Transportation in Iceland
When exploring any new destination, planning transportation between attractions, activities, and accommodations should be a top priority. With proper planning, traveling to and around Iceland is very easy, but without preparation you may find yourself struggling to get around. Here are 5 ways to travel to and around Iceland that will help you plan your trip:
1. Fly direct to Iceland
Icelandair has direct flights from a number of US cities including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver, and Orlando. Several other airlines also offer direct flights at reasonable prices. Consider flying from one of these cities to avoid the stress of changing flights and minimize the effects of jet lag.
2. Rent a car or campervan in Iceland
One of the best ways to see all that Iceland has to offer is to rent a car or campervan. On our Ring Road trip, we rented a Subaru Forester from KuKu Campers. Our car included a full-sized fold out mattress, camping supplies, Wi-Fi, and storage space. If you aren’t a camper, it is still a great idea to rent a car! Two wheel drive cars are great on the Ring Road in the summer, but if you would like to venture into the Highlands or West Fjords, you will want to rent a four wheel drive car or SUV. Renting a car or campervan allows you to be in charge of your trip and move at your own pace.
3. Take the bus around Iceland, especially in Reykjavík
There are plenty of tour companies in Iceland. We used the Flybus through Reykjavík Excursions to travel to and from the airport and Reykjavík after returning our car. The company also offers a number of tours and excursions that leave from downtown Reykjavík. Transportation apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in Iceland. If you plan to use public transportation throughout your trip, I recommend downloading and familiarizing yourself with the Strætó bs. app before you take off.
4. Use taxis sparingly in Iceland
Taxis in Iceland are very expensive and are only available in major cities. If you do find yourself in need of a taxi, Hreyfill and BSR are known as some of the most reputable services. I warn you though - ONLY use taxis as a last resort. Proper planning using bus lines will save you a great deal of cash.
5. Take advantage of free transfers to and from the Keflavík Airport
Many tour companies, hotels/guesthouses, and rental car companies will offer free airport transfers - look for these when booking! You will be flying in and out of Keflavík which is about a 45 minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavík, so planning these transfers in advance will save you lots of time and money.
Just remember, to make your trip as successful as possible, it is a good idea to plan ALL of your transportation in advance. That way you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy!