Heimaey by ferry: plan the return before you take the car

Read both port names

Heimaey is the island; Landeyjahöfn and Þorlákshöfn are different harbours on the mainland. Herjólfur gives about 35 minutes for the crossing from Landeyjahöfn. Do not use that figure for the other port or for your whole visit. The operator asks passengers to check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Allow for that on the island as well. [1]

Write down the ports on the outward and return sailings beside the place you need to reach that evening. If someone is collecting you, share the port name as well as the time. Check the operator’s notices again before either person sets out. [2]

Take the car or travel on foot

Travelling on foot makes sense for a town visit if your mainland transport can meet the return ferry. A bus connection is a separate journey: Herjólfur does not run it. Look up the actual stop, day and last useful connection with Strætó before choosing a sailing. [1] [3]

A parked car cannot follow a diverted ferry. In its notice dated 4 November 2026, Herjólfur asked passengers not to leave vehicles at either harbour because the schedule could vary between days. Check the latest advice rather than treating the existence of a car park as a recommendation to use it. [2]

If you need the car on the island or immediately after arriving back, check vehicle space on both legs. Passenger availability alone is not enough. If neither a vehicle space nor a flexible mainland pickup works, keeping the day on the South Coast is a better plan than relying on the last crossing.

Choose one thing on Heimaey

For a short stay, choose the story you came to hear. Eldheimar looks at the 1973 eruption; Sagnheimar focuses on the island community. Pick one, check its own opening for your date, and work backwards from return check in before adding anything else. The map marks the town area, not the ferry terminal or a walking route. [4]

If your sailing changes

A port change is not the same as a cancellation. The alternate schedule identifies which journeys transfer. If yours is cancelled, the operator says a place on the next sailing is not guaranteed. Confirm your specific crossing and any vehicle space with Herjólfur, then rearrange the mainland connection. [1] [5]

Consider a town stop in Selfoss if you stay on the mainland.

Check road and weather information for the drive to the confirmed harbour.