Getting Around in Iceland

Road Network and Traffic

Iceland has over 12,000 km of roads and tracks, with a relatively dense network around the capital and a much more unpredictable one elsewhere. Overall, about a third is paved, and you can drive without difficulty around Reykjavik as well as on the ring road (N1) that circles the island. For the rest, most tracks generally require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially since many are closed for long months due to the climate (something to keep in mind if travelling outside summer). In short, road travel in Iceland requires some precautions, caution, and adaptation depending on the season and the roads taken.

Regarding the road code, speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on tracks, and 90 km/h on paved roads. It is mandatory to drive with dipped headlights 24/7 and prohibited to drive off marked roads and tracks. It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above 0.4 g/l.

Road Closures

Most mountain roads in the centre of the island are closed until June, or even later, due to mud or snowmelt making them impassable. They then open during the summer months until the next harsh weather forces their closure again (around September/October) until the following year. In almost all cases, these roads are only accessible with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The Icelandic government has set up an English-language information site about these tracks and their approximate opening dates.

Car and Camper Van

Rental

There are many local (often the most economical) and international car rental agencies in Iceland. As usual, having your own vehicle offers great freedom, but given the prices, it’s best to be sure of its usefulness and, above all, its cost-effectiveness.

Expect around 60-80 €/day for a standard model, at best 100 € for a small four-wheel-drive, which is only justified for leaving the main routes and venturing into the heart of the island, or between 100 and 200 €/day for a camper van depending on its capacity (the price of freedom...). In short, financially speaking, it’s better to be at least three people to spread the costs compared, for example, to the bus. Similarly, if the planned stay revolves around hiking with few vehicle trips and many days of walking, renting may not be the best option. In summary, it’s better to plan your trip beforehand and compare offers before opting for a car rental.

Personal Vehicle

Since Iceland is accessible by ferry from Denmark, some come with their own vehicle, usually a 4x4. This idea requires a small budget and some formalities, starting with an "Customs Declaration" (Icelandic) a few weeks before departure to prove that your vehicle is in order.

Note that since 2026, the country applies a kilometre tax to all vehicles driving in the country. For those passing through, it is either a flat rate if staying less than a month or calculated based on actual kilometres driven beyond that.

Carpooling

In Iceland, as in many European countries, there are carpooling or "organised hitchhiking" services. It’s not something you might think of when on holiday, but the service is also aimed at tourists with dedicated apps.

Bus

Iceland has a substantial bus network that serves all regions of the country, including the desert centre with 4x4 vehicles. It’s the best and most "economical" way to get around when travelling alone or, at most, in pairs. While many lines serve a "public service" purpose, others—and increasingly so—are primarily tourist-oriented, allowing access to places that are otherwise difficult to reach, such as in the centre of the island. In this case, beyond the transport itself, various additional services may be included.

There are quite a few companies (see networks, schedules, and fares) that each have their preferred zones or routes. However, it’s important to know that bus frequency in Iceland can be quite limited, often with only one connection per day for many services, that connections are not always possible on the same day, and that routes serving the interior are only seasonal (June-August for most).

Fares and Passes

As with many things in the country, the main issue with Icelandic buses is their price. They are very expensive, almost as much as a flight on some long routes, at around 20 to 25 € per 100 km! Hence the advantage, if you plan to use them several times, of opting for the various passes offered, which ultimately make the fares a bit more affordable. Generally, these passes are valid for 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the option. The best-known is the "Full circle", which allows you to travel the ring road (N1) that circles the entire island for just over 250 €.

Bicycle

An option chosen by some, either with their own equipment or rented on-site. However, exploring Iceland by bike is primarily for experienced cycle tourists who are well-equipped and motivated. The climatic variations and other harsh weather conditions, combined with stages that can be in a nearly desert-like environment, can be discouraging. That said, it’s also possible to put your bike on the bus if you wish.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a possible way to explore the country. While the practice is safe, it does have a few minor drawbacks. For instance, it’s best to know that while there is traffic on tourist or main routes, this isn’t the case everywhere on secondary roads. It’s also better to travel light, avoid hitchhiking just anywhere in nature if you’re not at least minimally equipped, and keep in mind that Iceland’s highly changeable weather might make you prefer another mode of transport.

For information, in Iceland, as in many European countries, there are carpooling or "organised hitchhiking" services. Offer/demand sites are available and can be useful if you’re looking to share rides mainly on the main routes or to/from Reykjavik.

Trains and Domestic Ferries

There are no trains in Iceland. However, there is a more or less concrete project to create a line between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik.

Iceland does have a few small domestic ferry lines that connect peninsulas without requiring detours or serve the Vestmann and Grimsey islands located off the coast.

Domestic Flights

Since Iceland isn’t that small and road transport can sometimes be a bit long, especially in winter, the country has developed a small internal air network of about fifteen routes. However, as usual, this network is centred around the capital, meaning that travel between provincial towns will almost always require a stopover in Reykjavik. On this topic, it’s important to know that almost all domestic flights depart not from Keflavik International Airport (45 km from the capital) but from Reykjavik City Airport, located 2 km from the centre.

In terms of prices, it’s worth noting that on the main flights from the capital, the plane is either cheaper or almost the same price as the bus. For example, for Reykjavik-Akureyri, the main domestic route, you can find fares around 80/100 € at the lowest price, with the added bonus of a magnificent view from the sky.

Local Airlines

• Icelandair: Beyond its international network, the country’s leading airline offers some domestic flights.

• Eagle Air Iceland: Serves 5 domestic airports and offers charter flights.

• Myflug: Local and regional charter flights on small aircraft.

• Norlandair: A small airline with regional charter flights and 3 regular Icelandic routes (plus one in Greenland) departing from Akureyri.

In Town

Getting around in Icelandic towns mainly concerns Reykjavik and its surroundings, as it’s the only real large urban area in the country. Other towns, including Akureyri in the north, are small and can be explored almost exclusively on foot.

For the capital, which can also be discovered on foot, you can opt for the (yellow) urban buses, whose tickets are now only available online via an app, electric scooters and bikes in self-service, which have become the favourite means of transport for locals and tourists in summer, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services, which remain extremely expensive compared to everything else.

What to Choose for Your Travels?

In most cases, visitors travel either by rental car or bus, favouring the latter’s pass options. As for determining what’s best, it all depends on what you plan to do, the duration of your trip, and how many people you are.

For groups of three or more, renting is generally cost-effective, with the added benefit of freedom, though keep in mind that renting a 4x4 will also come at a significant cost. For two people, the bus or a 2x2 car may more or less cost the same. You’ll then need to consider what you plan to do during your stay (many kilometres? on the main routes? lots of hiking? etc.) and make a choice by comparing and taking into account that local buses also allow excursions off the beaten track that aren’t always easy to do individually. For those travelling alone, the bus will be the best option, or even hitchhiking or carpooling for the most motivated, which can save quite a bit of money.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities in the country: