Getting Around Reykjavik: Walking, Buses, Rental Cars and Hopp Scooters

Downtown Reykjavik can be walked across in about 20 minutes, so most visitors cover the center on foot. Strætó buses handle the rest of the city and run to the South, West and North of Iceland. Cash isn’t accepted on Reykjavik public transport, so sort out a ticket or card before you board.

At a glance

• Simplest way downtown: walking, about 20 minutes across the whole center
• Bus: Strætó, most routes every 15 minutes at peak hours and every 30 minutes outside peak hours; no cash accepted
• Airport: the Flybus serves all arriving and departing flights at KEF Airport
• Car: a valid U.S. driver’s license works, original physical copy only
• Scooter: Hopp electric scooters, used via an app

Do you need a car in Reykjavik?

You won’t need a car downtown. Walking is usually much faster, and the Old Harbour to Rainbow Street takes about 15 minutes on foot. For a stay based in the city, the buses and your own legs cover nearly everything.

• Town base: on foot · the whole downtown is about 20 minutes across
• Short hops: Hopp electric scooters · parked on almost every corner, used via an app
• Longer city trips: Strætó bus · most routes every 15 minutes at peak hours, every 30 minutes outside peak
• A week or more in town: a period card · Strætó sells day, three-day, monthly and annual cards

How does the bus work in Reykjavik?

Strætó runs public bus service in Reykjavik and to the South, West and North of Iceland. Most routes come every 15 minutes at peak hours and every 30 minutes outside peak hours. For the airport, the Flybus takes you to and from KEF Airport and serves all arriving and departing flights.

Cash payment isn’t accepted on Reykjavik public transport, and bus drivers don’t exchange money. A transfer ticket is valid for 75 minutes after issue. Strætó also sells period tickets: day, three-day, monthly and annual cards. The Green Card is valid for a month and the Red Card for three months. Monthly card holders scan their card an average of 55 to 60 times per month.

• Flybus: KEF Airport and back · serves all arriving and departing flights
• Regional routes: South, West and North of Iceland · operated by Strætó

On Culture Night, normal service stops at 9:30 p.m. and the route system runs again in modified form at 11:20 p.m.

Renting a car in Reykjavik: what to know

A valid U.S. driver’s license can be used to rent a car in Iceland. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov) says you must present the original, physical copy of your license, and digital licenses are not accepted. Most South Coast waterfalls can be reached on the paved Ring Road in a standard sedan. A 4×4 vehicle is required for F-roads and river crossings in more remote areas.

If you park in the city center, Reykjavik Parking Service operates seven parking garages. They’re open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, except Bergstaðir, which is open 24 hours a day. At City Hall Parking Garage, short-term parking costs 280 kr. for the first hour and 150 kr. per hour after that. A monthly subscription there costs 20,700 kr. Street parking can be paid with coins, a card or a mobile device at a meter, with a mobile payment app, or online.

How much is a taxi in Reykjavik?

Taxi fares aren’t listed here, so ask the driver for the fare before you ride. Inside the center a taxi is rarely needed: the whole downtown is about 20 minutes on foot, and Hopp electric scooters are parked on almost every corner.

Can you get around Reykjavik by boat?

Ferry booking is offered for two links: Dalvík to Grímsey and Árskógssandur to Hrísey. Book those ahead if they’re on your route.

What are the driving rules in Iceland?

Icelandic law requires drivers to always keep headlights on. Talking on cell phones while driving is prohibited, except when using a hands-free system. You could face a fine of 5,000 ISK (approximately $45). Drivers can be charged with driving under the influence at a blood alcohol level as low as .05%.

On F-roads and in the highlands, check road conditions and use a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Always inform someone of your travel plans. Bring a cell phone and sufficient supplies of fuel, water and food.