Quick Information
Helicopter tours in Iceland with Glacier Heli Iceland depart daily from Reykjavík Domestic Airport, flying over active volcanoes, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines. Tours run from 40 minutes to a full day, with glacier and volcano landings available. Prices start around ISK 59,900 per person (~$430 USD), with private charters and proposal flights also offered.
Iceland looks different from the air — and no amount of driving the Ring Road or hiking a black-sand beach can show you what a helicopter can. Most visitors spend hours on a bus trying to catch a glimpse of a lava field or a glacier tongue from a viewpoint half a mile away. A helicopter tour in Iceland solves that problem in under an hour: you're flying directly over the crater, landing on the ice, and seeing the volcanic zone up close, with a pilot narrating what you're looking at in real time.
At Glacier Heli Iceland, we've spent over a decade flying travelers, couples, and families over Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers from our base in Reykjavík. Whether you want a quick 40-minute flight over Iceland's newest eruption sites or a full-day private expedition with multiple landings, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect, what it costs, and how to book the right tour for your trip.
Service Overview
A helicopter tour in Iceland is a scenic or landing flight that takes off from Reykjavík (or another regional base) and flies over Iceland's volcanic and glacial landscapes — places that are either inaccessible by road or take hours to reach on foot. Tours typically last between 40 minutes and a full day, and are flown in small, quiet aircraft seating up to six passengers, with every seat by a window.
Glacier Heli Iceland runs its Iceland volcano helicopter tours and glacier helicopter tours from Ace FBO at Reykjavík Domestic Airport, just behind the Natura Hotel. Every flight includes a safety briefing, an experienced mountain-flying pilot, and a route that's adjusted based on current volcanic activity and weather — so you always see the most active part of the landscape on the day you fly.
Why Choose Glacier Heli Iceland ?
There is no shortage of helicopter operators in Reykjavík. Here's what sets Glacier Heli Iceland apart for travelers comparing Iceland helicopter tours:
Purpose-built aircraft — one of the quietest civilian helicopters flying today, with a 180° panoramic cabin, flat floor, and leather seating for up to six passengers, so nobody is stuck with a blocked view.
Mountain-certified pilots — our pilots hold decades of combined Icelandic mountain-flying experience and brief every group on the geology and history of what they're flying over.
Small groups, real access — maximum six passengers per flight, or a full private charter if you want the aircraft to yourselves.
Flexible scheduling — dawn, golden hour, and sunset departures, with free rescheduling up to 48 hours before your flight.
A trusted operator — Glacier Heli Iceland is a licensed travel agency in Iceland and is listed with Viator, GetYourGuide, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, with a strong review history across all four platforms.
Route flexibility on volcano tours — because eruption sites change constantly, we adjust the flight path before each departure to fly over the most recently active zone, not a fixed route.
Service Details:
Our Helicopter Tour Packages
Below are our core helicopter tours in Iceland, each linked to its full itinerary, inclusions, and live availability.
➤ Volcano Helicopter Tour Iceland – Reykjanes Flight
From ISK 59,900 per person · 40–60 minutes · Departs Ace FBO, Reykjavík
Our most popular Iceland volcano helicopter tour. You'll fly directly over the Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkagígar volcanic zones — the sites of Iceland's most recent eruptions — with close-up views of cooling lava fields, craters, and fissures. Landing near the volcano depends on current gas levels and civil protection guidance on the day of your flight. Includes pilot narration, guaranteed window seating, and all taxes.
➤ Ice & Fire Helicopter Tour Iceland – 2 Landings
From ISK 129,900 per person · Approx. 2 hours · Departs Ace FBO, Reykjavík
This is the tour to book if you want both a volcano and a glacier landing in one trip — the signature Iceland volcano helicopter tour with landing. You'll set down on a glacier for photos before flying on to the volcanic zone for a second stop where conditions allow. Ideal for travelers who only have one day to spare for a helicopter flight but want the full "fire and ice" experience.
➤ Iceland Landmarks Helicopter Tour – 3 Landings
From ISK 194,900 per person · 3 hours · Departs Ace FBO, Reykjavík
Our most comprehensive standard tour, combining glacier, geothermal, and coastal landscapes with three separate landings. Best for repeat visitors or travelers who want to see the widest possible range of terrain in a single flight.
➤ Hengill Geothermal Helicopter Tour
From ISK 62,900 per person · 50–60 minutes
A shorter flight over Iceland's active geothermal fields near Mount Hengill — steam vents, hot springs, and colorful mineral terrain, with a landing included when conditions allow.
➤ Reykjavik City & Mount Esja Flight
A shorter scenic option for travelers short on time, covering Reykjavík's coastline and Mount Esja — a good introduction to helicopter flight before booking a longer volcano or glacier tour.
➤ Aerial Expedition & Full-Day Ring Road Tour (Luxury Tours)
For travelers who want to see the Highlands or the Ring Road from above in a single day, with multiple landings and a fully custom route.
➤ Proposal Flights in Iceland
Private glacier, volcano, or Mount Esja flights built specifically for engagements, including champagne on landing and optional professional photography. Starting from ISK 199,000.
➤ Private Helicopter Charter
A fully private aircraft and pilot for custom routes, corporate groups, or families who don't want to share a flight with strangers.
Key Benefits
Process: How Booking Works
Who Helicopter Tours in Iceland Are For ?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do helicopter tours in Iceland cost?
Iceland helicopter tour prices start around ISK 59,900–65,000 per person for a 40–60 minute volcano flight. Longer tours with multiple landings, such as the Ice & Fire tour, run from ISK 129,900, and full-day or private charters can exceed ISK 500,000 depending on route and group size. Private tours (booking the whole aircraft) generally start from roughly ISK 350,000–360,000 regardless of how many of your own group fly.
Are helicopter tours in Iceland safe?
Yes. Reputable operators, including Glacier Heli Iceland, use mountain-certified pilots, modern aircraft, and flight paths that are dictated by real-time volcanic gas readings and guidance from Iceland's civil protection authorities. Flights are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled or refunded rather than flown in unsafe conditions. You can check current volcanic activity yourself via the Icelandic Meteorological Office before you fly.
Are there helicopter tours to see Iceland's active volcano?
Yes. Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has had repeated eruptions since 2021, and helicopter tours are the fastest way to see the lava fields, craters, and fissures up close. Because activity shifts constantly, flight paths are adjusted before each departure to cover the most recently active zone — always confirm current status when booking.
How do I book a helicopter tour in Iceland from the US?
Most Iceland helicopter operators, including Glacier Heli, take bookings directly online in USD or ISK, months in advance. You can also book through major platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or Expedia if you prefer a platform with its own cancellation protection. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is recommended in peak summer months (June–August).
What are the most popular departure locations for helicopter tours in Iceland?
Nearly all Reykjavík-area operators, Glacier Heli included, depart from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (BIRK), a short taxi from downtown hotels. Some operators also run seasonal flights from regional bases closer to specific glaciers or the south coast.
How can I compare different helicopter tour packages in Iceland?
Compare four things: duration, number of landings, departure point, and what's included (photography, hotel transfer, guide language). A 40-minute fly-over and a 3-hour tour with three landings are very different experiences even if both are labeled "volcano tour" — read the itinerary, not just the headline price.
Is landing on the volcano guaranteed?
No operator can guarantee a landing near an active or recently active volcano — it depends entirely on gas levels and ground safety at the time of your flight, as assessed by civil protection authorities. Fly-over is always included; landing is a bonus when conditions allow.
What should I wear on a helicopter tour?
Comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose scarves or hats that could blow off near the rotor wash. Sunglasses are recommended for glare off snow and ice.
Is this suitable for children or people with health concerns?
Most Iceland helicopter tours welcome children aged 4 and up, with child seats available on request. If you have a medical condition that could be affected by altitude, vibration, or motion, check with the operator before booking.
What happens if the weather is bad on my tour day?
Reputable operators reschedule or fully refund weather-cancelled flights at no extra cost, since flying is never worth the safety risk. Build a buffer day into your itinerary if possible, especially in shoulder season.
Book Your Helicopter Tour in Iceland
Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers change by the season — sometimes by the week.
The best way to see them is still from the air, on a flight built around what's actually happening on the ground right now. Explore all Glacier Heli Iceland tours and reserve your seat, or contact our team directly to build a custom route for your group.
Related reading: .
Tips for Booking Your Perfect Heli Ride in Iceland ·
Exploring the Top Active Volcanoes in Iceland ·
The Beauty and Mystery of Hengill Geothermal Area
