ATV & Helicopter combination tour From Reykajvik

Reykjavik is a fine city to see from the street, but this tour takes you above its rooftops twice: first by ATV, then by helicopter. I like the contrast between the bumpy ride toward Lake Hafravatn and the quiet, wide views from the air. I also like that both adventures start close to the capital, leaving you with more Iceland to explore afterward.

The main consideration is the price, $500 per person, and the fact that there’s no drop-off after the helicopter flight. The flight also depends on weather and availability, so this packed half-day is best for you if you’re comfortable with a little schedule flexibility.

At a glance

• Two ways up: Ride an ATV to a mountain viewpoint, then fly over Reykjavik and its surrounding peaks.
• A close-to-town wilderness outing: The quad route heads toward Lake Hafravatn and Reykjavik Peak without a long drive from the capital.
• A proper aerial pause: The helicopter portion includes a 20-minute mountaintop landing, weather and flight conditions permitting.
• A long half-day: Allow five to six hours, including pickup, briefing, ATV ride, transfer and flight.
• Come prepared to drive: You need a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV. Passengers do not need one.
• Plan your own return: Pickup is included, but transport back from the airport is not.

From Reykjavik streets to rocky trails

The day begins with pickup from a Reykjavik hotel or an assigned bus stop. There are several listed meeting points around the city, including stops near City Hall, the Culture House and Snorrabraut, as well as hotels and the cruise terminal. Be ready at 9:00 a.m.; pickup runs between 9:00 and 9:30.

That window matters. This is a coordinated outing with a ground tour followed by a flight, so arriving late can throw off more than one part of the day. If your hotel is in a no-pickup zone, you’ll be assigned a bus stop. Confirm that location before tour day rather than assuming the van will come to your door.

The drive takes you to Safari Quads’ base camp on the outskirts of the city. Here, the guide hands out protective equipment and gives a safety briefing of about 30 minutes. Expect a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask and rain gear. Wear hiking boots or sneakers, and bring your driver’s license if you plan to take the controls.

ATV tracks beside Lake Hafravatn

The ATV ride lasts about an hour. The route follows rocky trails toward Lake Hafravatn, then climbs toward Reykjavik Peak. The terrain is part of the appeal: you’re not just looking at Iceland from a roadside pullout, but steering over rough ground with a guide leading the way.

Don’t expect a long expedition into remote country. This is a short, active outing close to the capital, with enough time to reach a high viewpoint and get a feel for the ATV without giving up most of your day. You’ll need to pay attention to the track and the guide’s directions, so it’s not the moment to be distracted by your camera.

At the top, the payoff is a broad view back toward Reykjavik. Look for the city’s colorful rooftops, Faxaflói Bay and the flat-topped form of Mount Esjan. On a particularly clear day, you may also see the volcanoes of the Reykjanes Peninsula and, farther off, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Snæfellsjökull at its tip.

That last view is a bonus, not a promise. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and distant peaks can disappear behind cloud. Even if the far horizon is hidden, the closer view of the city and bay gives you a useful sense of how Reykjavik sits between mountains and sea.

The ATVs are two-seaters. You can share one, or choose the single-rider option if you want your own machine. Only licensed drivers may operate the quad; passengers do not need a license. The stated minimum passenger age is six, but the activity information also says children under eight are not suitable. If you’re booking for a six- or seven-year-old, check directly with the operator before paying.

A transfer between two very different rides

After the ATV ride, you return to base camp, hand back the equipment and travel by van to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. The listed transfer takes about 30 minutes. It’s a practical link between the two activities, but it also means this is a guided combination rather than two completely independent bookings.

At the airport, you meet the pilot for a briefing on the flight route before boarding. The helicopter section is listed as about 45 minutes, while the broader description puts the full journey at around an hour. Allow five to six hours for the whole tour, not just the time spent riding or flying.

The two experiences have different rhythms. On the ATV, you’re close to the ground and focused on the trail. In the helicopter, the city and surrounding terrain spread out beneath you. If you’re choosing between the two activities, that change of scale is a good reason to consider the combination rather than booking only one.

Reykjavik from above, then a mountain landing

From the helicopter, Reykjavik’s streets and buildings become part of a larger pattern of coast, water and high ground. You’ll get a view of the city from above, with the surrounding region opening out beyond it. The flight is a useful way to grasp the setting of the capital, particularly if you have already spent time walking its streets.

A highlight is the planned mountaintop landing, which gives you about 20 minutes on the ground to take photographs and look around. That pause makes the helicopter outing more than a pass over the scenery. The pilot can take you to a place that would be a much longer undertaking to reach on foot, though the exact landing and route depend on conditions.

One recent flight included a landing on an ancient volcano with hot water and steam. Treat that as a possible feature of a particular flight, not a guaranteed stop on every departure. The fixed promise here is a mountaintop landing; the precise setting can vary.

Weather plays a large role in what you see and where the helicopter can go. Good visibility can open up views toward the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond, while low cloud may narrow the view. If the flight is a central reason for booking, build some flexibility into your Iceland plans. A flight may not operate on the original day, and a recent participant had the helicopter portion arranged for another available day instead.

What the $500 price buys

At $500 per person, this is a high-cost half-day, but it includes two distinct activities, the ATV equipment, a professional guide, pickup and the Reykjavik Summit helicopter tour. You’re paying for the combination and the flight, not simply for an hour on a quad bike.

The value is strongest if you want both a hands-on outdoor outing and an aerial view, and would otherwise book them separately. The activities also offer a useful contrast: the ATV gives you the physical, trail-level experience, while the helicopter gives you a quick look at a much wider area. If you’re mainly interested in one of those, a standalone tour may be better value.

There can be options to upgrade an activity, but don’t count on a particular upgrade being available or included. Ask what the price covers when booking, especially if you’re comparing this package with separate ATV and helicopter tours. The posted price is per person, and a shared ATV does not mean the helicopter portion is priced as a shared experience.

The tour includes pickup, but not drop-off after the helicopter lands. Make your own plan for getting back to your hotel or continuing your day. A recent participant found walking back manageable, but that doesn’t establish the distance or suitability for every landing point, schedule or traveler. Check your route and transport options rather than relying on that as a default.

Who will get the most from this tour

This works best for you if you want a big, varied outing and are happy to spend a sizable share of your Iceland budget on it. It suits confident drivers who like active excursions, as well as couples or families who can split the ATV driving between one licensed driver and a passenger. The passenger age rules need extra checking for children under eight.

It’s also a good fit if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want mountain views without committing to a full-day drive out of the city. The ATV and helicopter give you two perspectives on the same broad area, while the pickup and transfer keep the day organized.

It may be less appealing if you dislike motorized tours, want a quiet walk in nature, or need a guaranteed flight time. The ATV route is short, and the helicopter’s route and landing depend on conditions. You’ll also need to sort out your own return from the airport.

The combined format is the real strength. Each activity would be enjoyable on its own, but moving from the rocky trail to the air gives the day a satisfying change of pace. Just go in knowing that the views are weather-dependent and the day’s schedule may need to flex.

Should you book the ATV and helicopter combo?

Book it if you want a lively, well-filled half-day with both trail time and a flight, and the $500 price fits your plans. I’d especially consider it if you’re curious about the mountains around Reykjavik but don’t have time for a longer trip out of town.

Think twice if you’re choosing it only for the helicopter, if you need a firm schedule, or if you expect transport back to your hotel to be included. Before booking, confirm your pickup point, check the child age rules if relevant, and leave room in your itinerary in case the flight needs to move. With those details settled, this is a memorable way to see Reykjavik from both ground level and above the peaks.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

Allow five to six hours for pickup, the safety briefing, ATV ride, transfer and helicopter flight.

What time does pickup start?

You need to be ready at your pickup location at 9:00 a.m. Pickup runs between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, with an assigned bus stop for hotels in no-pickup zones.

Is transport back to my hotel included?

No. Drop-off is not included after the helicopter flight.

Do I need a driver’s license?

You need a driver’s license to operate an ATV. Passengers do not need one.

Can a passenger ride without driving?

Yes. The ATVs are two-seaters, and passengers do not need a license. You can also select the single-rider option if you want to drive your own ATV.

What is the minimum age for children?

The information says passengers must be at least six, but also lists children under eight as not suitable. Check with the operator before booking for a child aged six or seven.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring your driver’s license if you’ll drive, and wear hiking boots or sneakers. The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear.