How To Get Around Iceland Without a Car

From Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik city centre

If you don’t plan to hire a car, you have a few options for getting to the capital from Iceland’s major international airport. The first is by coach; travelers can purchase their tickets online in advance for services such as Icelandia’s FlyBus. On arrival, it’s just a case of walking across the arrivals hall and across the car park, where you show the driver your ticket, load your luggage and jump on board. The coach takes you directly to Reykjavik’s BSI Terminal, from where ticket holders can take a minibus to their city center accommodation. 

It's good value, but cheaper still is the local bus. Services are less frequent and make more stops on the way to Reykjavik, but if you’re on a tight budget, this is the best low-cost option. However, it’s also the slowest. If getting into the city as fast as possible is your priority, then if you’ve chosen not to rent a car you’ll need to get a taxi. This is expensive, but you’ll be delivered straight to the door of your accommodation.

Travel within Reykjavik and the surrounding area

It’s perfectly feasible to walk between many of the attractions you’ll find in downtown Reykjavik. If you plan to visit a lot of them over several days then it pays to think about grouping them by area, for example, spending a day visiting those that are in the Grandi area by the Old Harbour and so on. 

For journeys further out or in periods of inclement weather, you might choose to catch a city bus. There’s a dense network of routes that cover most parts of the city. The frequency of services varies according to the route you take but for the most part, you won’t need to hang around too long. Some buses go further out, for instance, to the neighboring town of Hafnarfjörður. Timetables and schedules can be found on the Strætó website and you can buy your ticket via the Strætó app. 

Getting further afield

This is where a rental car really comes into its own as bus services to towns and villages further away are few and far between. On some routes, even in summer, there are only one or two buses a day, which makes it tricky to use them for sightseeing purposes. Depending on what you plan to see and do, sometimes it’s a workable option, for instance, if you’d like to travel from Akureyri to Siglufjordur or to Husavik in North Iceland. In reality, you have to work hard to fit in with the timetable. 

One bus you might consider in summer is the Highland Bus. It appeals to travelers who would like to visit Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar but who aren’t keen on the idea of driving on Iceland’s F-roads – or perhaps don’t want the extra expense of upgrading their vehicle to something that can cope with the uneven terrain. Over longer distances, such as between Reykjavik and Ísafjörður in the Westfjords or  Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, it’s no surprise that many travelers choose to fly instead despite the high cost.

Public transport is possible in some cases, as we’ve demonstrated. But renting a car makes the most sense if you are hoping to maximize your time in Iceland, prefer to travel independently, and want to be as flexible as possible with your itinerary. 

FAQ: How To Get Around Iceland Without a Car

Is it easy to travel around Iceland without a car?

It is doable. You can use buses, taxis, or coaches to get around, especially if you're staying in Reykjavik. Long-distance trips or remote areas can be trickier, but with some planning, it's still possible.

Is it easy to get around Iceland by bus?

In Reykjavik, yes! The city has a bus network that covers most areas. However, for more remote locations or sightseeing outside of the city, bus services can be limited, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

Can I rely on public transportation for sightseeing in Iceland?

It depends on where you're headed. For city sightseeing, public transport works well. But for rural areas or specific attractions, buses may not be frequent enough, so renting a car could be more convenient.