🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Iceland
✈️ Flying to Iceland
Main Airport
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) - Iceland's only international airport, 50km southwest of Reykjavik. Modern, efficient, gateway for all international visitors. No direct city transport—shuttle buses or rental cars only.
Domestic Airports:
- Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) - In city center, domestic flights only (Akureyri, Westfjords, Vestmannaeyjar)
- Akureyri Airport (AEY) - North Iceland's main airport, domestic connections
- Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) - East Iceland gateway
💡 Insider Tip
Most flights to Iceland involve layovers—Icelandair offers free stopovers in Iceland for up to 7 days on transatlantic flights. Use it to explore Iceland cheaply.
🚌 From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
Flybus (Most Popular)
Shuttle bus service directly to Reykjavik. Journey time: 45-50 minutes. Ticket: ISK 3,999 one-way, ISK 7,500 return. Book online for discount. Drops at BSÍ terminal or hotels.
Airport Direct
Similar shuttle service to Flybus. Journey time: 45-50 minutes. Ticket: ISK 3,990 one-way. Often slightly cheaper than Flybus. Hotel drop-off included.
Rental Car
Pick up at airport. Drive yourself to Reykjavik (50km, 45 minutes). Best option if starting Ring Road trip immediately. Book ahead for better prices.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available at airport. Journey time: 40-45 minutes. Cost: ISK 18,000-23,000 to Reykjavik center. Expensive but convenient.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Denmark—Smyril Line sails Denmark (Hirtshals) to Iceland (Seyðisfjörður, east coast) via Faroe Islands. 3-4 days total. Around €200-500 per person, more for vehicle. Weekly summer sailings. Alternative to flying.
Cruise ships—Many Atlantic/Arctic cruises include Iceland stops (usually Reykjavik, Akureyri, or Ísafjörður). Limited time ashore but convenient if doing broader cruise.
Private yacht—Some sailors reach Iceland via North Atlantic routes. Reykjavik and Westfjords have marinas. Check visa/customs requirements. Not common but possible.
No land borders—Iceland is an island. No bridges, tunnels, or land access. Must arrive by air or sea. Plan accordingly.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Iceland →🚗 Getting Around Iceland
Rental Car (Most Popular)
Iceland's best transport option. Ring Road (Route 1) circles the island—1,332km. Self-drive lets you stop at waterfalls, beaches, glaciers. Book early summer months. 2WD fine for Ring Road, 4WD needed for F-roads (highlands). Check at rentalcars.com
Bus Tours
Reykjavik Excursions, Gray Line, local operators run day tours and multi-day circuits. Golden Circle, South Coast, etc. No driving stress but less flexibility. ISK 10,000-30,000 per day tour.
Public Buses (Limited)
Strætó operates limited routes around Reykjavik and nearby areas. Long-distance buses connect major towns but infrequent (1-2x daily). Not practical for Ring Road. Use for Reykjavik only.
🚙 Driving Tip
Gas stations sparse in Iceland—fill up whenever you can. Highlands and Westfjords have long stretches with no services. Always check weather and road conditions before driving.
🚌 Local Transportation in Reykjavík
Strætó operates all public buses in Reykjavik and surrounding areas.
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: ISK 490 (valid 75 minutes, buy on bus with card—no cash accepted)
- Day pass: ISK 1,500 (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- Strætó app: Buy tickets on phone - easiest option
Reykjavik is compact and walkable. Most attractions within walking distance. Buses useful for reaching suburbs, Blue Lagoon bus stop, or domestic airport.
🚙 Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Iceland beyond Reykjavik. Ring Road, waterfalls, glaciers, remote areas all require car.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Studded winter tires mandatory November-April
- Watch for sheep on roads—they roam free, especially in summer!
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80 km/h (gravel roads), 90 km/h (paved rural roads)
- Single-lane bridges common—first to arrive has right of way
- F-roads (highlands) require 4WD and only open June-September
- Never drive off-road—illegal, destroys fragile moss, heavy fines
⚠️ Weather Driving
Iceland weather changes suddenly. Wind can be extreme—open car doors carefully or wind rips them off. Check road.is and vedur.is before every drive. Roads close without notice.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Iceland
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book car rentals early: Summer prices skyrocket—book 3-6 months ahead for best rates
- Avoid airport pickup fees: Some companies charge extra for airport pickup. Downtown Reykjavik pickup can be cheaper
- Share costs: Split rental car and gas with travel companions—gas is expensive (ISK 280-320/liter)
- Self-drive vs tours: Car rental + gas usually cheaper than guided tours if traveling with 2+ people
- Fill up strategically: Gas prices vary by location. Cheapest at Costco (Reykjavik members only) or Bónus-affiliated N1 stations