Iceland: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

The best way to travel around Reykjavik is on the excellent bus service which covers downtown and the outer suburbs. Buses run between 7am and midnight on weekdays and less frequently at weekends. Bicycles are an extremely popular form of transport and the city has a network of cycle lanes. Car hire is a recommended option as there is little traffic congestion and local drivers are typically considerate.

Maps of Urban Networks

Maporama
UT Library on line
Mapblast
Buses in Reykjavik

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Reykjavík - Keflavík Intl/Leifur Eriksson (KEF)	50 km / 30 miles	ISK 7,500-9,000 / 10 min	ISK 1,100 / 45 min	Not available	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

Less than a third of Iceland’s total road network is paved. Even those roads that are paved tend to be narrow and lack a shoulder or margin. Most bridges are only one lane wide, requiring drivers to be cognizant of oncoming traffic.

Extreme care should be taken when driving in rural areas during the winter (October through March), when daylight hours are limited and the weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Many routes in the interior of the country are impassable until July. When driving in the interior, consider traveling with a second vehicle and always inform someone of your travel plans.

There have never been any railways in Iceland.

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The road network, which borders the island (roads are asphalted), is totally open from April to September. The tracks, open from May-June until the end of summer (depending on snowfalls), are only passable with all-terrain vehicles. In Reykjavik, the roads are in very good state but studded tyres are compulsory from November to April. In case of an accident, due to a Highway code offence, fines can be imposed and the disqualification from driving can be pronounced, notably in case of drunkenness behaviour (the authorised rate of alcohol level in the blood is 0,4g/l). An insurance for the vehicles is compulsory (the green card or an equivalent insurance certificate is requested on arrival).

Road Maps

Multimap

Find an Itinerary

Mappy

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

Reykjavik's Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature. Videy was inhabited until the 1940s and it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the oldest stone building in Iceland built for the High Sheriff in 1752. For futher information, visit, Visit Iceland website.

Cultural

Reykjavik museums offer a great combination of fun and learning for the whole family. The National Museum and Saga Museum allow the children to experience in an interactive way how the Vikings fought and feasted. Reykjavik City Museum - Arbaejarsafn offer an insight into how people in Reykjavik lived in the old days.
For futher information, visit, Visit Iceland website.

Nature

The Icelandic nature is unspoilt, exotic and mystical with its spouting geysers, active volcanoes, tumbling waterfalls, towering mountains, vast lava plains and magical lakes.
For further information, visit the website Iceland.is.

Religious

Hallgrimskirkja Church can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is probably the most controversial building in Iceland. Its steeple rises above all other buildings in Reykjavik and the church can seat over 1000 worshipers at a time. It was named after the Icelandic poet Hallgrimur Petursson, and the grounds also house a statue to the first Viking said to have discovered America, Leifur Eiríksson.

Thermal

The Blue Lagoon is not situated within the Reykjavik city area, however this attraction is an absolute "must" for travelers and the major attraction for many Reykjavik visitors. The thermal waters are always pleasantly warm, whatever the weather. In the city, Reykjavik's thermal pools are open from early morning until late in the evening.

Beach

Reykjavik is surrounded by the ocean, and the waterfront paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll, some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. The city's northern waterfront is a popular area, with a view of Reykjavik's landmark mountain, Mt. Esja.

Winter Sports

Each of the eight North Iceland skiing areas has its own niche in the region's magnificent scenery.
At the Akureyri Ice-Skating Rink, one can rent skates for anyone in the family and then glide along to the tones of music.
For futher information, visit, Visit Iceland website.

Outdoor Activities

There is a wealth of opportunities for healthy and adventurous pursuits - like river rafting, whale watching, salmon and trout fishing, sea angling, glacier trips and unforgettable 4 x 4 expeditions over the highlands.

Shopping

Enjoy browsing through local crafts shops along with Scandinavian designer stores. The Kringlan shopping mall is a hub of social activity in Reykjavik. Among over 150 shops is Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic speciality and these can be found at the upmarket Eggert at Skólavördustígur 38.

Tourism Organizations

The Icelandic Tourist Board

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

Excellent medical facilities are available in Iceland. No health precaution.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

Health precaution on USA government website

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

Advice to travelers to Iceland on the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Reykjavik (GMT)