The allure of Iceland is easy for any wayward traveler to see. Vast landscapes carved and molded by geothermal volcanic activity call people like a siren to explore Iceland’s bounty. However, before you land on this Nordic island tucked away next to the Arctic Circle, you need to figure out how to get around in Iceland.
As you plan your travel through Iceland, you need to ask yourself some questions about what you hope to experience in this beautiful country. While the best way to explore Iceland will be based on each person’s individual preferences, there are some factors that you need to consider.
Traveling in Iceland can be an unforgettable experience, and taking it all in will require some time on the road. To ensure you make the most of your adventure, we’ve put together this handy guide to getting around in Iceland.
How to Travel to Iceland
Before you embark on your journey to the Land of Fire and Ice, you need to make a few decisions. If your bucket list includes standing beneath the Aurora Borealis, then a winter trip may be in the cards for you. Choosing a winter trip means you will see long winter nights with a brief respite of sunlight for a few hours if you head to the northern part of the island. Conversely, planning your trip during the summer months can yield over 20 hours of daylight, giving you ample opportunity to fit in all of the sights.
After choosing the time of year that you’ll be traveling in Iceland, you then need to choose an airline. If you’re departing from the U.S., you can find great prices through Iceland based air carriers, Icelandair and WOW Air.
Transportation in Iceland
Keflavik International Airport will be your point of entry onto the island. Situated around the town of Keflavik, you’ll need to drive around 50 km north-east to reach Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. Here you have some options ahead of you, and these can significantly affect how you see the country.
If your main objective is just to see the capital, your options include:
Bus
You can find a bus terminal right outside the airport. The bus fare is around 2,000 Icelandic Króna (ISK), which approximates to around $15. For this price, a bus will transport you to the central bus station in Reykjavik, or for an extra 500 ISK, you can have it drop you off at a hotel.
Private Shuttle
If you’re traveling in Iceland with a small group, you might be interested in booking a private shuttle. The prices will vary depending on the number of shuttles needed and the number of stops you want to make. The price for a single shuttle from the airport to the city center will run around 15,000 ISK or about $120.
Taxi
A standard taxi is always an available option for traveling to and from an airport. However, if you’re wondering how to get around Reykjavik, know that taxis are an expensive form of travel. For a one way fare, you can expect to pay around $150.
Rental Car
The season you choose to visit Iceland will determine if you should seek out a 4×4 or a regular sedan. If you plan on sticking to the Ring Roads, you can pass by with a regular smaller car option. However, if you plan on traversing the F-Roads, you’ll need to have a raised 4×4 or a heavy-duty camper van.
Camper van
As you can probably guess, we think that this is the best way to get around Iceland and see the country according to your own schedule. It offers you the ruggedness of a 4×4 while maintaining the comfort of a larger motorhome. If you’re not one for sticking with a tour group or wish to see more of the island, an Iceland camper van offers the perfect solution for traveling in Iceland.
Getting Around Reykjavik
Once you’ve made your way to Reykjavik, you don’t need to rely on a car to take you around the city. Reykjavik is small compared to other major European cities, and you have a variety of options for navigating your way around. Walking is an excellent choice if you want to take in all of the sights, but Reykjavik has affordable public transportation if you feel like a relaxing ride. A bus system runs through the city, and your hotel receptionist may even be able to issue you a free bus pass. If the weather permits, you may even find a bicycle as an acceptable mode of transportation. Reykjavik has carved out a decent amount of bike lanes, giving you ample room to scour the area.
See Iceland at Your Leisure
If you want the most versatile option for traveling in Iceland at your own pace, a camper van makes the most sense. By choosing a heavy-duty camper van, you can explore the most scenic views while bringing your base camp with you. To find the best Iceland camper rental, contact Rent.is. We take pride in offering our clients premium accommodations that allow them to create lifelong memories.
