Getting Around Iceland

Iceland is compact in size but shaped by weather, distance, and terrain. Once you understand that, moving around becomes straightforward.

You’ll combine rental cars with occasional domestic flights, use tours and shuttles for remote sights, and rely on buses where routes exist. Transport is reliable but often seasonal, especially outside summer.

How transport works in Iceland

Distances aren’t huge, but conditions can slow everything down — wind, snow, gravel roads, and limited daylight in winter all play a role.

You’ll mostly use:

• Rental cars for flexibility and access to major sights

• Domestic flights for longer routes (especially to the north and east)

• Buses for budget travel (mainly in summer)

• Guided tours for highland and glacier regions

• Ferries for islands

• Private transfers for airport routes and remote stays

English is widely spoken. A few useful Icelandic words: vegur (road), lokað (closed), veður (weather).

Airport transfers in Iceland

Keflavík International Airport → Reykjavík

Iceland’s main international gateway is about 45–50 minutes from the capital.

KEF → Reykjavík

• Airport shuttle buses (e.g. Flybus)

  • 45–60 min

  • ISK 3,500–5,000

• Private airport transfers

  • 45–60 min

  • ISK 20,000–35,000 per vehicle

• Taxis

  • Similar to private transfers, sometimes higher

After long flights, pre-booked transfers are the easiest option, especially in winter.

Driving in Iceland (self-drive)

Driving is the most popular and practical way to explore.

• Roads are generally excellent on the Ring Road (Route 1)

• Many rural roads are gravel

• F-roads (mountain roads) require 4WD and are summer-only

• Weather changes quickly — always check conditions

Key route:

• The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the island

  • ~1,300 km total

  • 7–10 days recommended

Driving tips:

• Headlights must be on at all times

• Sheep roam freely in rural areas

• Fuel stations can be far apart — don’t let the tank run low

Buses in Iceland

Buses exist but are limited compared to mainland Europe.

• Best in summer (June–September)

• Connect Reykjavík with major towns and attractions

• Highland routes (to interior regions) are seasonal

Typical routes:

• Reykjavík → Akureyri

  • 6–7 hours | ISK 10,000–15,000

• Reykjavík → Vík

  • ~3 hours | ISK 6,000–9,000

Buses are reliable but not ideal for tight itineraries.

Domestic flights

Flights save significant time, especially in winter.

Main hub: Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Common routes:

• Reykjavík → Akureyri

  • ~45 min

• Reykjavík → Egilsstaðir

  • ~1 hour

Flights are frequent, but weather delays can occur.

The Golden Circle

The most popular short route from Reykjavík.

Includes:

• Þingvellir National Park

• Geysir Geothermal Area

• Gullfoss Waterfall

Transport options:

• Self-drive (best flexibility)

• Day tours (6–8 hours total)

• Private drivers for customised pacing

South Coast & glaciers

One of Iceland’s most accessible and dramatic regions.

Key stops:

• Seljalandsfoss

• Skógafoss

• Reynisfjara

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Getting around:

• Self-drive via Ring Road

• Multi-day guided tours

• Limited bus services

Allow at least 2–3 days to explore properly.

North Iceland & remote regions

The north feels quieter and more remote.

Highlights:

• Akureyri (main hub)

• Lake Mývatn

• Dettifoss

Access:

• Domestic flights (fastest)

• Long-distance buses

• Self-drive (6–7 hours from Reykjavík)

Highlands (interior Iceland)

Wild, remote, and only accessible in summer.

• Roads open roughly June–September

• 4WD required

• River crossings common

Access options:

• Super jeep tours

• Guided highland buses

• Experienced self-drive only

Conditions can change quickly — always check forecasts.

Ferries

Ferries connect offshore islands.

Main route:

• Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

  • ~35–45 minutes from the south coast

Weather can affect sailings.

Taxis & private drivers

• Taxis are available but expensive

• No Uber (rideshare is limited)

• Private drivers are useful for:

  • Airport transfers

  • Luxury travel

  • Flexible sightseeing

Always confirm pricing in advance.

Practical travel tips

• Weather is the biggest variable — check forecasts daily

• Daylight varies dramatically (near 24 hours in summer, very short in winter)

• Book early in peak season (June–August)

• Allow buffer time — delays are normal in remote areas

Iceland rewards flexibility more than strict schedules. Match your transport to the terrain, respect the weather, and give yourself time — the journey is often as memorable as the destination.

Prices shown are approximate and current as of March 2026.