A Honest Look at the Private Transfer Service from Reykjavik Hotels to the Cruise Ship Terminal
If you’re headed to Iceland on a cruise, chances are you’ve already been considering how to get from your Reykjavik hotel to the cruise terminal without the fuss of taxis or crowded shuttle buses. The Private Transfer Service offered by Iceland Highlights is designed to make that leg of your journey as smooth as possible. While I haven’t personally taken this exact service, a good number of travelers have, and their reviews tell us quite a bit about what you can expect.
What we love about this service is its guaranteed punctuality and the personalized touch—your driver will meet you exactly where you need, help with your luggage, and escort you comfortably to your ship. Plus, with a flat fare, there are no surprises or hidden fees, which is a relief in a city where transportation costs can sometimes add up quickly. The main drawback? The transfer is very short—about 15 minutes—so if you’re just looking for quick transport, this definitely fits the bill, but it’s not a full-blown sightseeing tour.
This service is ideal for travelers who value reliability and ease, especially those with tight cruise schedules or heavy bags. It also appeals to anyone wanting to avoid last-minute taxi stress or long waits at the airport or port. If your priority is getting to your cruise on time in comfort, this will likely be a good fit.
<- Key Points:
- What to Expect from the Reykjavik to Cruise Terminal Transfer
- Experience and Driver Interaction
- The Short But Sweet Journey
- Why Travelers Rave About It
- Addressing the Less Ideal: The One-Downside
- Who Is This Transfer Service Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- Private Transfer Service from Hotels in Reykjavik to Cruise Ship Terminal
- FAQ
- More Private Tours in Reykjavik
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Reykjavik
- More Tour Reviews in Reykjavik
- More Reykjavik experiences we've covered
- Efficient and reliable private transportation guarantees on-time arrival.
- Personalized pickup directly from your hotel or cruise port ensures no confusion.
- Flat-rate fare offers peace of mind without hidden costs.
- The service is quick, generally lasting around 15 minutes.
- Reviews emphasize friendly, professional drivers and spotless vehicles.
- Suitable for travelers with luggage, but larger groups or extra bags may require different vehicle options.
What to Expect from the Reykjavik to Cruise Terminal Transfer

This transfer is all about convenience and a touch of luxury—without the hefty price tag. You’ll be greeted by your driver at your hotel lobby or the cruise port, depending on your booking details. The driver will hold a sign with your name, helping you spot them easily, which is especially helpful in a busy city like Reykjavik. Once you’re in the vehicle, the ride is a short jaunt, about 15 minutes, making it a quick, straightforward trip.
The vehicle used is typically a clean, comfortable private car—many reviews mention a luxurious, immaculate ride, which adds a bit of comfort after a long flight or busy day of sightseeing. You can expect the driver to assist with your bags, making the process even smoother. If you’ve booked a pickup from your hotel, the driver will come into your lobby, helping to avoid the hassle of dragging your luggage outside or waiting curbside.
Pricing is straightforward at $125 for up to 3 people, making this a fairly economical choice compared to taxis or shared shuttles, especially considering the level of service and reliability you get. Larger groups or those with more luggage may need to specify this in advance to ensure there’s enough space, as the basic price covers a standard vehicle.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Reykjavik
Experience and Driver Interaction
From reviews, it’s clear that drivers are punctual, friendly, and professional. Many travelers appreciated the proactive communication—drivers contacting them beforehand to confirm and coordinate. One reviewer mentioned how their driver even called to inform them of delays and made sure they had clear directions, which is reassuring.
A big plus is the personal touch—drivers often help with luggage, chat about Iceland, and make the short ride pleasant. Some reviews even describe the drivers as knowledgeable about the area, which could be a bonus if you have questions or just want a quick chat about Reykjavik and its surroundings.
The Short But Sweet Journey

Since this transfer is only about 15 minutes, it’s more of a quick, efficient hop than a sightseeing experience. But that’s its charm—this service is built to get you from point A to B without fuss, ensuring you start your cruise with a stress-free mindset.
Many reviews highlight how timeliness is a key feature; drivers tend to arrive on schedule or even early, which is vital when you’re trying to catch a cruise or flight. Having a driver waiting for you in the hotel lobby or port, holding a sign, removes that last-minute scramble to find transportation.
Why Travelers Rave About It
Almost all reviewers mention the professionalism and friendliness of their drivers, with remarks like “Emma arrived promptly and was extremely professional and polite” or “Sigurður was punctual and courteous.” The vehicles are consistently described as clean and comfortable, which is important after a long flight or when you’re eager to relax before your journey at sea.
The value for money is often why this service gets high marks. For $125, you’re getting a private, guaranteed ride, which many see as a worthwhile investment compared to the unpredictable nature and variable costs of taxis or shuttle buses.
Addressing the Less Ideal: The One-Downside
While most reviews are glowing, there’s a notable exception. One traveler’s experience was less positive, citing a delayed pickup and a confusing situation involving what appears to be a last-minute switch to a taxi driver. This incident involved some miscommunication and a late arrival—causing them to miss the cruise boarding time and feeling unsure about the professionalism.
It’s important to understand that, in busy days, unforeseen delays can happen, and the company tries to adapt quickly—sometimes by sending a local taxi to bring you in time. The company has addressed this specific complaint by offering a full refund, emphasizing their commitment to resolving issues and improving.
This incident reminds us that, although reliable service is the goal, factors outside the company’s control might occasionally cause hiccups. Still, with clear communication and planning, most travelers won’t face such issues.
While in Reykjavik, here are other experiences we've covered
- The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket with Transfer
- Private 3 Hours Tour with Airport Transfer in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Iceland : Private transfer From / To KEF airport
Who Is This Transfer Service Best For?

This service is perfect if you’re looking for a reliable, stress-free ride in Reykjavik, especially if you’re arriving or departing on a cruise. It suits travelers who value timeliness and personal service over the communal experience of shuttles. It’s an especially good option if you’re traveling with luggage or want to avoid the unpredictability of shared transportation.
While it isn’t a sightseeing tour, the comfort and professionalism make it a nice start or end to your day in Iceland. If you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or even a small family, this service offers a straightforward way to keep things simple and seamless.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the Private Transfer Service from Reykjavik hotels to the cruise ship terminal offers a worthwhile combination of convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. For around $125, you’re getting a private ride that’s tailored to your schedule, driven by professionals who put customer service front and center as evidenced by the many positive reviews.
This is a smart choice if you want to kick off your cruise with confidence or finish your Iceland trip without the stress of waiting for taxis or sharing shuttles. The high praise for punctuality and vehicle cleanliness, coupled with attentive drivers, makes it a standout for travelers prioritizing reliability.
If you’re someone who appreciates a personalized transfer experience that offers comfort and certainty at an honest price, this service could be one of your smarter travel decisions in Reykjavik.
Private Transfer Service from Hotels in Reykjavik to Cruise Ship Terminal
“The driver, Emanuela was fantastic! She contacted me prior to the pick up to let me know she was on her way. She was very friendly, polite and pr…”
FAQ

What is the cost of this transfer?
The fee is $125 per group, accommodating up to 3 people, making it a good deal for small groups or couples compared to other transport options.
How long does the transfer take?
The ride is approximately 15 minutes, so it’s quick and efficient, designed for timing with cruise schedules.
Can I be picked up from the cruise port instead of the hotel?
Yes, you can book this service for pickup from the cruise ship terminal, and your driver will hold a sign with your name to help you identify them.
What if I have more luggage than usual?
If you have more than 2 big suitcases per person, it’s recommended to inform the provider in advance so they can arrange a vehicle with enough space.
Is this service flexible with timing?
Pickups are scheduled within a 30-minute window from your requested time, allowing some flexibility for delays or changes.
What happens if my flight or cruise is delayed?
It’s best to communicate delays as soon as possible. While most drivers are punctual, unexpected delays could affect your pickup, so timely communication helps. In rare cases, the company may offer a full refund if they cannot accommodate last-minute changes.
This private transfer service in Reykjavik appears to be a dependable, straightforward choice for those wanting to start or end their Iceland cruise experience on a positive note. Its emphasis on professionalism, punctuality, and comfort really sets it apart, especially when compared to other options that can feel less certain.
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More Reykjavik experiences we've covered
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- Private Transfer Service from Hotels in Reykjavik to Cruise Ship Terminal
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- Private Reykjavik City Tour Exploring Icelands Capital
- Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland
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