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Reykjavik helicopter tours – prices, duration, departures

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Iceland, a country boasting ethereal landscapes, diverse geological features, and mesmerizing natural wonders, has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after tourist spots.

Reykjavik helicopter tours do justice to your desire to explore the country’s breathtaking beauty and experience its true essence.

Get ready to be washed over by a wave of exhilaration as you witness everything from stunning glaciers and volcanoes to waterfalls and fjords from the air.

This article will explain everything you need to know before booking a Reykjavik helicopter tour.

Cost of helicopter tours in Reykjavik

Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.

So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.

But there is no doubt that a Reykjavik helicopter tour is nothing short of a ride through heaven.

The cheapest and most popular Reykjavik helicopter ride will cost approximately US$300 per person.

And at the higher end is the Private Reykjavik Helicopter Flight, the tickets of which can go up to US$3,035 per person.

Prices of Reykjavik heli tour depend on many factors. For instance:

  1. Airtime
  2. Off or peak season
  3. If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter tour with an ATV ride

If you want a cost-efficient tour, then look no further than the Geothermal Landscapes Helicopter Flight starting at US$469.

Best Reykjavik helicopter tours

Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.

Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik

Video: YouTube

Fly above the city of Reykjavik on a chopper and witness a scenery that will soothe your aesthetic needs.

Touch down on the summit of Mt Esja or a nearby mountain against a backdrop of coastal plains and volcanic hills, where you can breathe the calming mountain breeze or step out of your helicopter to capture the moment on your camera.

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes 

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Departure and end point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport Address: Nauthóslvegur 58d, Reykjavik, Iceland. Get directions

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$300

Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$225

Infant ticket (0 to 1 years): US$225

Is this tour not available for your preferred day? Check out the Reykjavik City Helicopter Tour with landing at Mount Esja, a similar alternative.

Geothermal Landscapes Helicopter Flight

Video: YouTube

This helicopter tour takes you over the lava field of Seltún, Hengill Volcano Geothermal Area consisting of hot springs, geysers, and geothermal power plants for an insight into how energy is produced from the tectonic plate movement.


On your way, you will also be amazed at the rolling visuals of the stunningly diverse landscape of East Reykjavik that will forever make its place in your memories.

Duration: 1 hour with 50 minutes of flight time

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Departure and end point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Nauthóslvegur 58d, Reykjavik, Iceland. Get directions

Note: The Domestic Airport is in Reykjavík City Centre, a short 5-minute drive from the main shopping street Laugavegur. Please note that the tour operator is on the East side of the airport, behind Icelandair Hotel Natura and in between Isavia and the domestic airline Eagle Air. They are NOT on the West side where the domestic airline Air Iceland is located. Their address varies between GPS types, but one of the following should work: Building 313 / Hangar 1 / Nauthólsvegur

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$469
Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$351

Adventure Combination Tour from Reykjavik

Adventure Combination Tour from Reykjavik
Image: Guide to Iceland

Double up the thrill of flying over the rugged Icelandic landscapes on a helicopter and test them up close by riding an ATV over them through the wilderness, all the way up to nearby mountains.

The adventure combination is sure to sate your wanderlust and desire for an adrenaline rush.

Helmets and necessary safety equipment are provided.

Duration: 5 hours

Timings: 9.30 am

Departure and end point: Hotel transfer facility is available for this tour

Note: All hotels in downtown Reykjavik are in a no-pickup zone by the city. You will need to walk to the nearest bus stop. It should be a 2-5 minute walk from your hotel. The transfer that is included is – pickup by Safari – drop off by Safari Quads to Heli (drop off after the helicopter tour is not included, but the airport is in downtown Reykjavik and a short distance from the hotel and easy to take a taxi – The helicopter company does not operate transport) You need to be ready at 09:00 at your designated Bus Stop. The pickup can take up to 30 minutes

Cost

Adult ticket (17+ years): US$417

Child ticket (8 to 16 years): US$419

Helicopter Tour in New Volcanic Eruption Area

Video: YouTube

Witness the raw power of nature in the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, one of the active and hottest fissure openings in Iceland.

On your way to the fiery beauty of the volcano, you will also get an immense view of Reykjavik city with its ever-changing landscape.

You’ll also pass over the aquamarine waters of Faxafloi Bay, which is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes 

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Departure and end point: Ace FBO Reykjavík Reykjavík Airport, Reykjavík, 101, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland. Get directions

Note: Please search “ACE FBO Reykjavik” on Google. If you are coming by taxi, it is just behind Reykjavik Hotel Natura

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$547

Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$492

Hengill area helicopter tour with landing

Hengill area helicopter tour with landing
Image: Tripadvisor

Prepare to be transported to a piece of land much less trodden.

This helicopter tour takes you on a journey through the skies across the Hellisheiði plateau, Iceland’s most active volcanic area.

Witness a dramatic landscape consisting of everything from lava-covered fields and bright basalt mountains to steaming hot springs and rows of cairns snaking, among other fascinating sights.

Duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Departure and end point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Nauthóslvegur 58d, Reykjavik, Iceland. Get directions

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$547

Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$503

Fire and Ice Helicopter tour

Video: YouTube

This helicopter tour whisks you off on the most bedazzling journey across glaciers and volcanoes.

Touch down on the Þórisjökull glacier, where you can smell, touch, walk, and bring out your inner child by playing in fresh snow.

Pass by the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the world’s oldest existing parliament and Iceland’s largest lake.

Make another landing at the Hengill geothermal area characterized by the most dynamic forces of nature, i.e., bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and hot springs.

Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes

Timings: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 5 pm

Departure and end point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Nauthóslvegur 58d, Reykjavik, Iceland. Get directions

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$1,174

Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$1,083

Iceland’s Iconic Sites by Helicopter

Iconic sites helicopter tour
Image: Getyourguide

Soak in the untouched and otherworldly beauty of Iceland on this tour that takes you over the country’s most picturesque locations.

Fly by the sparkling waters of Gullfoss Waterfall and the diverse Thingvellir National Park to make multiple landings at Geysir Hot Springs, Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area, and Háifoss Waterfall for an experience bound to blow your minds.

This tour curates some of the most ever-changing Icelandic landscapes so that you get a taste of everything from waterfalls and mighty mountains to aquamarine lakes and vast volcanic islands.

Duration: 3 hours to 3 hours 40 minutes

Timings: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 5 pm

Departure and end point: Ace FBO Reykjavík Reykjavík Airport, Reykjavík, 101, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland. Get directions

Cost

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$1,646

Child ticket (2 to 12 years): US$1,423

Private Reykjavik Helicopter Flight

Private Reykjavik Helicopter Flight
Image: Visitor’s Guide Iceland

Iceland’s treasure trove of natural wonders also includes the Reykjanes peninsula, priding itself in an unparalleled geological prowess.

Imbibe the sights and intriguing information about the geothermal field of Seltún and the two impressive lakes of Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn on this guided helicopter flight.

Behold the black-sand beaches, hot springs, lava fields and more

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Departure and end point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport Address: Nauthóslvegur 58d, Reykjavik, Iceland. Get directions

Cost: US$3,035 per group (up to 5)


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Timings of the tours

Many Reykjavik helicopter tours take off as early as 9 am and may continue until 6 pm.

While most of the tours operate daily, they may get affected by the weather conditions.

There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.

Most tour operators prefer their participants reach the meeting point 30 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.

Restrictions strictly followed

Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Reykjavik. Total weight per passenger must not exceed 265 lbs/ 120 kgs.

Passengers with weight over the limit will have to purchase an additional ½ seat payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.

A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.

A valid driver’s license is required to drive the ATV quad bike.

Children ages six and above are only allowed to ride as passengers on the ATV quad bike.

No alcohol or drug tolerance is allowed on the tours.

Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.

The tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or guests with back problems.

Some of the tours are not wheelchair accessible.

A valid passport is required.

No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.

Check in at least 20 minutes early.

Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.

Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.

Exclusions of the air tour

Reykjavik heli tours do not include food and drinks and hotel transfers unless stated otherwise.

Souvenir photos, comfort surcharge, and personal expenses are excluded from your ticket.

Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.

FAQs about Reykjavik heli rides

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Reykjavik air tours:

What is the best time of year to take a helicopter tour in Reykjavik?

While the choice ultimately depends on your interests and preferences, we recommend that summer is the best time for your helicopter tour in Reykjavik. June to August are the summer months of the region and make way for lush landscapes, mild temperatures, and extended daylight.

Are helicopter tours in Reykjavik suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels?

Most flight tours in Reykjavik are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it’s wise to check with the specific helicopter tour operator regarding any age or health-related restrictions or recommendations they may have. Additionally, you must communicate your special requirements or concerns, if any, to them in advance so they can make appropriate arrangements to ensure your comfort.

Do helicopter tours operate year-round in Reykjavik?

Most Reykjavik heli rides do operate year-round, but the availability of specific tours and the frequency of flights may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It’s always advisable to check with the helicopter tour operator in advance of your trip, especially if you have specific tour preferences or travel dates in mind.

Can I combine a helicopter tour with other activities or tours in Reykjavik?

Many helicopter tours, like the ATV and Helicopter Adventure Combination Tour from Reykjavik, come paired with other activities. Tour operators may offer package deals, allowing you to mix and match activities according to your interests. Kindly communicate your preferences with them to create your ideal Icelandic adventure.

Do Reykjavik heli rides provide commentary or guided information during the flight?

Yes, Reykjavik helicopter tour operators have knowledgeable pilots who serve as guides during the flight and share interesting facts, historical information, and details about the sights you pass over. Passengers can listen to this live narration via headsets provided during the tour.

What should I wear for a helicopter tour over Reykjavik?

Layering your clothing, wearing waterproof and windproof gear, and selecting appropriate accessories will ensure a fantastic and memorable experience as you soar over Iceland’s magnificent landscapes.

Are Reykjavik helicopter tours safe?

Yes, reputable helicopter tour companies prioritize safety. They use experienced pilots and well-maintained helicopters and adhere to strict safety regulations to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. 

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.

No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.

Helicopter tours require good weather. 

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

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