How to Get to Silfra: Distance, Parking, and Logistics

Driving yourself

Silfra is in Þingvellir National Park, which is about 60 kilometres northeast of Reykjavík. The drive is straightforward: take Route 1 (the Ring Road) north, then turn onto Route 36 towards Þingvellir. You will see signs for the national park. The whole drive is about 50 minutes in normal conditions. In winter, add time for slower driving and possible snow on the roads.

There is no fuel station at Silfra. Fill your tank before you leave Reykjavík or stop at a petrol station along Route 1.

Parking at P5

You park at P5 car park, which is the closest parking to the Silfra meeting point. The fee is roughly 1,000 ISK. You can pay with card or cash; most places accept both. The car park is well-maintained and busy in summer, less so in winter. From P5, it is a 5-minute walk downhill to the meeting point where your guide will be waiting.

Meet-on-location versus Reykjavik pickup

If you rent a car and drive yourself, you save money — the tour is $127 to $143. You also get flexibility; you can explore Þingvellir before or after your tour, go at your own pace, and see other parts of the national park.

If you do not want to drive, the Reykjavik pickup tour costs $213 and the operator arranges hotel or cruise-port pickup, drives you to Silfra, waits, and brings you back. This is worth it if you do not have a rental car or do not want to drive in Iceland winter.

Parking fee note

The 1,000 ISK parking fee is separate from the tour price. It is a national park charge, not the operator’s fee. You pay this when you arrive at P5 car park, usually by card at a machine or gate. Bring cash as a backup.

Book the Reykjavik pickup if you do not have a car

The most direct way to float between two continents is a guided tour — a live guide, all gear included, and the fissure in its full clarity, with free cancellation.

Frequently asked questions