Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions.

General questions Accessibility Location Other questions

General questions

What is the Volcano Express?

The Volcano Express is a thrilling virtual tour of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. Thanks to our state-of-the-art sensory technology, guests will enjoy an exhilarating physical experience that gives an insight into the brute strength of the natural world.

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From the comfort of your seats, you’ll embark on a journey across Iceland’s active volcanoes. You’ll sense the heat of lava, feel the power of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and see the Land of Fire and Ice as you’ve never seen it before.

How long does the Volcano Express experience last?

The Volcano Express experience lasts for a total of 15 minutes. In this time, for approximately 9 minutes you’ll be taken across Iceland’s jaw-dropping landscapes and down to the centre of the Earth. You won’t want to miss a moment. We ask guests to arrive 10 minutes before the show.

What can I expect during the experience?

During the Volcano Express experience, expect a thrilling and informative insight into Iceland’s volcanoes and their impact on the lives of local people. You’ll feel the heat of lava and the frosty temperatures of Icelandic winter, as well as the turbulence of flight and the powerful tremors of an earthquake.

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Throughout the show, you’ll be seated in our state-of-the-art auditorium, equipped with ground-breaking motion seating. In around 10 minutes, you’ll journey from the heart of Reykjavík to remote mountain peaks and 800 years back in time, while learning all about how volcanoes have shaped our nation.

Is the Volcano Express suitable for all ages?

Volcano Express is suitable for everyone from the age of four. To join the experience, you need to be at least 100 cm (40 inches) tall.

Is the experience scary?

The Volcano Express is a thrilling ride that’s designed to bring you up close to some of the most powerful natural phenomena on Earth. It’s a feast for the senses and an exhilarating glimpse into the Land of Fire and Ice.

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That being said, the Volcano Express is a completely safe experience and it shouldn’t make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Are there any physical restrictions for participating in the exhibition?

To enjoy the ride, you’ll need to be at least 100 cm (40 inches) tall.

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If you have a disability, or you do not feel comfortable in our dynamic seating, you can take a seat in the reserved area for wheelchair users. There, you can experience the sights and sounds of the experience in all its glory.

How realistic are the special effects during the experience?

The Volcano Express is as close as it’s possible to get to a real experience of volcanic phenomena. We’ve modelled the motion seating on real tectonic activity and created a sensory experience to give you an authentic glimpse of an eruption. Almost all of the filming is live footage of the eruptions in Fagradalsfjall between 2021 - 2024. The use of VFX (virtual effects) is very limited and mainly used to give viewers insight into Iceland's volcanic history.

Is the experience safe?

The Volcano Express experience is entirely safe. The motion seating technology is rigorously tested for safety and it comes with seat belts and sensors to ensure a comfortable ride.

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However, the experience does feature dynamic seating and flashing visuals. If you have a health condition that can be aggravated by visual stimuli, you should not ride or do so at your own risk.

Can I bring food or drinks into the exhibition?

Please leave all food and drinks outside of the auditorium. There is space to leave any belongings safely while you enjoy the experience.

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If you don’t want to bring your own food and drink, you’ll find many places to eat and drink in and around the Harpa Concert Hall.

Is the experience available in different languages?

Volcano Express is shown in both English and Icelandic. We will chose the language based on the group attending.

Accessibility

How safe is the Volcano Express?

The Volcano Express is completely safe. The ride is equipped with comfortable seats, seat belts, and sensors in order to make the experience as comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable as possible.

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Be aware that the dynamic seating and stimulating visuals mean that the experience may not be appropriate for viewers with chronic pain or sensitivity to flashing lights.

Are there any health or safety precautions I should be aware of?

The Volcano Express is open to everyone who is above the age of 4 and at least 100 cm (40 inches) tall. If you have a heart condition, chronic pain, or a condition that’s aggravated by flashing lights, you’ll join the ride at your own risk.

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The experience features dynamic seating that emulates the sensation of an earthquake. If you are pregnant, have a disability, or do not feel comfortable on such seating, there is conventional seating available where you can enjoy the ride.

I am currently pregnant, is it safe for me to attend?

We do not recommend that you use the dynamic seating of the Volcano Express if you’re pregnant. But if you prefer to join the ride without the dynamic seating, that’s possible.

Is the ride accessible for guests with disabilities?

People with disabilities and those in wheelchairs can join the Volcano Express without the dynamic seating. There is a designated area with static seating where you enjoy the show.

I have epilepsy. Are there any potential triggers in the show that I should be aware of?

If you have severe epilepsy that is triggered by visual stimuli, you attend The Volcano Express at your own risk. The potential for triggers depends on your level of sensitivity, but in general, there are very few instances of flashing lights. The experience is similar to watching a movie, with the film lasting approximately 9 minutes.

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Is Volcano Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, people in wheelchairs can attend the Volcano Express. There’s a designated area where you can enjoy the experience without the dynamic seating.

Are there any accessibility services available for visitors with disabilities?

The Volcano Express is located within the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. The complex is easy to access and has spacious elevators that are accessible to everyone.

Are there any sensory considerations for visitors with sensitivities to light, sound, or motion?

The Volcano Express is a spectacular sensory experience, involving light, sound, and motion. For those who are able, it’s an opportunity to get closer to erupting volcanoes than you can in reality.

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However, if you have sensitivities to light, sound, or motion, you attend the show at your own risk. As an alternative, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy the show from static seating.

Is there seating available throughout the exhibition for those who need it?

Every guest has their own seat throughout the exhibition. Most people will enjoy the Volcano Express from the dynamic seating. However, if you attend in a wheelchair or you don’t for any reason want to experience the turbulence, there’s a dedicated space for you.

Are service animals allowed during the Volcano Express experience?

Service animals are welcome in Harpa.

Location

Where is the Volcano Express located?

The Volcano Express is located within the Harpa concert hall and conference centre, at Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík. For more information, visit our location page.

How do I get to the Volcano Express at Harpa?

Harpa is located in the centre of Reykjavík and it’s very easy to access by all forms of transport. Conveniently, the venue is just a few minutes’ walk from Lækjartorg, one of the city’s main public transport hubs.

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For information about arriving at Harpa by bus, visit the website of Strætó. You’ll find arrival and departure times for the city’s network and you’ll be able to plan your journey.

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If you’re arriving by bicycle, you’ll find bike stands on the east side of the concert hall and in the underground carpark.

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For those who want to arrive by car, you can use Harpa’s underground car park.

Is there parking available near the Volcano Express?

Yes, there’s parking available at the Harpa concert hall in the underground car park. You can also visit the City of Reykjavík’s website for information about alternative parking options.

How do I get to the Volcano Express using public transport?

The best way to reach the Volcano Express is via public transport. Harpa is located a few minutes’ walk from Lækjartorg, a square that’s a hub of public buses.

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Use the website of Strætó to check timetables and plan your trip.

What are the nearest landmarks or attractions to the Volcano Express?

The Volcano Express is located within Harpa, the concert hall and conference centre. With its striking design, waterfront position, and impressive calendar of cultural events, it’s one of the most visited sights in Reykjavík. Find out more here.

As Harpa is very centrally located within Reykjavík, you’ll find many of the city’s other sights and attractions close by, including:

The Sun Voyager sculpture
Hallgrímskirkja
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Rainbow Street
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
And much more.

Is there a map or directions available on the website?

You can find more information about the location of the Volcano Express, including a map and directions, on our location page.

Other questions

How can I book tickets for the Volcano Express?

You can book tickets for the Volcano Express directly via our website. Simply visit our pricing and tickets page.

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You can also book in person at the ticket office at Harpa. As seats are limited, though, we always recommend booking in advance.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Yes, you’re able to amend or cancel your booking by sending an e-mail to Harpa box office.

Do I need to print my tickets, or can I show them on my phone?

There’s no need to print your tickets. Electronic tickets are always valid at the Volcano Express. It’s much better for the environment.

Are group discounts or special offers available?

We offer fair pricing as standard for children and adults. We also have the following special offers available:

Gift tickets
Returning visits.

To make group bookings for over 20 people, contact tickets@volcanoexpress.is

What should I wear during the experience?

The Volcano Express will take you across the extreme landscapes of Iceland all from the comfort of your seat. So, dress however you like, in whatever is comfortable for you.

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We have a small box between the seats in the auditorium for smaller items and in front of the auditorium there are shelfs for larger items.

Can I buy Volcano Express tickets at the door, or do I need to book in advance?

As there are limited seats in the Volcano Express show, we always recommend booking in advance. However, you can purchase tickets from the desk in Harpa, as well as online.

Are photos or videos allowed during the exhibition?

The Volcano Express is a cinematic experience with breathtaking visuals and sounds. We urge you to enjoy the show first-hand and all filming is prohibited during the show. During the show, we ask that all cameras and phones are switched off.

How early should I arrive before my scheduled time?

We recommend that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the show starts, so that you don’t miss a thing. But make sure you hang around and explore the other magical experiences Harpa has to offer after the show.

Is there a gift shop or merchandise available?

You’ll find a gift shop on the first floor of Harpa. Here you’ll be able to buy souvenirs to remember your trip to Iceland.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have any other questions that we have not answered here, do not hesitate to get in touch. Visit our contact page for details.

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Frequently asked questions

General questions

Accessibility

Location

Other questions

visitor information

About the experience

more information