Want to join a Glacier Adventure tour without renting a car? It is possible to travel from Reykjavík to our Glacier Adventure base camp in Hali by public bus, but it does require some extra planning and flexibility.
Public transport in rural Iceland is limited, and buses do not operate every day. Hali is also not an official bus stop, meaning you will need to make special arrangements with the bus driver for your arrival and contact the bus company about your return journey.
However, with the right planning, it is possible to visit us without a rental car, join one of our glacier tours, and stay at our Skyrhúsið Guesthouse.
Can You Travel from Reykjavík to Glacier Adventure Without a Car?
Yes, but it is not quite as straightforward as travelling by bus in Reykjavík or other larger towns.
Our Glacier Adventure base camp is located in Hali, a small countryside settlement in southeast Iceland, approximately 12 km east of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and around 65 km west of Höfn.
You can travel towards Hali using Iceland’s public bus network, Strætó, which operates a route between Reykjavík and Höfn.
However, there are three important things to consider:
- The bus does not operate every day. You will need to plan your travel dates around the limited weekly schedule.
- Hali is not an official bus stop. You must ask the driver to let you off near the monument in Hali and contact the bus company to arrange your pickup for the return journey.
- There is no local public transport from Hali to nearby attractions such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Hitchhiking being the only option.
For these reasons, we recommend staying at least two nights at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, located next to our Glacier Adventure base camp.
This allows you to arrive on one day, enjoy your glacier tour the following day, and return to Reykjavík or continue your journey on a day when the bus operates.
Step 1: Take the Strætó Bus from Reykjavík Towards Höfn
Iceland has a public bus network called Strætó, which operates buses in Reykjavík and across parts of the countryside.
To travel to Glacier Adventure from Reykjavík, you need to take Route 52 towards Höfn, which travels along Iceland’s South Coast.
The journey takes you through some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes, passing small towns, waterfalls, lava fields, mountains, and glaciers.
Which Days Does the Bus Operate?
This is one of the most important things to know when planning your trip.
Strætó Route 52 does not operate every day.
According to the 2026 timetable, the bus operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. This is the published 2026 operating pattern. Timetables may change, so always check the latest schedule before booking.
Why does this matter for your stay?
Because the bus does not run daily, you cannot necessarily arrive one day and leave the next.
For example, you could:
- Arrive on Tuesday, enjoy your glacier tour on Wednesday, and return on Thursday.
- Arrive on Friday, enjoy your glacier tour on Saturday, and return on Sunday.
Both options allow you to spend two nights at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse and have a full day for your glacier adventure.
Other combinations are possible, but you should always check both your arrival and departure dates before booking your accommodation or glacier tour.
If your travel dates do not match the bus schedule, you may need to stay longer or consider alternative transport.
How to plan your bus journey
- Visit the official Strætó website: https://www.straeto.is/en
- Open the journey planner and select your travel date.
- Search for Route 52 from Reykjavík towards Höfn.
- Check the departure time, journey duration, and operating day.
- Make sure there is also a suitable return bus on your planned departure date.
- Plan your accommodation and glacier tour around these dates.
- Contact the bus company about stopping in Hali, as explained below.
How long does the journey take?
Hali is approximately 385 km from Reykjavík by road, so travelling by bus is a full-day journey.
The exact journey time depends on the current timetable, scheduled stops, and road conditions.
We recommend keeping your arrival day free of other activities, as you will be spending a significant part of the day travelling.
Step 2: Where to Get Off the Bus – Hali and the Þórbergur Monument
This is a very important part of your journey, because Hali is not an official Strætó bus stop.
Our Glacier Adventure base camp and Skyrhúsið Guesthouse are located beside Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1), close to the distinctive monument in front of Hali, commemorating Icelandic writer Þórbergur Þórðarson.
When travelling from Reykjavík towards Höfn, you will pass Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon before reaching Hali.
How to get off the bus at Hali
Although Hali is not a scheduled bus stop, travellers have been able to get off here by asking the bus driver to stop near the monument.
You need to ask the driver directly if they can let you off at Hali.
We recommend speaking with the driver when boarding the bus in Reykjavík and explaining where you are going.
You can say: “Hello! I’m staying at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse in Hali, next to Glacier Adventure. Could you please let me off by the Þórbergur monument in Hali?”
You can also show the driver your accommodation address:
Skyrhúsið Guesthouse / Glacier Adventure
Hali, 781 Höfn í Hornafirði, Iceland
The driver will know whether it is possible to stop safely at the requested location.
Important: Arrange Your Return Pickup in Advance
Getting off the bus in Hali is only half of the journey. You also need to arrange how to get back on the bus when you leave.
Because Hali is not an official bus stop, you must contact the bus company in advance and request pickup near the monument in Hali for your return journey.
Visit https://bus.is/ to contact the bus service and explain that you will be staying at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse and would like to board Route 52 towards Reykjavík from Hali.
Make sure to provide:
- Your departure date
- The direction you will be travelling (towards Reykjavík)
- Your requested pickup location: the Þórbergur monument in Hali
- The number of people travelling
This is an arrangement that other travellers have successfully used, but it is important to contact the bus service beforehand rather than assuming the bus will automatically stop.
Do not leave your return pickup arrangements until the day of departure.
We strongly recommend confirming the details before you travel to Hali.
Step 3: Stay Two Nights at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse
After your journey from Reykjavík, you can stay at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, located right next to our Glacier Adventure base camp in Hali.
The guesthouse is particularly convenient for travellers arriving without a car, as you can walk to the meeting point for your glacier tour.
Why do we recommend two nights?
Because Strætó does not operate every day, and the journey from Reykjavík is long, we recommend planning for a minimum of two nights.
This gives you time to arrive, enjoy your glacier tour the following day, and return on a suitable bus departure day.
Trying to organise a glacier tour and travel to or from Reykjavík on the same day is not practical for most visitors.
What does Skyrhúsið offer?
Skyrhúsið is a small guesthouse in the countryside, offering:
- Comfortable double, triple, and quadruple rooms
- Shared bathrooms and shower facilities
- A shared kitchen for preparing meals
- Free Wi-Fi
- A location directly beside our Glacier Adventure base camp
- Beautiful surroundings close to Vatnajökull Glacier
Bring groceries and food with you
One important thing to remember is that Hali is a rural location.
There are no supermarkets within walking distance, and you will not have the same access to shops and restaurants as you would in Reykjavík.
We therefore recommend bringing groceries, snacks, and any other essentials you might need during your stay.
Skyrhúsið has a shared kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals.
There are also restaurant facilities in the Hali area, but we recommend checking opening hours in advance.
Book your stay: https://glacieradventure.is/skyrhusid/
Step 4: Join a Glacier Tour with Glacier Adventure
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Skyrhúsið is that you do not need a rental car to reach the Glacier Adventure meeting point.
Our base camp is located right next door from the guesthouse.
This makes it possible to join one of our glacier hikes or ice cave tours while travelling through Iceland by public transport.
Do you need transport from Hali to the glacier?
For our tours departing from the Hali base camp, transport from the meeting point to the glacier activity area is included in the guided tour.
You do not need to arrange a separate vehicle to reach the glacier.
Explore our glacier tours: https://glacieradventure.is/
Step 5: Can You Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach Without a Car?
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located approximately 12 km west of Hali, making it one of the closest major attractions to our base camp.
The lagoon is famous for its floating icebergs, which break away from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
Across the road, you’ll find Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice wash up onto black volcanic sand.
Both are among Iceland’s most famous natural attractions.
However, if you are staying in Hali without a rental car, visiting these places is not as easy as the short distance might suggest.
Is there transport from Hali to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach?
No. There is no regular local transport or shuttle service from Hali to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or Diamond Beach.
Although Route 52 passes through the area, it is not a practical local transport service for sightseeing from Hali.
This means that if you are staying at Skyrhúsið without a car, you should not assume you can easily visit the lagoon or beach independently.
Is hitchhiking possible?
Hitchhiking may be an option, particularly during the summer months when more travellers are driving along the Ring Road.
Hali is only around 12 km from Jökulsárlón, and many visitors travel between these locations by car.
Some travellers may be willing to offer a lift, but this is entirely unpredictable.
If you decide to try hitchhiking, keep these points in mind:
- There is no guarantee that someone will stop.
- You will also need to find a lift back to Hali.
- Only wait in places where cars can pull over safely and legally.
- Hitchhiking can be particularly difficult during winter or poor weather.
- Never rely on hitchhiking when you need to catch a bus or have another time-sensitive booking.
What about Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is located across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Once you have reached the lagoon, you can generally visit both attractions on foot using the designated paths and crossings.
However, the main challenge is getting from Hali to Jökulsárlón and then returning to the guesthouse.
Our Recommended 3 Day Itinerary: Reykjavík to Hali Without a Car
Because the bus only operates on certain days, we recommend choosing your travel dates carefully.
Here is one example of how you could organise your visit.
Day 1 – Tuesday: Reykjavík to Hali
Start your journey in Reykjavík and take Strætó Route 52 towards Höfn.
Enjoy the changing landscapes along the South Coast, passing through small towns and dramatic natural scenery.
Ask the bus driver to let you off near the Þórbergur monument in Hali.
From there, make your way to Skyrhúsið Guesthouse and check in.
After the long journey, spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your glacier tour.
Overnight: Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, Hali.
Day 2 – Wednesday: Glacier Adventure
Wake up surrounded by the landscapes of southeast Iceland.
Walk over to the Glacier Adventure base camp and join your booked glacier hike or ice cave tour.
Our guides will provide the necessary glacier equipment and transport from the base camp to the glacier activity area.
After your tour, spend the afternoon relaxing at the guesthouse or enjoying the surroundings of Hali.
If you are hoping to visit Jökulsárlón or Diamond Beach, remember that there is no regular local transport from Hali. Hitchhiking might be possible, but it should not be relied upon.
Overnight: Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, Hali.
Day 3 – Thursday: Return to Reykjavík
After breakfast, prepare for your journey back to Reykjavík.
Provided you have arranged your pickup with the bus company in advance, you can board Route 52 near the monument in Hali.
The bus will take you west along the South Coast towards Reykjavík.
Remember that Hali is not a scheduled stop, so it is important to have your pickup arrangements confirmed before your departure day.
Another option: Friday to Sunday
You can also organise your trip over a weekend:
- Friday: Travel from Reykjavík to Hali and check in at Skyrhúsið.
- Saturday: Join your glacier tour with Glacier Adventure.
- Sunday: Take the bus back towards Reykjavík.
This can be a convenient option for travellers whose schedules allow a weekend trip.
Always check that the bus timetable and your selected glacier tour match your planned dates.
Practical Tips for Travelling to Hali by Bus
Check both bus journeys before booking
Do not book only your bus journey to Hali without checking how you will return.
Because Route 52 operates on a limited schedule, your return options may determine how many nights you need to stay.
Arrange your drop-off and pickup
Remember that Hali is not an official bus stop.
Ask the bus driver about getting off near the Þórbergur monument and contact https://bus.is/ in advance to request pickup for your return journey.
Book your accommodation and glacier tour in advance
Once you know which bus dates work for your trip, book your accommodation at Skyrhúsið and your preferred glacier tour.
Bring food and snacks
There are no supermarkets within walking distance of Hali.
We recommend bringing enough groceries for your stay, especially if you plan to use the shared kitchen at Skyrhúsið.
Dress for Icelandic weather
Even during summer, southeast Iceland can be windy, rainy, and cold.
Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, and appropriate clothing for your glacier tour.
Check the weather and road conditions
Icelandic weather can change rapidly, especially in winter.
Useful websites include:
- Bus schedules and enquiries: https://www.straeto.is/en
- Weather forecast: https://en.vedur.is/
- Road conditions: https://umferdin.is/en
Allow flexibility in your travel plans
Travelling through rural Iceland without a car requires more flexibility than travelling with your own vehicle.
Bus services are limited, and weather or road conditions can sometimes affect departures.
We strongly recommend avoiding tight connections, particularly if you have an international flight or another important booking.
Visiting Glacier Adventure Without a Car – Possible, but Plan Ahead
Travelling from Reykjavík to Glacier Adventure in Hali without renting a car is possible, and visitors have successfully made the journey using Strætó.
However, it is important to understand that public transport in southeast Iceland is limited and requires careful planning.
The bus does not operate every day, Hali is not an official bus stop, and there is no regular local transport to nearby attractions such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
If you plan your travel dates around the bus timetable, arrange your drop-off and return pickup in advance, and stay at least two nights at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, you can still enjoy a glacier adventure with us without needing your own vehicle.
Our base camp is located right next to the guesthouse, making it convenient to join one of our guided glacier hikes or ice cave tours.
Before booking, we recommend checking the Strætó timetable, confirming your transport arrangements, and making sure your chosen travel dates work for both your accommodation and glacier tour.
Plan your visit:
Glacier tours: https://glacieradventure.is/
Skyrhúsið Guesthouse: https://glacieradventure.is/skyrhusid/
Public bus information, bus enquiries and pickup arrangements: https://www.straeto.is/en
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Glacier Adventure from Reykjavík without renting a car?
Yes. You can take Strætó Route 52 towards Höfn and ask the driver to let you off near the monument in Hali. However, Hali is not an official bus stop, and you need to arrange your return pickup with the bus company.
Which days does the bus operate?
According to the published 2026 schedule, Route 52 operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays in both directions between Reykjavík and Höfn. It does not operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.
Always check the current timetable before travelling.
Does the bus stop directly at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse?
Hali is not an official bus stop. Travellers have been able to get off near the Þórbergur monument by asking the bus driver, but this is a requested stop rather than a scheduled one.
How do I get picked up in Hali for the return journey?
You need to contact the bus service through https://bus.is/ and request pickup near the Þórbergur monument in Hali.
We recommend arranging this before your arrival.
How many nights should I stay in Hali?
We recommend at least two nights. This gives you a full day for your glacier tour and allows you to plan around the limited bus schedule.
How far is Skyrhúsið from Glacier Adventure?
Skyrhúsið Guesthouse is right next to our base camp, only a short walk away.
Can I visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach without a car?
There is no regular local transport or shuttle from Hali to Jökulsárlón or Diamond Beach.
Hitchhiking may be an option, particularly in summer, but it is not guaranteed. You will also need to consider how to return to Hali.
Can I join a glacier tour without my own vehicle?
Yes. Our glacier tours depart from the Glacier Adventure base camp in Hali, and transport from the base camp to the glacier activity area is included in the tour.
