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How to Get Around Iceland without a Car

The 5 Best Ways to See Iceland Without Driving Yourself

|May 25, 2020
Jessie is your basic nature lover with a particular interest in all things water. From the high peaks of the Himalaya's to the lush depths of the Amazon, she's hiked some of the the world's greatest trails.

Unsure how to get around Iceland without a car? Iceland is often thought of as a place to explore by car, but that’s not the only way to get around.


From epic Iceland cruises to small-group bus tours, there are many great ways to travel the country without taking the wheel. Here are the 5 best ways to get around Iceland without a car:

Travel by Bus

flybus bus service in iceland

Bus Travel Between the Airport and Reykjavik

If you’re traveling to Iceland by plane, it’s almost certain you’ll fly into Keflavik Airport. To get to Reykjavik without a car, we suggest using the airport transport bus service.

The shuttle bus is fairly priced and travels to and from Keflavik Airport frequently. The journey takes between 45 to 60 minutes. It’s also possible to take a taxi from the airport, but the starting price is roughly $110.00 USD.

Public Buses in Reykjavik

straeto public transport bus in reykjavik

If you’re wondering how to get around Reykjavik, public transportation is the best option. Bus transportation in Iceland’s capital city is easy, cheap, and gets you to the best spots in the city. The price for a regular bus ticket is 480 kr (3.30 USD) during the day and 960 kr (6.55 USD) at night. For bus routes, times, and fares, check out Reykjavik’s public transport company, Straeto.

Bus Around Iceland

Iceland has a good network of bus routes that allow you to see the country without a car. The key to using public transportation in Iceland outside of Reykjavik is to plan ahead. Check out the map of Iceland’s public transportation routes to get a sense of where you can go via bus. 

Hop on a Boat

big cruise ship in akureyri city harbor

Another great way to travel around Iceland without a car is by boat. There are plenty of great boat trips in Iceland to choose from. Set sail on a boat from Reykjavik to visit places in Iceland only reachable by water. Explore Iceland’s most remote and isolated spots such as Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands).

Fly in Plane

small passenger airplane in iceland

Similar to the bus network, Iceland has decent domestic flight options. Many locals use air travel to get around Iceland, especially in winter when road travel to certain destinations is impossible. The two domestic airlines in Iceland are Eagle Air and Icelandair. Another great air transport option is to fly over Iceland in a helicopter with an expert pilot. 

Hike Around Iceland

hikers looking from a mountain top in iceland

As one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Iceland is a paradise for hikers from around the world. If you want to get up close to the country’s best nature, foot travel is an excellent way to go. The easiest way to go hiking around Iceland without a car is to join a guided hiking tour with comfortable bus transport from Reykjavik. 

Join a Tour

guide on a glacier with a group in iceland

Want to sit back, relax, and see the best sights that Iceland has to offer? Then why not let someone else take the wheel by joining an Iceland adventure tour! A local adventure leader can pick you up straight from the airport and guide you to the best spots in the country.

Travel the Ring Road, visit most remote locations, or hit the most popular Iceland attractions – the choice is yours! All you need to bring is yourself and your luggage.

Want to know what fun activities you can do in Iceland? Find our wide selection of adventure tours with easy bus transport and local guides included!

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