What You Need To Know About Transportation In Iceland

Transportation in Iceland starts the moment you touch down at Keflavik International Airport, offering you choices that set the tone for your adventure. So, I’ve included all you need to know about transportation in Iceland so you can simply enjoy the journey without the hassle. Whether you’re eyeing a car rental for the ultimate freedom or considering the budget-friendly FLY bus with tour guides, getting from the airport to Reykjavik marks the beginning of your Icelandic adventure.

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Transportation from Airport to City

**1. Renting a Car: Arriving at the airport, there are many different car rental options to choose from. It is best to rent your car beforehand to ensure you get the right type of vehicle needed for your adventures. If you decide to rent a car keep in mind the quirks of Icelandic driving—speed traps and unique road signs. The speed traps are cameras located throughout the Ring Road and they can cost a pretty penny if you are caught, so it’s best to follow the speed limits. There are a few road signs that you should know before renting your car – I found a few different YouTube videos explaining all the road signs you should know before venturing out – Click Here.

The car rental I used during my trip: (Click Here>) Iceland Car Rental

(I opted to rent a car for only half of my trip and utilized tour buses for the remainder, ensuring I experienced the benefits of both complete freedom and relaxed exploring.)

One of the biggest tips I would give when renting your car in Iceland is to take pictures of the car once you get it (don’t leave the parking lot before doing so, should there already be any scratches or dents it helps to prove you were not the one doing the damage when returning.)

Another tip: Iceland is always super windy – no matter what time of year, so hold on to the door when opening because it can fly open which is how many people end up paying for dent damages.

**2. FLYbus: On the flip side, the FLY bus offers an enticing alternative for budget-conscious travelers. Affordable tickets and a hassle-free ride from the airport to Reykjavik make this an appealing option. Relax in comfort as the bus takes you to the heart of the city, providing a chance to glimpse Iceland’s stunning landscapes during the journey without the hassle of navigating it yourself. Tickets can be purchased before your arrival but also can be purchased the day of – however if the bus is full then you aren’t guaranteed a spot and will have to wait for the next one.

(Once you arrive in Reykjavik there are smaller van transports that will take you closer to your hotel/Airbnb reservations, so you don’t have to walk from the bus station.)

Tour Guides Around Iceland

Exploring Iceland by tour guides can offer a relaxed approach during your trip. With pick-up and drop-off services directly from your hotel or Airbnb, you eliminate the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or public transportation. Tour guides are also knowledgeable about Iceland’s history, culture, and natural wonders – this allows you to learn more about the country than you would have on your own. Joining a tour provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers from around the world. Tours offered by TripAdvisor and Viator offer numerous advantages including convenience, expert guidance, safety, access to hidden gems, time efficiency, photography opportunities, and social interactions.

(I’ve included two of my favorite tours I enjoyed during my Iceland trip + they were the most affordable options. So, you can spend more on souvenirs, restaurants, tours, spas, etc.)

A Must-Download App for Driving Across Iceland

So… you opted for renting your own car as your transportation in Iceland; the adventure continues with Iceland’s road systems, signs, and the indispensable Safetravel.is. As you prepare for further exploration, remember to download the very reliable app Safetravel.is for real-time safety updates – including information on weather, road conditions, volcano activity, etc. It is imperative for your travels as the weather drastically changes throughout the day across the country and it is best to be prepared.

(This app was such a life saver during my trip! I checked the app every morning to determine my schedule for the day, which resulted in me changing my entire itinerary one of the days for safety reasons.)

Filling Up Your Tank

Now that you’ve selected your car and downloaded the app, it’s time to fill up your tank. Navigating Iceland’s gas stations requires more than just a wallet; it requires a four-digit pin for card transactions when filling up. Debit cards take the spotlight here, so make sure you set your card on travel mode or getting gas could become very difficult.

(Hey lovely readers! This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, the products or services I recommend are ones I genuinely love and believe in. Your support helps me keep this blog up and running, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!)

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