Some of the epic Icelandic landscapes you can expect to see on your epic Iceland helicopter tours!

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8 UNMISSABLE ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS TO TAKE FROM REYKJAVIK & BEYOND!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS?


This blog explains everything you need to know about the best Iceland helicopter tours in 2024!

Includes: All tour prices, the best locations, the best time to go and more. Ultimately, we show the best 8 Iceland helicopter tours, with our top picks listed below:

Keep reading below to jump into each itinerary, all reviews and descriptions of each of the tours to see which is best for you!


ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS:
BY DESTINATION


Whether its jaw-dropping dramatic landscapes, fearsome lava-spewing volcanos or the glittering city lights of Reykjavik you want to see, we have easily categorised all the best Iceland helicopter tours for you by destination below:



SOUTH ICELAND: REYKJAVIK

OPTION 1!

New Active Volcano: Helicopter Tour in Iceland from Reykjavik

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly insanely close to the Fagradalsfjall volcano live eruption site in 2024!

Get closer than you ever could on foot to this active volcano for a truly heart-pumping aerial adventure!

Take a look at the most recent 5* reviews and amazing lava shots recent customers have been able to take on the Viator reviews!

Get the once in a lifetime opportunity to fly over Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption site, where fountains of lava are actively spewing!

Tour operator: Glacier Heli.

Top highlights: Fly directly over the once fiery Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption site, getting closer to this active volcano than anyone could on foot!

Departure point: Ace FBO, Reykjavik Airport.

Available time slots: Select your ideal available time slot during the Viator booking process.

Duration: 40-45 minutes.

Price: From £450 to hire the helicopter for your group.

Tour type: Private, your group only (maximum of 5 passengers).

 

OPTION 2

Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes

Okay, now this Geothermal Landscapes helicopter tour from Reykjavik has just taken scenic flights up a notch!

Head immediately East out of Reykjavik away from civilisation, soaring over Iceland’s rugged lunar-like landscapes.

It also gives a rare opportunity to specifically see thrilling geothermal activity (steaming geysers, colossal craters and even the Hengill lava fields) from a birds-eye view!

Tour operator: Nordurflug Helicopter Tours.

Top highlights: Fly East of Reykjavik to isolated landscapes to witness thrilling geothermal activity from craters, geysers, hot springs and lava fields.

Departure point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

Available time slots: Between 9am – 5pm from Monday – Sunday.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Price: From £385 each.

Tour type: Public / Small Group. Maximum of 15 passengers per flight.

 

Make sure you check out our epic 2 days in Iceland itinerary blog post after this!

OPTION 3

Fire and Ice Helicopter tour: Þórisjökull Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

The “crème de la crème” of Geothermal helicopter tours in Iceland! This unique tour combines both Iceland’s natural wonders – Fire and Ice – into one incredible scenic flight.

This including four key aerial sights, plus two separate landing opportunities: one on a glacier, one on a volcano. See the wondrous Glymur waterfall before your first landing opportunity on the mystical Þórisjökull glacier, where you can explore this enchanted Winter wonderland on foot.

Next, fly over Þingvellir National Park (part of Iceland’s infamous Golden Circle route), before your second landing at Hengill Geothermal area. Explore this untouched valley, getting up close to its hot springs and bubbling mud pots!

On the Fire and Ice Helicopter tour, pass by the mighty Glymur Waterfall (pictured)!

Tour operator: Glacier Heli.

Top highlights: Two landing opportunities: one on a glacier, one on a volcano. Includes Glymur waterfall, Þórisjökull glacier, Þingvellir National Park and Hengill Geothermal area.

Departure point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

Available time slots: Select your ideal available time slot during the Viator booking process.

Duration: 2 hours!

Price: From £900 to hire the helicopter for your group.

Tour type: Private, your group only (maximum of 5 passengers).

 

Be sure to also check out Iceland’s top whale watching tours!

OPTION 4

Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Reykjanes Peninsula and Volcanic Landscapes

A jam-packed private helicopter tour, soaring your group above the countless otherworldly landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula!

For 1 hour, witness sights such as (but not limited to): Seltún Geothermal area hot springs and mud pools, ancient volcanic craters, Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn lakes, black sand beaches, hot springs, bubbling lava fields and even over the Blue Lagoon!

Tour operator: Nordurflug Helicopter Tours.

Top highlights: See all the incredible landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including Seltún Geothermal area, Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn lakes, black sand beaches, hot springs, bubbling lava fields and even over the Blue Lagoon!

Departure point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

Available time slots: Morning or afternoon options available.

Duration: 1 hour / 1 hour 15 minutes.

Price: From £2,500 to hire the helicopter for your group.

Tour type: Private, your group only (maximum of 5 passengers).

 

OPTION 5

Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing” from Reykjavik

This is one of the most popular short helicopter tours in Iceland, spoiling you with astounding Reykjavik city views before heading to scenic mountains just North of the city.

On this tour, you don’t just fly over the mountains. You get the opportunity for a “summit landing”, to step off the helicopter and stand on top of Mt Esja (or a nearby alternative). Note: This is weather dependant.

This gives you invaluable time to truly take in the astounding panoramas of Reykjavik city, distant peaks and the dazzling Atlantic ocean. And of course, time to take loads of incredible photos!

See the wonderful colourful rooftops of Reykjavik city on this city Iceland helicopter tour!
See Reykjavik awash with colour from this unique perspective on this Iceland helicopter tour!

Tour operator: Nordurflug Helicopter Tours.

Top highlights: Fly over Reykjavik city before a summit landing on Mt Esja, a mountain just North of Reykjavik. See this incredible panoramic view before returning back.

Departure point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

Available time slots: Morning or afternoon. Confirm the time with tour operator in advance of your experience.

Duration: 30-45 minutes.

Price: From £247 each.

Tour type: Public / Small Group. Maximum of 15 passengers per flight.

 

OPTION 6

ATV Adventure & Helicopter Adventure Combination Tour” from Reykjavik

This epic 5 hour package tour combines a thrilling ATV experience out in the rugged Icelandic landscapes before ending on a mesmerising helicopter ride over Reykjavik city and surrounding peaks!

The ATV quad bike experience is suitable for all levels. Drive yourself through mountainous pathways to reach Reykjavik Peak for epic views of Reykjavik, Hellisheidi Geothermal Powerplant and distant Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

Get to the chance to do a dual package with your Iceland helicopter tours, combining it with a thrilling ATV experience!
Why not get two experiences for the price of one? Combine a scenic Iceland helicopter ride with an ATV quad bike experience in one epic 5 hour tour!

Note: A full valid driver’s license is required to drive during the ATV quad bike experience.

The helicopter ride back (approx. 45 minutes) includes a landing stop, where you can get out and stand on top of a mountain, truly taking in the panoramic views and take incredible photos!

Tour operator: Safari Quads.

Top highlights: Complete 5 hour tour, exciting ATV experience through Reykjavik mountain landscapes before a 45 minute helicopter ride home, including one mountain-top stop for epic views!

What’s included: Hotel pick-up (excluding downtown Reykjavik), all activities, safety equipment, driver / guide.

Tour time: 9.30am start.

Duration: Tour is 5 hours total, the helicopter ride specifically is approx. 45 minutes.

Price: From £360 (pricing is based on 2 people riding on one ATV quad bike).

Tour type: Public / Small Group. Maximum of 15 people.

 

PLACES TO STAY CLOSE TO REYKJAVIK DOMESTIC AIRPORT:


When booking a helicopter tour in Reykjavik, you ideally want to stay in Reykjavik city centre. This will ensure you are in close proximity to public transport to Reykjavik Domestic airport or other specific tour meeting points.

Note: Reykjavik accommodation is always pricey, and you’ll be lucky to find one below £100 a night!

Thingholt Center Hotels

2km / 6 minute drive from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

Midgardur Center Hotels

3km / 8 minute drive from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

Reykjavik Marina (Berjaya Iceland Hotels)

3.5km / 8 minute drive from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

GETTING TO REYKJAVIK DOMESTIC AIRPORT FROM REYKJAVIK CITY CENTRE:


BY TAXI:
While you can technically get to Reykjavik Domestic airport by taking a few buses, the best and most convenient way to get from exactly where you are staying in Reykjavik directly to Reykjavik Domestic airport (or any other specified Iceland helicopter tour pick-up location) is by taxi.

The taxi cost for example from Reykjavik city centre to Reykjavik Domestic airport (RKV) is approx. £8-£10. For the convenience, we believe this is the best and easiest option.

The driving distance from Reykjavik city centre to Reykjavik Domestic airport is just under 10 minutes.

BY RENTAL CAR:
Equally, if you have already hired a rental car for your Iceland stay, you can quite easily drive yourself there and use the designated on-site public car park (see location).


NORTH EAST ICELAND

OPTION 7

North Iceland: Askja crater with landing” from Modrudalur

Based in Modrudalur, North East Iceland (click for map location), this tour takes you to see the jaw-dropping Askja Highland as you’ve never seen it before!

Circle the dramatic Askja Calderra above the dazzlingly blue glacial lake, before landing and exploring atop the Herubreiarlindir oasis.

Get the opportunity to see fiery red lava flowing brightly down at Holuhraun lava field, plus a huge lava desert at Odadahraun.

Don't miss the opportunity to see the jaw dropping Askja crater from above on this epic Iceland helicopter tour from Modrudalur!
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the jaw dropping Askja crater from above on this North Iceland: Askja crater with landing tour from Modrudalur!

Tour operator: Glacier Heli.

Top highlights: Godafoss waterfall, Herdubreidarlindir runway, Askja Calderra, Holuhraun for the most recent lava in Iceland, Odadahraun lava desert.

Tour time: Book ideal time slot during the Viator booking process.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: From £450 per person.

Tour type: Public / Very Small Group. Maximum of 5 people.

 

OPTION 8

North Iceland Heli tour: Stuðlagil Canyon with landing” from Modrudalur

This epic tour is also based in Modrudalur, North East Iceland (click for map location). The main destination is the idyllic and very popular Iceland destination of Studlagil Canyon.

Visiting this epic Canyon, notoriously difficult to drive to, has never been easier on this tour, flying you directly up close to the Canyon with arguably the best views!

One of the best Iceland helicopter tours from Modrudalur takes you directly through the idyllic Studlagil canyon, otherwise very difficult to drive to!
This epic Iceland helicopter tour from Modrudalur takes you directly through the idyllic Stuðlagil Canyon, otherwise very difficult to drive to!

Other sights on route are (but not limited to): Studlafoss waterfall, rugged Icelandic countryside, hexagonal basalt column rock formations and the Kárahnjúkar Power Plant.

Tour operator: Tourism Iceland.

Top highlights: Studlafoss waterfall, Studlagil Canyon, basalt column rock formations and the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant.

Tour time: Book ideal time slot during the GetYourGuide booking process.

Duration: 55 minutes.

Price: From £350 per person.

Tour type: Public / Very Small Group. Maximum of 5 people.

PLACES TO STAY DIRECTLY IN MODRUDALUR:


The two North East Iceland helicopter tours listed above are both based in Modrudalur, a farm settlement in the East of Iceland.

There is literally just one accommodation with an on-site restaurant here, a perfect base to stay overnight before or after your Iceland helicopter tours:

Fjalladyrd – Modrudalur á Fjollum

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

If however you wanted to stay somewhere that is a built more built up, the closest main town to Modrudalur is called Egilsstaðir, which is a 1 hour 25 minute drive from Modrudalur.

Check out all available Egilsstaðir accommodation here.

GETTING TO MODRUDALUR


BY SELF-DRIVING:
Due its incredibly remote location in the wilderness of Iceland, we would suggest that renting a car and self-driving is absolutely the best and most convenient option for you to get to Modrudalur from wherever you are coming from in Iceland.

To get to Modrudalur from the closest town we previously mentioned, Egilsstaðir, you can drive along the paved Ring Road 1 for approx 100km, before turning left and driving the remaining 8km stretch on gravel. See this route here.

For this type of terrain, we recommend hiring a 4×4 car to tackle these more bumpy unpaved roads! Egilsstaðir has its own domestic airport, and is a common pick-up / drop off location for rental cars!

ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

DOES ICELAND HAVE HELICOPTER TOURS?

Yes! There are multiple helicopter tours on offer in Iceland. While most operate from the popular city of Reykjavik (South Iceland), there are also options in the North and East of Iceland should you be travelling further afield.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR IN ICELAND? WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

Iceland has some of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping landscapes in the world. To get the opportunity to see this type of scenery from above has to be one of the most rewarding views you will see in a lifetime!

HOW MUCH ARE ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS?

Prices for Iceland helicopter tours vary greatly depending on flight time, the tour itinerary, group size and whether it is a shared or private flight:

SHARED HELICOPTER TOUR PRICES:

The cheapest helicopter tour we found is the small group shared Mountain Helicopter tour from Reykjavik at £247 per person.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOUR PRICES:

In comparison you can book a private helicopter tour from anywhere between £500-£2000+.

Though these prices may seem high at first, note that this price includes the entire helicopter, pilot and – as each private helicopter tour usually accommodates up to 5 people – the cost can be split between 5 adults, which then doesn’t then seem so bad! Our top picks are:

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ON A HELICOPTER TOUR IN ICELAND?

The maximum amount of people that’ll be on a small group helicopter tour in Iceland is 15, though depending on the company, it can be as inclusive as just 5.

WHAT DO YOU SEE DURING ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS?

What you see during an Iceland helicopter tour varies greatly depending on that specific tour itinerary.


CONCLUSION: ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS


To conclude, a helicopter ride in Iceland is by far the best way to see its colossal landscapes in all their glory, and it would be a shame to miss the opportunity!

If you want to see a real-life active volcano, you’re best chance is taking the New Active Volcano 2024: Helicopter Tour in Iceland tour to witness the live 2024 eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, happening right now!

Or, as we’ve shown above, there are so many Iceland helicopter tour options available to best suit your individual budget, travel plans, requirements and time.

Whether a short city fly over or flying deep into the depths of the Icelandic landscape, whichever tour you choose, you will have the most incredible experience!


A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:

OR…