How to Get from Húsavík Airport to Lake Mývatn

For independence, flexibility, and the ability to fully explore the Lake Mývatn area's scattered attractions, renting a car upon arrival at Húsavík Airport (HZK) is the top recommendation for most visitors.

Why It's the Best Option:

• Door-to-Door Convenience: Drive directly to your accommodation at Mývatn in about 1h15m.
• Exploration Freedom: The Mývatn area spans over 100 sq km. Key sites like Goðafoss waterfall (on the way), Dimmuborgir, Hverir, and the Nature Baths require a vehicle.
• Schedule Control: No dependence on limited bus schedules or transfer times.
• Cost-Effective for Groups: Splitting the rental and fuel costs among 2-4 people makes it very economical.

Rental Process & Tips at HZK:

Húsavík Airport has rental desks for major agencies. Booking months in advance is crucial, especially for summer (June-August) and for automatic transmission vehicles.

Agency (Example)	Estimated Daily Rate (Small 4x4)*	Pick-up at HZK	Key Consideration
Blue Car Rental	15,000 - 25,000 ISK	Yes (Desk)	Includes all essential insurances (Gravel, SCDW).
Hertz	14,000 - 22,000 ISK	Yes (Desk)	Well-known brand, often has a good fleet.
Local Agencies	12,000 - 20,000 ISK	Yes (May require call)	Can offer competitive rates and personal service.

*Prices vary wildly by season, demand, and car type. Winter (Oct-Apr) demands a 4x4.

The Drive: Route 87 (Húsavík to Mývatn)

The journey is scenic but requires attention. You'll drive south on Route 85, then turn onto Route 87. This road crosses the Mývatnssveit highlands.

• Summer Driving: Straightforward. Road is paved but can be narrow in parts. Watch for sheep.
• Winter Driving (CRITICAL): Route 87 is a mountain pass prone to snow, ice, and sudden storms. Always check Road.is for closures and Vedur.is for weather. A 4x4 is mandatory, and driving experience in winter conditions is highly advised.
• Fuel: Fill up in Húsavík or at the N1 station near Goðafoss. Gas stations at Mývatn are limited.

For travelers who want door-to-door service without driving, pre-booked transfers are the most convenient public transport alternative.

How It Works & Who It's For:

• Door-to-Door: Driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your Mývatn hotel.
• Ideal For: Groups, families with young children, travelers with lots of luggage, or those arriving on late flights (if pre-arranged).
• Cost: Significant premium over public transport, but can be reasonable when split among 3-4 people.

Recommended Transfer Companies:

Advance booking is non-negotiable. Email or call to confirm availability, especially for flights outside peak hours.

• Mývatn Transfer: Specializes in the region. Offers private transfers and sometimes scheduled shuttles. Reliable and knowledgeable.
• Geysir Car / Bus Travel Iceland: Larger operators that may offer private hire or shared bus services on this route during high season.
• Local Taxi Companies: You can contact Húsavík-based firms like Húsavík Taxi for a quoted price for the long-distance trip. This is not an on-demand service at the airport.

What to Expect:

Cost for a private car/van for 1-4 people typically ranges from 18,000 ISK to 35,000 ISK one-way. Travel time is similar to a private car (~1h20m). Confirm if the price includes all taxes and tolls (there are none on this route), and the luggage allowance.

This is the most budget-friendly method if you are traveling solo or as a couple and don't mind a connection. It requires planning around bus schedules.

The Step-by-Step Journey:

1. Airport to Húsavík Town (5-10 mins): Take a taxi from the airport rank to the Húsavík bus terminal ("Húsavík (BSÍ)"). Cost: ~3,000-4,500 ISK. You can sometimes share this cost with other travelers. There is no public bus from the airport.
2. Húsavík to Lake Mývatn (~1h-1h20m): Board the Strætó bus line 56 (Húsavík - Akureyri). You will disembark at either "Reykjahlíð (Mývatn)" (for the eastern side) or "Skútustaðir (Mývatn)" (for the southern side), depending on your accommodation.
   • Key Resource: Always use the official Strætó website or app for the most current timetable. Schedules change seasonally and are limited (often 2-3 buses per day).
   • Fare: Approx. 2,480 ISK per adult (2024 price). Pay with card on board or via the Strætó app.

Critical Planning Points:

• Schedule Gap: There may be a significant wait in Húsavík between your taxi arrival and the next bus. Check the timetable first to plan your flight arrival.
• Luggage: Buses have standard luggage compartments. You are responsible for your bags during the transfer in Húsavík.
• Final Mile: The bus stops are not at all hotels. You may need a short walk or a local taxi call from Reykjahlíð to your specific guesthouse.

Bottom Line: This option saves money but trades time and convenience. It's perfectly feasible with careful planning.

While taxis meet most flights at Húsavík Airport, hiring one on the spot for the 80+ km journey to Mývatn is ill-advised and extremely expensive.

Why You Should Avoid It:

• Exorbitant Cost: The meter will run very high for a long-distance, time-consuming trip. Expect a fare of 25,000 ISK to 40,000 ISK or more one-way.
• Driver May Refuse: The driver may not be prepared or willing to make such a long trip, especially at night or in poor weather.
• No Price Certainty: Without a pre-agreed flat rate, the final cost is unpredictable.

If You Must Use a Taxi:

In an absolute pinch (e.g., missed connections, medical issue), follow this protocol:

1. Speak with the driver before loading bags.
2. Explicitly state your destination (e.g., "Hotel X at Lake Mývatn").
3. Negotiate and confirm a fixed price for the entire journey. Do not accept "we'll go by the meter."
4. For a better chance, call a local company like Húsavík Taxi (+354 464 1920) in advance, even from the arrivals hall, to arrange a quoted trip.

Plan Around the Bus (If Not Driving):

The Strætó bus schedule is the backbone of public transport. Book your flight to HZK with the bus timetable in mind. An arrival just after a bus has left could mean a 4+ hour wait in Húsavík. The last bus often departs in the early evening.

Winter is a Different Game:

From October to April, this route becomes an expedition. If you rent a car, get the full insurance package (Gravel Protection, Sand & Ash, SCDW). Roads can close suddenly (Road.is is your bible). Have warm clothing, water, and snacks in the vehicle. Consider postponing your trip if a major storm is forecast.

Accommodation Location Matters:

Mývatn accommodations are spread out. If relying on buses, choose a hotel in Reykjahlíð (the main service village) close to the bus stop. If you have a car, you have more options in quieter areas like Skútustaðir.

Communicate with Your Host:

Many guesthouses and hotels are run by locals who can offer invaluable advice. Email them in advance to ask about the best way to reach them from HZK, and if they offer or can recommend a local pick-up service from the bus stop.

Fuel & Supplies:

Fill your tank and stock up on snacks/drinks in Húsavík. While Reykjahlíð has a small supermarket and gas pump, options are limited and more expensive than in larger towns.