- Flights cover volcanoes, glaciers, mountains and lava fields across the interior volcanic plateau
- Weather and road conditions change fast in Iceland, so check safetravel.is before you go
- Tours depart from Reykjavík or Reykjavík Airport, which handles general aviation flights inside the city
What Helicopter Tours Cover
Helicopter flights cross Iceland's interior volcanic plateau. Sand and lava fields meet mountains and glaciers. The island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Flights often follow geological features that mark the boundary between Europe and North America.
Volcano tours fly over craters, lava fields and geothermal areas. Glacier flights cover ice caps and the uninhabited Highlands. Some routes combine both in a single departure.
Mount Esja, at 914 m, appears on flights near Reykjavík. Longer tours reach the national parks or remote interior zones. Volcano tours by road visit different sites depending on access.
Helicopter Tours in Iceland
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Most helicopter tours leave from Reykjavík, the capital and largest city with around 140,000 people. The surrounding Capital Region holds 252,000 people, about 64% of Iceland's population.
Reykjavík Airport sits inside the city, just south of the centre. The airport handles domestic flights, general aviation and medical flights. Helicopter operators use this facility for tour departures.
Keflavík International Airport is around 40 km southwest of the city. It serves international arrivals but not helicopter tours. Airport transfers connect Keflavík to Reykjavík.
- Access to the Highlands, a cold and uninhabitable combination of sand, mountains and lava fields
- Aerial views of Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America
- Departure from Reykjavík Airport, positioned just south of the city centre
- Views of Mount Esja, the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík at 914 m
- Coverage of glaciers and volcanic features across the interior plateau
- Weather can ground flights with little notice due to Iceland's temperate but unpredictable climate
- No guarantee of access to active volcanic sites, as conditions change and closures apply
- Limited alternatives if flights are cancelled
- Check tour details for seasonal flight availability
Weather and Flight Cancellations
Weather and road conditions in Iceland change fast. Operators cancel flights when visibility, wind or cloud cover make flying unsafe. The island's temperate climate is warmed by the Gulf Stream. It is at a latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.
Check safetravel.is before you go. The site is run by ICE-SAR, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. ICE-SAR is a non-profit with over 4,500 volunteers available day and night, year-round.
For health issues call 00354 5131700, a 24/7 number. Cancellation policies vary by operator, so confirm rebooking rules when you reserve. Northern lights tours also depend on clear skies.
Volcano and Glacier Flight Options
Volcano flights target craters, lava fields and geothermal zones. Glacier tours fly over ice caps and the cold, uninhabitable Highlands. Check with operators about landing options.
Routes may include areas near Fagradalsfjall, though eruption sites close without warning. Always check road.is for current closures. Check tour details for seasonal ice cave access.
| Flight Type | Coverage | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano | Craters, lava fields, geothermal | Volcanic plateau |
| Glacier | Ice caps, Highlands | Mountains, glaciers |
| Combined | Volcanoes and glaciers | Mixed interior |
Glacier hikes and ice cave tours offer ground-level access to the same zones.
Comparing Helicopter and Ground Tours
Helicopter tours reach the Highlands and remote volcanic zones quickly. Ground tours offer longer stops. Super jeep tours access F-roads and rough terrain.
| Tour Type | Access | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter | Highlands, glaciers, volcanoes | Quick access to interior |
| Super jeep | F-roads, Highlands (seasonal) | Longer trips with stops |
| Bus | Paved roads, main attractions | Full day |
Bus tours cover the Golden Circle and south coast without off-road clearance. Helicopters skip the drive but offer less time on the ground.
What to Ask Before Booking
Confirm whether the flight is a flyover or includes a landing. Ask how weather cancellations are handled and whether rebooking is free. Check the departure point, as some tours leave from Reykjavík Airport while others use helipads outside the city.
Find out what happens if visibility drops mid-flight. Ask about the rebooking policy for cancelled departures.
Verify which zones the flight covers. Volcanic activity, F-road closures and ice cave access change by season. Check safetravel.is and road.is before you go. Multi-day tours combine helicopter flights with overnight stays.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Group and Private Flight Differences
Group flights share the helicopter with other passengers. Private flights reserve the aircraft for your party. Private tours allow custom routes and longer photo stops.
Group departures follow fixed schedules and itineraries. Private flights adjust timing and destinations within weather limits. Both depend on safe conditions, and neither guarantees access to closed areas.
Small group tours on the ground offer a middle option with fewer passengers. Check tour details for helicopter capacity and departure requirements.
Helicopter tours deliver fast access to Iceland's volcanic plateau, glaciers and Highlands, but weather cancellations are common. Confirm the rebooking policy and check safetravel.is before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Do helicopter tours fly over active volcanoes?
Flights may cover volcanic zones, but access depends on closures and eruptions. Check safetravel.is and road.is before you go, as conditions change without notice.
Where do helicopter tours depart from in Reykjavík?
Most tours leave from Reykjavík Airport, positioned inside the city just south of the centre. The airport handles general aviation and medical flights.
What happens if weather cancels a helicopter tour?
Operators cancel flights when visibility, wind or cloud cover make flying unsafe. Confirm the rebooking policy when you reserve, as terms vary by operator.
Can helicopter tours land in the Highlands?
Check with operators about landing options. The Highlands are a cold and uninhabitable combination of sand, mountains and lava fields. Access depends on weather and conditions.
