How to Get Around Iceland

But before you strap in for an unforgettable journey, let’s talk about practicalities. What’s the best way to get around Iceland? Can you travel without a car? Can public transport take you easily from A to B?

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about how to get around Iceland.

Read on for the answers to common questions from travelers visiting Iceland. You’ll learn the best ways to see the top sites and find out just how easy it is to get around in the Land of Fire and Ice

Think of Iceland, and wild and rugged landscapes might come to mind. There are plenty of remote places to enjoy, it’s true. But Iceland’s also a country with modern infrastructure so there are many options for exploring.

Buses and coaches, for instance, make visiting the top sights a breeze. Or, if you want more freedom, car rental and self-drive tours give you the chance to create your own unique Iceland road trip.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the winter months – October to March – bring more unpredictable weather. But by planning ahead, you’ll find that it’s not hard to get around Iceland at all.

Plus, book with Iceland Tours, and if the weather affects your trip we’ll take care of re-organising your itinerary. This leaves you to have a carefree trip. 

The beauty of traveling in Iceland is that you don’t need a car. Although Iceland doesn’t have trains (fun fact), there are other ways for you to get to where you want to be. 

The public bus service is a good option, linking all the towns and villages along the Ring Road. But it’s designed for locals, meaning it might not always take you directly to the sights.

For that, coach rides or private day tours are the better choice if you’d prefer not to drive. These will pick you up from your hotel, or a handy meeting point, and take you to see some of Iceland’s stunning destinations. All you need to do is sit back and relax.

Or, for longer journeys, you could take a domestic flight. For instance, if you’re heading north to Akureyri, this will cut your journey time significantly. It’s a great way to explore far beyond the capital if you don’t have the time to travel by land.

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. 

Alternatively, if you want to travel along the coast or island-hop Icelandic style, hitch a ride on a ferry service. A visit to the Westman Islands should be on your bucket list. You’ll get phenomenal coastal views and maybe even enjoy whale watching from the deck.

Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city, is a convenient city to get around. With plenty of transport options available, you can decide how you’d like to travel. 

Firstly, Reykjavík is a walkable city. It’s compact, and largely flat, so you’ll find most of the main attractions are within a short distance of each other. It’s a safe place to visit too. In fact, Iceland is famously recognized as the safest country in the world.

You could also take to 2 wheels and zip around the city on an app-operated electric scooter. There are a couple of companies offering this service, with rental stations dotted throughout Reykjavík. Simply download the app and follow the instructions. Or why not hire a bike instead?

If you’re heading further afield, you’ll find there are other reliable options, including buses, coaches, and taxis. Head for the bus terminal on Vatnsmýrarvegur – it’s an excellent place to start.

So far there are no Ubers in Iceland. The taxi-hailing app has not reached us yet! Luckily, you will find conventional taxis in Reykjavík that can take you wherever you need to go 

It’s worth bearing in mind that taxis outside of the city are expensive, including to and from the airport. In this case, a shuttle bus service is often a more affordable option to connect with your flight. 

Meanwhile, if you want to visit countryside attractions or towns and cities beyond the capital then guided day tours or multi-day trips tend to be much better value for money.

You’ve come to the right place if you want to discover how to travel around in Iceland. Here are some of the most popular ways that you could explore the Ring Road and beyond. 

Self-drive tours of Iceland put you behind the wheel. By renting a car, you can go from sight to sight at your own pace.

Fancy exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the Golden Circle with fewer people around? Go for it. Prefer a longer dip in a hot spring, or want to while away the evening at the Blue Lagoon? You call the shots on an independent road trip.

There are just a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, at just 90 km/h (56 m/h) on rural roads, Iceland’s speed limit is lower than most other countries and fines for speeding are often high. 

Secondly, if you want to travel in winter, remember that low temperatures can mean icy roads. But don’t worry, if you decide you’d rather not drive at this time of year there are other ways to explore Iceland.

Join like-minded adventurers, and let someone else do the driving, on a group tour of Iceland. From the Icelandic highlands to the Westfjords, we can take you wherever you want to go. And with an expert guide to lead the way, you’ll experience the wonders of Iceland to the fullest.

Plus, on a small group tour of the Ring Road with Iceland Tours, airport transfers, accommodation, and in-country travel will all be sorted for you. All you need to do is enjoy the view. 

Maybe you want a more tailored experience – and that’s cool. On a privately guided tour, you’ll enjoy the freedom of a self-drive trip while benefiting from the local knowledge of your own expert driver-guide. Not only that, but you can personalize your itinerary, so you can get exactly what you want from your trip.

For instance, you could tour the Ring Road on a trip that focuses on what inspires you most. If you want to marvel at the Northern Lights in a spectacular location, let’s make that happen. Or if your priority is seeing Iceland’s wildlife, we can arrange that for you too.

We’ll also do our best to pair you with a guide that has similar interests to you, whether that’s photography, geology, or Icelandic culture. 

Alternatively, make Reykjavík your base and spend your time exploring the sights of South Iceland, along with the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes peninsulas. Multi-day tours are a convenient option if you want to soak up scenic highlights by day, and enjoy the perks of city-living by nights.

For example, from your Reykjavík hotel, head out to the magical Golden Circle one day, before exploring the south coast the next. Then, in the evening, you could hunt for the Northern Lights, or try some of the city’s many bars and restaurants.  

Travel around Iceland in the style that suits you. Do you prefer the freedom of self-drive trips or the social vibes of a guided group tour? Would you rather base yourself in Reykjavík on a multi-day package or have the ultimate tailored travel experience with a privately guided tour?

At Iceland Tours, we can arrange it all. Book your Ring Road tour today with just a 5% deposit. We’ll handle the accommodation, transport, and any excursions. What’s more, you can customize your trip with optional extras and additional nights, making it unique to you.