Getting to Diamond Beach from Reykjavík
Diamond Beach is located in Southeast Iceland, approximately 370 km (230 miles) from Reykjavík along Route 1 (the Ring Road). The drive takes about 4.5–5 hours in good conditions.
Check live dates and prices for the classic South Coast, Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón day tour from Reykjavík:
Route Summary
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Distance: ~370 km from Reykjavík
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Drive Time: 4.5–5 hours (one way)
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Route: Route 1 (Ring Road)
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Vehicle: Any car (2WD suitable in summer)
Driving Directions
- Leave Reykjavík heading east on Route 1 toward Selfoss.
- Continue through Vík (great coffee stop at the southernmost village).
- Pass Skaftafell region and continue east.
- Look for Jökulsárlón signs. Diamond Beach is on the south side of Route 1, opposite the glacier lagoon.
Use the Pedestrian Tunnel
Cross from Jökulsárlón to Diamond Beach via the pedestrian tunnel under Route 1. Don't cross the busy highway on foot.
Other Experiences You Might Enjoy
Many visitors combine this with a Golden Circle tour, a Reykjavík whale-watching trip, or a South Coast tour taking in Jökulsárlón, Vík, and Reynisfjara. The tours below are pulled live from GetYourGuide and update automatically.
GPS Coordinates
- Diamond Beach Parking: 64.0442°N, 16.1789°W
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: 64.0784°N, 16.2306°W
Drive Times from Other Locations
| Starting Point | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | 370 km | ~5 hours |
| Vík | 190 km | ~2.5 hours |
| Höfn | 80 km | ~1 hour |
| Skaftafell | 60 km | ~45 min |
Parking at Diamond Beach
There's a free parking lot directly at Diamond Beach on the south side of Route 1.
- Cost: FREE
- Distance to beach: 2-minute walk
- Facilities: Toilets at Jökulsárlón café (via tunnel)
- 24/7 Access: Yes
Public Transport
Strætó Route 52 (Reykjavík–Höfn) stops at Jökulsárlón, but runs only 4 times weekly. Same-day return isn't possible. For most visitors, a guided tour or rental car is more practical.
Road Conditions & Safety
Always check conditions before driving, especially in winter:
Winter Driving
Roads may be icy or temporarily closed. Winter tires are mandatory on rental cars Nov–Apr. Check road.is before every trip.