Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s easiest big sights to reach by car. From Reykjavík you have two straightforward options:
- the fastest, fully paved drive via Selfoss
- the classic Golden Circle route via Þingvellir and Geysir.
Both end at the signed Gullfoss visitor area with parking, restrooms, and a café. Plan on roughly 1.5–2 hours of driving in good conditions.
Fastest & Easiest (via Selfoss)
For the fastest route, leave Reykjavík heading east on Route 1 (Ring Road) toward Hveragerði and Selfoss. In Selfoss, turn left (north) onto Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut), clearly signed for Geysir/Gullfoss. Stay on Route 35 through Reykholt and past the Geysir geothermal area; a few more minutes brings you to the Gullfoss parking lots and visitor centre. This is the simplest, year-round option and usually the quickest.
- Leave Reykjavík heading east on Route 1 (Ring Road) toward Hveragerði / Selfoss.
- At Selfoss, turn left (north) onto Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut) signed for Geysir / Gullfoss.
- Stay on Route 35 past Reykholt and the Geysir area; a few more minutes brings you to the Gullfoss parking/visitor area.
This is the smooth, fully paved route most drivers use, and it’s the least fussy in winter. Expect ~1.5–2 hours each way when roads are clear.
Prettiest Drive (via Þingvellir & Laugarvatn)
For the scenic Golden Circle route, drive Route 36 from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park, continue on Route 365 to Laugarvatn, then Route 37 to Geysir, and finally Route 35 to Gullfoss. Without stops it’s about two hours, but most travelers build in time to walk the rift at Þingvellir and watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir. From Geysir it’s only about 10–15 minutes to Gullfoss.
- From Reykjavík, take Route 36 to Þingvellir National Park.
- Continue Route 365 to Laugarvatn, then Route 37 to Geysir.
- Turn left onto Route 35 for the short hop to Gullfoss.
This string of stops is the Golden Circle “greatest hits” (Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss) and makes for a beautiful, logical progression.
How Far Is Gullfoss?
Gullfoss is roughly 116–125 km from Reykjavík depending on your route, so the drive is comfortably under two hours in good conditions. It’s also just ~10 km (about 15 minutes) beyond the Geysir geothermal area on Route 35.
Returning to Reykjavík
- Kerið detour: From Gullfoss, continue south on Route 35 and stop at Kerið crater, then rejoin Route 1 back to the city. It adds a photogenic volcanic bowl without major backtracking.
- Straight back: Simply retrace your fastest route (Route 35 → Route 1). Time-efficient when daylight is short.
Parking, Facilities & Wayfinding
Set your GPS to Gullfoss Visitor Centre, 806 Selfoss – signs for “Gullfoss” are clear as you approach. On site you’ll find parking, restrooms, and a café/shop by the visitor centre. Recent traveler reports note free parking and toilets. The viewing area itself is open 24/7 year-round.