You are not allowed to go down to the car deck once the ferry is moving, so make sure to take anything you might need while aboard (like a coat or jacket) with you.

Westman Island Ferry Cars

Enjoy the Ferry Ride

The Westman Islands Ferry has multiple seating areas (indoor and outdoor), restrooms, and a cafeteria where you can purchase drinks and food during the crossing. On our ferry there was also a kid area that had a movie playing. You can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding ocean and islands during the journey from warm seats inside or you can venture out onto the deck.

If you plan on going out on the deck during the crossing, make sure that you bring your jacket or coat. It is very windy and very cold. It almost blew our kids over multiple times and it was not a very windy day. They made a game of it and had a fun time being blown around.

What you can see from the Ferry

Our kids loved watching the small boat that followed us across and kept trying to get the driver to wave at them.

Herjolfur Iceland Ferrry

Ellidaey Island- Loneliest House in the World

As you get near Heimaey, you can see the iconic island,  Ellidaey, with one lonely house on it. You can also see a few other islands along the way with waves crashing against their cliffs.

Westman Ferry Lonely House

Approaching the Harbor

As you approach the harbor, you are surrounded by the sheer cliffs of Heimaklettur. You can see the hiking trail up Heimaklettur from the boat.

There are lots of birds flying around their nests in the cliffs and we saw a few sheep dotting the hillside. We were worried about the safety of the sheep on the steep grass, but they seemed perfectly fine wandering around.

Heimaey Ferry

Arrival at the Westman Islands

Upon arrival at the Westman Islands, follow the disembarkation instructions provided by the ferry staff.

If you have a vehicle, make sure to get down to your vehicle as soon as the doors open to the car deck and get into your car. You need be ready to go so that you are not holding up traffic. Once they open the big doors, drive off the ferry and proceed out to explore the island.

If you are a foot passenger, simply walk off the ferry and begin your island adventure.

Westman Island Ferry Parking

Be Prepared

We recommend checking the Westman Islands Ferry operator’s website or contacting them directly for any specific instructions, updates, or additional requirements before your planned trip. Weather conditions can sometimes affect ferry schedules, so it’s a good idea to stay informed and be prepared for any changes.

Pro Tip

The road that turns off of the Ring Road (Route 1) and takes you to Landeyjahöfn is just 5.8 miles (9.4 km) from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (which you can see from the Ring Road) and Gljufrabui Waterfall.

It is 110% worth stopping to see the waterfalls if you aren’t planning on seeing them another day. And they may even warrent a second stop…they are that amazing!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Iceland

Places to Explore Close By

Elizabeth is the mother of the Tall Adventure Fam. She is the organizer of chaos and planner of all activities. She had cancer when she was 12 and takes 1000s of pictures of everything to help combat memory issues from chemotherapy. She decided she wanted to share their travel experience so other people can get out and enjoy the world around them, so she started this family travel blog in 2023.

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