Getting Around in Reykjavik

Getting around Reykjavik is easy, mostly because you won't need to go far. The city center, where you'll find most of the sights, shops, restaurants, bars and hotels (and the city government), is compact. You can walk from Hallgrímskirkja or the BSÍ bus terminal to the middle of downtown or to Tjörnin pond in under 20 minutes.

It's when you head further out, to the domestic airport, the geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík, Perlan, the Kringlan shopping center or the city campground, that you need a plan. You have four real options: a long walk, the city bus, a taxi or a car.

Walking

For most visitors, walking is the main way to get around, and I still think it's the best. Kringlan and the domestic airport are both within about 40 minutes on foot from the center, and the airport operator says the walk from Reykjavik Airport to downtown takes about half an hour. Bring a proper jacket, because the wind off the harbor can be brutal even in summer (see what to wear in Reykjavik).

The map of Reykjavik will help you judge distances.

The city bus (Strætó)

Reykjavik's buses are run by Strætó, and they cover the whole capital area, including Kópavogur, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður and Mosfellsbær. The yellow buses are clean and reliable. The system has changed a lot since I first wrote this, especially the way you pay.

Fares

As of 2026, a single adult fare is 690 ISK. That price took effect on 6 January 2026. Youths aged 12 to 17 and seniors 67 and over pay 345 ISK, and children 11 and under ride free.

If you'll ride a lot, Strætó has fare capping: on an adult ticket you never pay for more than three rides a day or nine a week. That makes the old day passes unnecessary. For a longer stay there's a 30-day pass for 12,000 ISK.

How to pay

The days of hunting for exact change are over. According to Strætó's pricing page, you can pay:

• Contactless, with a bank card or phone when you board. This is the easiest option for visitors.
• With the Klapp app, Strætó's ticketing system, which you top up online.
• With a refillable Klapp card or key chain (1,000 ISK for the card itself).
• With Klapp ten, a disposable card good for ten rides, which costs 6,900 ISK for adults.

The Klapp app also shows buses moving in real time, which helps on a cold evening.

Routes and hours

There are about 30 daytime routes. Route 1, for example, runs from about 6:30 in the morning until close to midnight on weekdays (check the route 1 timetable). Use the route planner for exact times, and see all timetables.

On Friday and Saturday nights, which is when the runtur gets going, night buses leave the center at about 1:20, 2:30 and 3:40 for Hafnarfjörður, Breiðholt, Úlfarsárdalur, Norðlingaholt and Mosfellsbær. They only run outward from downtown, not back in, and a ride costs 690 ISK with no discounts.

The Reykjavik City Card

If you plan to visit several museums and city pools, look at the Reykjavik City Card. According to Visit Reykjavík, it includes unlimited Strætó rides in the capital area (but not route 55 to Keflavík). As of 2026 it costs 6,100 ISK for 24 hours, 8,500 ISK for 48 hours and 10,500 ISK for 72 hours. You write the start date and time on the back before you first use it.

Taxis

You can book a taxi by app or phone, or ask your hotel to call one. They aren't cheap. Hreyfill, one of the big companies (running since 1943), charges a starting fee from 880 ISK plus distance and time charges, and its lowest rates apply only from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. For a short hop around town the bus is almost always cheaper. For the trip to Keflavík, Hreyfill offers a fixed price of 22,500 ISK for one to four people, which is fair if you split it.

Driving and parking

Driving in Reykjavik is easy by big-city standards, but free parking downtown is hard to find. Unless your hotel has free parking and you know you'll need the car every day, you're better off without one while you're in the city. Pick it up when you're ready to leave town. You can rent a car in town or at Keflavík Airport, and many companies let you return it at a different office for a fee. The car rental page and driving in Iceland have the details.

Getting out of the city

Strætó also runs the long-distance buses. From Reykjavik you can take route 55 to Keflavík Airport, route 57 north to Akureyri, and routes 51 and 52 along the south coast. Start with these guides:

• Getting from Reykjavik to Keflavík
• Getting to the Blue Lagoon
• Getting to Akureyri
• Getting to the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Bus travel in Iceland and day tours from Reykjavik

FAQ

Can I pay for the Reykjavik bus with a credit card?

Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone when you board and you'll be charged the 690 ISK adult fare. You don't need the app or cash.

Is there a bus from downtown to the domestic airport?

Yes, Strætó routes serve Reykjavik Airport. The route planner will show which one is closest to you. It's also only about a 30-minute walk from downtown.

Do I need a car in Reykjavik?

No. The center is small enough to walk, the buses cover everything else, and parking is a hassle. Rent a car on the day you leave the city.