Getting Around Iceland: Transport Guide for 2026

First, the big one: Iceland has no trains

There is no railway and no metro anywhere in Iceland. Every other guide will tell you the same thing, so plan around roads, buses and the occasional ferry. The country is the size of a small US state with the population of a mid-sized town, so distances are real and public transport is thin outside the capital.

Renting a car (the way most visitors travel)

A rental car is the default for the famous Ring Road (Route 1), the Golden Circle and the south coast. Expect roughly 6,000 to 12,000 ISK per day for a small economy car in summer, more for a 4x4.

• A 2WD is fine in summer for the Ring Road and Golden Circle.
• A 4x4 is essential for the F-roads (mountain interior, e.g. Landmannalaugar). F-roads are illegal to drive in a 2WD.
• Fuel is pricey, around 300 ISK per litre. Pay at the pump with a card that has a PIN.
• Check road.is and safetravel.is daily. Winter storms close roads with no warning.

Buses

Reykjavik's city buses are run by Straeto (yellow buses). A single fare is about 630 ISK; download the Klappid app to buy tickets, since drivers do not give change. Straeto also runs long-distance routes to towns like Akureyri, Vik and Hofn, but service is limited, especially in winter.

For sightseeing without a car, scheduled tour buses run by operators such as Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line cover the Golden Circle and south coast.

The airport: Keflavik to Reykjavik

Keflavik (KEF) is about 50 km from the city. The Flybus and Airport Direct coaches meet every flight and cost roughly 3,500 to 4,000 ISK one way. A taxi is far more, often 18,000 ISK or more. There is no train link.

Ride apps and taxis

There is no Uber or Bolt in Iceland. Taxis are metered and expensive; book through Hreyfill or BSR by phone or app. For airport runs, the booked shuttles above are far cheaper.

Domestic flights and ferries

For long hops, Icelandair and others fly from Reykjavik's domestic airport to Akureyri, Egilsstadir and Isafjordur in under an hour. Ferries connect to the Westman Islands (Herjolfur from Landeyjahofn) and other islands.

Intercity tips

• Distances are deceptive; the full Ring Road is around 1,330 km. Give it at least 7 days.
• Petrol stations thin out in the east and Westfjords. Fill up when you can.
• Single-lane bridges and blind summits are common; slow down.

Stay connected in Iceland

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for live road conditions, maps, weather and tour bookings with no roaming charges. Activate it before you land and you are ready the moment you step off the plane.