🚌 Lines 50 · 58 · 82 · Reykjavík → Grundarfjörður

Reykjavík to Kirkjufell by Bus: Budget Guide

You can reach Kirkjufell on public transport for just 4,800 ISK (~€34 / ~$40) one way with two changes, at Borgarnes and Vatnaleið. The catch is a long wait at Vatnaleið, so this guide shows how to plan around it and the ~30 min walk from Grundarfjörður to the mountain.

Open the Journey on Live Map →

🚀 Quick Facts

Reykjavík (Mjódd) to Grundarfjörður, one way

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Total fare
4,800 ISK (~€34 / ~$40)
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Door to door
~11 h (07:25–18:33)
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Changes
2 (Borgarnes, Vatnaleið)
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Runs
Every day except Saturday
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Last stretch
~30 min on foot
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Plan for an overnight stay

The bus arrives in Grundarfjörður (stop page) at 18:33 in the example journey, so this is an overnight trip, not a day trip. Lines 50, 58 and 82 run every day except Saturday, so do not plan to travel on a Saturday. The times above are from the journey planner for 30 Sep 2026; check the timetable below for your date.

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Live Map — Mjódd to Grundarfjörður

Real-time positions & stops — powered by Iceland Bus Map

⏱️ Lines 50, 58 & 82 Timetable & Departures (Reykjavík → Grundarfjörður)

Interactive schedule table populated live from official Strætó transit data. Pick a Line 50 departure from Mjódd, then match the Line 58 and Line 82 connections:

🚌 Step by Step: Three Buses to Grundarfjörður

Example journey from the planner, 30 Sep 2026

  1. Line 50 from Mjódd — board at Mjódd E (stop page) at 07:25 on Line 50 (route page). 15 stops, ~1 h 21 min to Borgarnes B.
  2. Change at Borgarnes — arrive at Borgarnes B (stop page) at 08:46. You have a 29 min wait: enough for a toilet stop, tight if the first bus is late.
  3. Line 58 from Borgarnes — depart 09:15 on Line 58 (route page). One stop, ~1 h 7 min, and you get off at Vatnaleið (stop page) at 10:22.
  4. Wait at Vatnaleið — 7 h 50 min in this example. See the options in the next section.
  5. Line 82 to Grundarfjörður — depart Vatnaleið 18:12 on Line 82 (route page) and arrive at Grundarfjörður (stop page) at 18:33, only ~21 min later.

Fares (one way)

LegLineFare
Mjódd → Borgarnes502,400 ISK (~€17 / ~$20)
Borgarnes → Vatnaleið581,800 ISK (~€13 / ~$15)
Vatnaleið → Grundarfjörður82600 ISK (~€4 / ~$5)
Total4,800 ISK (~€34 / ~$40)

Fares can change, so confirm them and how to pay in the Klapp app; our Klapp app guide explains tickets and card payments.

⏳ The Vatnaleið Wait: Your Options

Line 82 leaves early morning or evening only

Line 82 has a morning departure (around 10:00) and an evening one (around 18:00). The morning bus leaves before you can arrive from Reykjavík, which is why the wait is so long. Use the timetable above to check the exact times for your date.

A. Wait at Vatnaleið

Cheapest and simplest: stay put and catch the evening Line 82. Bring food, water and warm clothes, and check the Vatnaleið stop page for the surroundings.

B. Ride on to Stykkishólmur

Line 58 continues to Stykkishólmur (stop page). Explore the town during the wait, then take Line 82 from there. Check the timetable for the Line 82 departure times.

C. Sleep in Stykkishólmur

Stay overnight and take the morning Line 82 (around 10:00) the next day. You lose a day, but you arrive in daylight with a full day for Kirkjufell.

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Check before you go

With so few Line 82 departures, a cancellation strands you. Check SafeTravel.is for alerts, road.is for road conditions and the Klapp app for service changes, especially in winter.

🥾 From Grundarfjörður to Kirkjufell on Foot

About 30 minutes along a walking path

The bus ends in Grundarfjörður and the bus does not go to the mountain itself. A walking path leads from town to Kirkjufell in about 30 minutes. Wear waterproof shoes and a windproof layer, and if you arrive at 18:33, allow for the evening light.

Keep the stop location on the live map handy so you can find your way back to the bus stop.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Do If Things Go Wrong

Avoid getting stuck on the peninsula

  • Travelling on a Saturday — the lines do not run on Saturdays. Shift your trip to another day and book your accommodation to match.
  • Planning it as a day trip — the example journey arrives at 18:33. Book a night in Grundarfjörður or Stykkishólmur, and check return times first.
  • Missing the Borgarnes change — the buffer is only 29 min. If Line 50 runs late, ask the driver; otherwise wait for the next Line 58 in the timetable.
  • Getting off at the wrong stop — the Line 58 stop is Vatnaleið, not Stykkishólmur, unless you choose option B.
  • Turning up with no food or warm clothes — the Vatnaleið wait is nearly 8 hours. Pack a meal, water and layers.
  • Assuming a bus stops at Kirkjufell — it ends in town; plan for the ~30 min walk.
  • Trusting old times — always verify departures for your date in the Klapp app.

🏔️ Faster Alternatives & Things to Do on Snæfellsnes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get to Kirkjufell by public bus?

Almost. Lines 50, 58 and 82 take you from Reykjavík to Grundarfjörður, the town next to Kirkjufell. From there a walking path leads to the mountain in about 30 minutes.

How much does the bus to Kirkjufell cost?

The example journey costs 4,800 ISK (~€34 / ~$40) one way: 2,400 ISK for Line 50, 1,800 ISK for Line 58 and 600 ISK for Line 82. Verify current fares in the Klapp app.

How long does the journey take?

The example journey leaves Mjódd at 07:25 and reaches Grundarfjörður at 18:33, about 11 hours, because of a wait of nearly 8 hours at Vatnaleið. Actual riding time is only around 3 hours.

Why is there such a long wait at Vatnaleið?

Line 82 towards Grundarfjörður has just two departures a day from Vatnaleið, one around 10:00 that Line 58 from Reykjavík cannot connect to, and one in the evening. Check the timetable for the current times.

Do the buses to Kirkjufell run every day?

Lines 50, 58 and 82 run every day except Saturday. Check the timetable for your date, and verify in the Klapp app before you travel.

Can I do Kirkjufell as a day trip by bus from Reykjavík?

Not comfortably. The example journey arrives at 18:33, so plan to stay overnight in Grundarfjörður or Stykkishólmur. Check the return timetables before you book.

Is there a faster way to reach Kirkjufell?

Yes. A day tour or a rental car from Reykjavík is much faster, but costs more than the bus. The bus is the budget option.