Getting Around Iceland
Everything you need — city buses, long-distance coaches, ferry schedules and airport transfers. Navigate Iceland with confidence.
Strætó — Reykjavík City Bus
Strætó bs operates all public buses in Reykjavík and surrounding municipalities (Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær).
Tip: Download the Strætó app before arriving — it's the only way to pay with card on the bus. Cash is not accepted. You can also buy day passes (1,500–2,500 ISK) and weekly passes through the app.
| No. | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hlemmur – Breiðholt |
| 2 | Mjódd – Kringlan – Hlemmur |
| 3 | Garðabær – Hlemmur |
| 6 | Hlemmur – Háaleiti |
| 11 | Mjódd – Kópavogur |
| 12 | Hlemmur – Hafnarfjörður |
| 15 | BSÍ – Laugardalur – Airport |
| 55 | Reykjavík – Hafnarfjörður Express |
Long-Distance Coaches
Several operators run scheduled coach services between Reykjavík and major towns, and to highland destinations in summer. BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík is the main hub.
Reykjavík – Akureyri (55 / Sterna)
Strætó / Sterna · ~6–7 hours · 1–2 daily
💡Book online in advance in summer — seats fill fast.
Reykjavík – Vík – Höfn (Sterna)
Sterna · ~6–8 hours · 1 daily (summer)
💡The iconic south coast scenic route — hop-on/hop-off options available.
Highland Bus — Landmannalaugar (FÍ)
Ferðafélag Íslands · ~3–4 hours from BSÍ · Daily Jun–Sep
💡Essential if you don't have a 4WD for the F-road approach.
Highland Bus — Þórsmörk
Reykjavík Excursions · ~3.5 hours from BSÍ · Daily Jun–Sep
💡Includes river crossings that are impassable for regular vehicles.
Baldur Ferry (Sæfari)
Westfjords ferry — the classic way to reach the remote Westfjords from West Iceland
Route
🗺️ Stykkishólmur → Flatey → Brjánslækur
Duration
⏱️ ~2.5–3 hours
Season
🗓️ Year-round (limited winter)
Frequency
📅 2 sailings daily in summer
Foot passenger
💰 From 3,500 ISK/person (foot passenger)
Car + driver
🚗 ~10,000–13,000 ISK/car
🕐 Summer Timetable (approximate)
⚠️ Always check current schedule at saefari.is
💡 The Baldur ferry through Breiðafjörður is a scenic highlight in itself. Book ahead in summer.
Book ferry at saefari.is →Herjólfur Ferry
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) ferry — gateway to Iceland's most dramatic island destination
🚢 Landeyjahöfn → Vestmannaeyjar
Main route — fastest crossing. Port can close in rough weather.
🚢 Þorlákshöfn → Vestmannaeyjar
Backup route when Landeyjahöfn closes due to shallow waters in storms.
Foot passenger
💰 From 2,600 ISK/person (foot passenger)
Car + driver
🚗 ~7,500 ISK/car
💡 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) is one of Iceland's most rewarding side trips — puffins, Eldfell volcano and rich history.
Book ferry at herjolfur.is →Keflavík Airport ↔ Reykjavík
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is 50 km from central Reykjavík. No rail link — these are your options.
Flybus (RE)
The most popular option. Reykjavík Excursions run direct buses from Keflavík to BSÍ terminal and major hotels. Every flight covered.
💰 ~3,999 ISK (BSÍ) / 5,299 ISK (hotel drop-off)
⏱️ 45–60 min to BSÍ
re.is/flybus →Airport Direct (Gray Line)
Similar service — runs to BSÍ and hotel-to-hotel. Good alternative if Flybus is sold out.
💰 ~4,000–5,500 ISK
⏱️ 45–60 min
grayline.is →Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis available outside arrivals. Expensive — expect 15,000–23,000 ISK for the 50 km journey to central Reykjavík.
💰 ~15,000–23,000 ISK
⏱️ ~45 min
Car Rental
All major car rental agencies have desks at Keflavík Airport. Book well in advance in summer. 4WD recommended for highland routes.
💰 From ~9,000 ISK/day
⏱️ Instant at airport
economybookings.tpx.lv/zjKTXfCS →🚕 Taxis in Reykjavík
There is no Uber in Iceland. Taxis are licensed and metered — hail on the street, find them outside major hotels, or book by phone. Expect to pay ~2,000–4,000 ISK for most journeys within the capital area.
Related Travel Guides
🚐 Getting Around Iceland
Airport Transfers & Sightseeing Rides
Pre-book a private transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík, or explore Iceland by private sightseeing ride. Fixed prices, professional local drivers, instant confirmation.