The most popular way to get around in Iceland is by car, there are no trains in Iceland so the other options are the buses, flights, taxi or private drivers. The main road in Iceland is called Hringvegurinn or the Ring Road and lies along the coast around the island, except for the Westfjords. It is usually no problem driving the Ring Road and other roads during the summer but the winter months can be more difficult because of the weather. If you are considering renting a car and drive in Iceland click HERE to learn more.
Public bus - Strætó
Apart from the car, buses are probably the second most popular way to get around in Iceland. The public buses in Iceland are called Strætó and you will recognize them by the yellow color. If you are staying in Reykjavík you can buy a 1-3 day city pass. Strætó also travels to the main places around the country and you can check out their schedule HERE. The only downside to taking the bus in Iceland is that it’s quite expensive.
During the summer months (June - mid September), Strætó runs to all major places in Iceland but the service may be limited in the winter due to weather.
Bus companies
There are several bus companies in Iceland that offer day tours to many popular tourist attractions both during the summer and winter.
Iceland on your own
During the summer (June - mid September) few bus companies run their own bus network around the country, including the highland. You can board the buses at any time on the route and buy the ticket online or when boarding the bus. Another way is to buy a bus passport, each passport offers different routes and different places to explore. The passports work as a single ticket for that particular route. Either way offers more flexibility and freedom to your stay in Iceland.
2018 summer schedule and route map for the Bus Passport are available now! Bookings will be available soon - in the meantime send us an email if you have a question - [emailprotected]
Ferries
Ferries are popular to travel between some of the islands around Iceland, including the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) in the south, Grímsey Island in the north and Flatey Island in the West. It is also possible to take a ferry from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West to the Westfjords. The schedule for the ferries differ between winter and summer and there are usually more trips during the summer months (June-August).
Taxi
It is of course possible to take a taxi anywhere you want in Iceland but it is very expensive and we recommend using a rental car or buses instead. The taxis have a yellow taxi sign on the top and if you need one you have to call and order. But there are usually taxis in line at the airport, outside bus stations and downtown that you can take. The taxi runs by the meter and you can pay with cash or credit cards. There is no Uber or Lyft in Iceland.
Private drivers
Many companies offer private tours all over the country where you have your own driver and car. With a private driver you have more flexibility and you can adjust the trip according to your needs and wishes. We can help you find the perfect tour for you whether you’re traveling on a budget or wish to travel with more luxury. For more information give us a call or send us an email.
Domestic flights
Flying is a great way to get around in Iceland especially during the winter when the roads are sometimes impassable due to weather. The Icelandic flight network is large but it is also quite expensive, so keep that in mind. The main airport for domestic flights in Iceland is Reykjavík Airport and from there you can catch a flight to numerous of destination in Iceland. The airlines that offer scheduled flights from Reykjavík Airport are Air Iceland Connect and Eagle Air.
Air Iceland Connect destinations: Reykjavík, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Isafjordur, Keflavik, Grimsey, Vopnafjordur, Thorshofn. They also fly to Greenland and Faroe Islands.
Eagle Air destinations: Vestmannaeyjar, Hofn, Husavik, Bildudalur, Gjögur and Saudarkrokur.
Airport shuttles
The Flybus in Keflavík International Airport leaves every 35-40 minutes after arrival of each flight. You can either take the bus to the BSÍ bus terminal or to your hotel in Reykjavík. The trip to Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes.
FAQs
We are strong believers that the best way to explore the island is by renting a car in Iceland. Public transportation is helpful if you are planning on only staying within the limits of a city. Or you're only planning on booking spots on guided tours to see some of the local attractions.
What is the best way to get around in Iceland? ›
The most popular way to get around in Iceland is by car, there are no trains in Iceland so the other options are the buses, flights, taxi or private drivers. The main road in Iceland is called Hringvegurinn or the Ring Road and lies along the coast around the island, except for the Westfjords.
Does Iceland have a subway? ›
There are no public railways, although there are bus services. Transport from one major town to another, for example Reykjavík to Akureyri, may be by aeroplane on a domestic flight. The only ways of getting in and out of the country are by air and sea.
Does Reykjavík have public transportation? ›
Strætó Public Transport
Reykjavík's brightly colored Strætó buses increasingly run on the city's renewable electric energy supply. At peak operating times, buses arrive every 10–15 minutes, but in the middle of the day and during the evening, frequency drops to every 30 minutes.
Is it hard to get around Iceland without a car? ›
The great thing about Iceland is that not just the capital has great public transportation facilities; the rest of the country does as well. There's a very easy and convenient Public Transport Map, that shows you every bus route in Iceland.
Is Iceland a walkable city? ›
An ideal day in Reykjavík will let you walk or bike as much as possible, from the downtown core out to Grandi and even along the coastal paths.
What to skip in Iceland? ›
Let's find out.
- Bringing an Umbrella to Iceland. ...
- Buying Bottled Water. ...
- Going Out Partying and Stopping at Midnight. ...
- Not Going to a Swimming Pool Because it's Cold Outside. ...
- Not Bringing a Swimsuit. ...
- Relying Solely on Your GPS. ...
- Trying to Book a Room in an Ice Hotel.
Taxi prices in Iceland are quite high. Unfortunately, there's no Uber in Iceland, not even in the capital city of Reykjavik. There's no Lyft in Iceland, either. Public transportation and taxis are your best options.
What is the cheapest mode of transport in Iceland? ›
Using Buses in Iceland
While the schedules and routes can be a bit haphazard, the bus network is still a budget-friendly option for travelers who want to explore Iceland without a car. Generally, bus fares in Iceland are quite reasonable and range from $4 to $7 within city limits.
Will Uber come to Iceland? ›
Uber has not arrived in Iceland yet. However, there is a new, similar company called Hopp Taxis.
Iceland currently has a population of 376,248 people, of whom around 98% speak English. This means that 368,723 of the Icelandic population can speak English. This figure is very high in comparison to some other countries across Europe. Here are just a couple of the reasons why so many Icelanders can speak English.
How to get Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík? ›
The optimal mode of transport is the Destination Blue Lagoon bus which departs every hour from Reykjavík. The closest stop to the cruise terminal is Tryggvagata, which is a short walk from the dock. For complete info and bookings, visit Destination Blue Lagoon.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Reykjavík? ›
However, the city's unpredictable weather can sometimes make outdoor exploration a bit challenging. Thankfully, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus provides a convenient and flexible way to see Reykjavík's most iconic sights at your own pace.
How do tourists get around Iceland? ›
Visitors can get around Iceland just like the locals. Bus routes will take you from town to town, or you can rent a car for more freedom. That said, you're not limited to four wheels. For example, mountain bike trips or kayaking excursions are awesome ways for you to experience Iceland's landscape up close.
Is the Reykjavík City card worth it? ›
The Reykjavík City Card is the easiest and most inexpensive way to experience our favourite city! The Reykjavík City Card offers free entry to a great selection of museums and galleries, all swimming pools in Reykjavík, and free unlimited travel by bus within the Reykjavik Capital Area (it does not include the bus nr.
Is public transport expensive in Iceland? ›
Ticket prices
The price of a single bus ticket in Reykjavik is 470 kr ( US$ 3.40) (it doubles to 940 kr ( US$ 6.80) for night buses). For disabled passengers, seniors over 67 and young people between 6 and 17, the price is halved to 235 kr ( US$ 1.70). Children under 6 travel for free.
Is Iceland friendly to foreigners? ›
Most Icelanders are non-judgemental, laid back, and down to earth. Of course, you may meet someone who is having a bad day. But you're probably going to find Icelandic people helpful and kind. But with millions of tourists every year, there are inevitably some cultural clashes between visitors and locals.
Is it worth getting a car in Iceland? ›
Car Rental Reviews
Fact is, buses and taxis in Iceland are expensive and, in the long run, you'll get more for your money by renting a car. A bus ticket from the Intl. Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík is about 35 EUR / $35 USD per passenger. If you have a five-person family then that's 100 EUR in the very first day.
Is Uber a thing in Iceland? ›
Simply, no. Uber – and also Lyft – do not exist in Iceland. But don't worry, there are other ways to get around Reykjavík.
