Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Iceland.

Iceland has only one operational train line: the heritage railway between Reykjavik and Akureyri, run by Snæfellsjökull Railway, primarily for tourists. There is no nationwide rail network for practical transport.
Heritage Routes — The Reykjavik-Akureyri scenic train runs seasonally and is an experience rather than efficient transport. Book through the operator's website in advance during summer months.
Alternative: Buses — For long-distance travel, use bus networks instead. Operators like FlixBus, SBA, and Reykjavik Excursions connect towns across Iceland reliably.

Reykjavik Main Operator — Strætó is the primary bus company for Reykjavik and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent in the city center, with routes extending to suburbs and nearby towns.
Payment Methods — Buy single tickets (around 500 ISK) on board with card or cash, or use the Strætó app for mobile tickets. A day pass or travel card offers better value for multiple journeys.
Buses run less frequently in evenings and on Sundays. Plan ahead and check timetables via the Strætó website or app; missing a connection can mean a long wait.
Outside Reykjavik — Regional bus services are sparse. Towns like Akureyri have local buses, but service is limited compared to the capital.

Taxis in Iceland are very expensive, with rates around 700-1500 ISK per kilometer. Always agree on or confirm the meter price before entering.
Main Taxi Companies — Operators like Hreyfill, Drekinn, and BSR are established and reliable. Call ahead or use their apps to book; taxis rarely stop for street hails.
Ride-Sharing Apps — Uber and similar apps have limited coverage in Iceland, mainly in Reykjavik. Availability is inconsistent outside the capital.
Airport transfers via taxi are extremely costly (5,000-8,000 ISK from Keflavík). Use shuttle buses, shared minibus services, or pre-arrange car rental instead.

License & Age — You must be at least 20 years old (some companies require 21+) with a valid passport and international driving permit recommended. Your home country license is accepted for short stays.
Road Conditions — Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is paved, but secondary roads are often unpaved gravel. Winter driving (October–April) requires special tires and chains; conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Rental Companies — Major operators include Hertz, Avis, and local companies like Budget Iceland and Geysir. Prices vary wildly; book ahead for better rates and ensure comprehensive insurance is included.
Speed cameras are common on populated roads; limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside. Fines for speeding are high (10,000+ ISK) and enforceable.
Headlights & Safety — Headlights must be on at all times, even during daylight. Seat belts are mandatory, and driving under the influence carries severe penalties.
Fuel is expensive (around 200 ISK per liter). Fill up in towns rather than remote areas, and carry a spare fuel container on long drives through empty regions.

Keflavík International — Iceland's main international airport is 50 km from Reykjavik. Buses like Flybus and Gray Line run regular shuttles; allow 45–60 minutes for travel time.
Domestic Flights — Air Iceland Connect and Eagle Air serve remote regions like the Westfjords and Akureyri. Book early in high season; prices are high but necessary for reaching isolated areas.
Airport taxes and security queues can be slow during peak hours. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
Ground Transport Options — Consider car rental at the airport, shared minibus transfers, or scheduled buses depending on your itinerary and budget.

Westfjords Access — Smyril Line operates a ferry from Stykkishólmur to Flatey and Brjánslækur, serving the Westfjords. Useful for avoiding long road drives but runs on limited schedules.
Remote Islands — Ferries to islands like Grímsey and the Eastfjords are operated by local companies. Book in advance through operators like Eimskip or local tourism offices.
Ferry schedules are weather-dependent and frequently canceled or delayed in winter. Always confirm sailing status before traveling.
Vehicle Transport — If driving, you can transport rental cars on some ferries, but this is expensive. Check with the ferry operator and your rental company in advance.

Bus Passes — Reykjavik offers 24-hour and 72-hour travel cards for unlimited Strætó bus use. Purchase at the main bus station, tourist offices, or convenience stores.
Long-Distance Buses — Services like Reykjavik Excursions, SBA, and FlixBus offer multi-day passes or circular passes (e.g., Ring Road Pass) for tourists. Book online in advance for discounts.
Single bus tickets are expensive (500+ ISK). Passes offer value only if you take multiple journeys; calculate your trips before purchasing.
Booking Platforms — Use apps and websites like 12go.asia, Busbud, or operator websites directly to compare prices and book multi-leg journeys across Iceland.

Local SIM Cards — Iceland's three main operators are Vodafone, Nova, and Siminn. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport, supermarkets, or phone shops for around 500–2000 ISK with data included.
Data Plans — Prepaid plans offer 5–20 GB for 3000–5000 ISK. Unlimited plans exist but are pricey; most travelers get by with a basic prepaid SIM.
Coverage is excellent in populated areas but sparse in remote regions and on Ring Road stretches. Do not rely on GPS and mapping apps alone for navigation in wilderness areas.
International Roaming — EU/EEA roaming applies, but rates outside these areas are expensive. A local SIM is almost always cheaper than roaming.
WiFi Availability — Reykjavik has extensive free WiFi in cafes, hotels, and public spaces. Rural areas have limited free WiFi; budget accommodations and hostels typically offer it.