Foot passenger
Consider this if your island plans are centered on town and nearby sights. Check the walking distances for your chosen stops and arrange local transport for places farther away.
SOUTH ICELAND · ACCESS GUIDE
Take the ferry to the Westman Islands
Herjólfur connects mainland Iceland with Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Landeyjahöfn is the short crossing; Þorlákshöfn is the longer alternative. Check your actual departure port before driving to the terminal.
Before you leave: read Herjólfur’s latest notices and confirm both ports. A change of port can reshape the whole day. The operator’s October 19 notice switched sailings to Þorlákshöfn; this guide is not a live service feed. [3]
YOUR OPTIONS
Two ports. A very different travel day.
The island destination is the same. The mainland departure point and sailing time are not.
| Mainland port | Crossing | How to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Landeyjahöfn ↗ | About 35 minutes | The shorter South Coast connection when operating. Confirm your outward and return port. |
| Þorlákshöfn ↗ | About 2 h 45 min | Allow much more sailing time. Rework island activities and onward driving if your booking moves here. |
MAKE IT YOUR TRIP
Take the car, or explore on foot?
With a vehicle
Consider this for a wider island day or overnight stay. Add the vehicle to the actual ferry booking and check space in both directions; a passenger place is not a vehicle reservation. [3]
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip needs two workable sailings and enough time between them. An overnight gives more room, but still depends on the ferry. Fyno’s planning advice: avoid a tight return-ferry-to-flight connection.
BEFORE YOU GO
Three checks that shape the day
Build in the check-in buffer
Herjólfur asks passengers to check in no later than 30 minutes before departure. Leave extra time for the drive, finding the terminal and boarding. [1]
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the places along the way
More practical planning: Getting to Landmannalaugar →
Questions before you go
Is the ferry to the Westman Islands always 35 minutes?
No. That is the Landeyjahöfn crossing. The operator gives about 2 hours 45 minutes for Þorlákshöfn. Check the port for your actual sailing. [1][2]
Should I book the return sailing?
Plan and reserve both directions around your intended island time. Check the latest notices before leaving: the regular timetable does not override a port change or cancellation. [4][3]
How much does the ferry cost?
Use Herjólfur’s current booking flow for your date, passenger category and vehicle. This guide does not turn an old fare into a current quote. [3]
How early should I arrive for the Heimaey ferry?
Herjólfur asks passengers to check in no later than 30 minutes before departure. Leave extra time for the drive, finding the terminal and boarding. [1]
Should I take a car to the Westman Islands?
A foot-passenger trip can suit town and nearby sights; arrange local transport for farther stops. Taking a vehicle can suit a wider island day or overnight, but vehicle space must be reserved in both directions. A passenger ticket is not a car reservation. [3]
Can I leave my car at the mainland ferry terminal?
The operator normally offers passenger parking at its terminals. During port changes it warns against leaving vehicles at either mainland harbor. Ask about your return arrangements before parking and sailing. [1][3]
Sources & planning notes
- [1] Herjólfur: passenger FAQ ↗
- [2] Herjólfur: crossing times (Icelandic) ↗
- [3] Herjólfur: latest sailing notices ↗
- [4] Herjólfur: current sailing schedule ↗
Fyno’s car/foot and itinerary suggestions are editorial planning advice, not an operator guarantee.
Sailing time excludes road travel and check-in. Port changes can alter parking and onward transport.
Official service information was checked October 20, 2026. Recheck the operator before each journey.
Information checked October 20, 2026. This page is not a live availability or conditions feed.