How do you get to Reykjavík?
Getting There2.3/10Harder to reach than about 85% of cities
- Main airport
- Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: flybus.is, fullsuitcase.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Keflavík Airport is 50 km away; no high-speed rail or metro to the city exists yet. Flybus is the most practical mid-price option (book ahead in summer).
- Taxis at the airport often quote inflated flat rates; always use the official taxi kiosk or pre-book if using a taxi.
- Iceland has no national railway system. Buses and ferries are the main public transport; car rental is popular for longer trips.
- The Golden Circle day trip is feasible in one day from Reykjavik and works in any season, though winter daylight is limited and roads require caution.
- Ferries to islands (Viðey, Vestmannaeyjar) and the Westfjords are accessible from Reykjavik; book ahead in summer.
- The international ferry from Denmark (Smyril Line) is the only option if you're bringing your own vehicle to Iceland; journey is 2–3 days via the Faroe Islands.
- Public buses do not accept cash in Reykjavik; use contactless card, app (Klappið), or a Klapp card.
- Summer season (June–August) brings long daylight but higher prices and larger crowds on popular tours; spring and fall are shoulder seasons with good value.
Day Trip Access
- Other Day Trips
- South Coast (waterfalls, black sand beaches), Snæfellsnes Peninsula (via Stykkishólmur ferry), Westfjords (ferry + bus combinations). Most require car rental or multi-day tours.
Golden Circle
- Season
- Year-round. Summer = midnight sun and optimal conditions. Winter = limited daylight, northern lights possible, icy roads.
- Distance
- ~155 km (96 miles) to farthest point; 300 km round loop
- Travel Time
- 6–8 hours day tour
- Accessibility
- Mostly accessible but uneven surfaces, stairs, and weather hazards at viewpoints. Partial wheelchair access at some sites. Tours available for mobility-limited travelers.
- Description
- Iceland's most iconic day trip loop, 300 km from Reykjavik, covering Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Access Methods
- Cost Approx
- ISK 10,800
- Notes
- Standard minibus tour, hotel pickup included. Popular operators include Reykjavik Excursions, Gray Line, and smaller companies. Book ahead.
- Cost
- Car rental + parking (~1,000 ISK per car at Thingvellir/Geysir)
- Notes
- Paved roads, well-signposted. Accessible year-round but winter adds hazards (snow, ice, unpredictable weather).
Higher than group tours; more personalized/flexible
- Notes
- Often includes guide lunch or special stops (e.g., farm visits).
Ferry Connections
International
- Route
- Hirtshals (Denmark) ↔ Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland)
- Operator
- Smyril Line (M/S Norröna)
- Frequency
- Weekly year-round; 2+ sailings per week June–September; reduced winter schedule (no sailings late November–March)
- Journey Duration
- 2–3 days (includes stop at Faroe Islands)
- Vehicle Capacity
- Up to 800 vehicles
- Notes
- Only ferry option to bring your own car/camper to Iceland. From Seyðisfjörður, bus connections to Reykjavik take 8–9 hours via Egilsstaðir and Akureyri.
Local From Reykjavik
Elding Adventure at Sea
- Frequency
- Multiple daily departures (summer); weekend service (winter)
- Destination
- Viðey Island
- Journey Time
- 5–15 minutes
- Notes
- Car-free island, day-trip destination. Ferry included in Reykjavik City Card.
Vestmannaeyjar (South Coast Islands)
- Frequency
- 2 sailings daily (weather dependent)
- Vehicle Allowed
- Yes
- Notes
- Famous for puffins; islands accessible from south coast.
Departure Ports
- Landeyjahöfn (35 min)
- Þorlákshöfn (2.5 hr)
Airport Ground Transport
Reykjavík Excursions
- Cost
- ISK 3,000
- Type
- Shared shuttle
- Option
- Flybus (shuttle bus)
- Frequency
- Departs ~40 minutes after each flight arrival, more frequently during peak hours
- Journey Time
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Notes
- Pre-book or buy at counter. Most reliable and convenient mid-price option.
- Description
- The official airport transfer service. Guaranteed seat, matches flight arrivals, WiFi and USB chargers onboard. Departs from outside terminal, arrives at BSÍ Bus Terminal in city center with optional hotel drop-offs.
Strætó
- Cost
- ISK 2,400
- Type
- Local public bus
- Option
- Public Bus (Route 55)
- Frequency
- Daytime service only, not frequent
- Journey Time
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Notes
- Budget option; expect longer journey and less convenient timing. Pay with card/contactless on board.
- Description
- Cheapest public transport option. Arrives at BSI terminal, requires transfer to city bus. Limited luggage space. Not timed to flights.
Private
- Cost
- ISK 20,000
- Option
- Private Transfer/Taxi
- Journey Time
- 45 minutes
- Notes
- Taxis at terminal may quote inflated flat rates; use official taxi kiosk in arrivals hall or pre-book. Private transfers (e.g., Snæland Travel) cost around 170 EUR (~$185). More expensive but stress-free.
- Description
- Door-to-door service from airport to hotel. Taxis available at rank or pre-book. Private transfer companies offer fixed pricing and flight monitoring.
Vehicle
- Cost
- Variable (typically €30–60+ per day for basic car)
- Option
- Car Rental
- Journey Time
- Self-drive; 45 minutes to city
- Notes
- Worth considering for multi-day stays. Driving conditions vary by season.
- Description
- Rent directly at airport. Provides flexibility for exploring Iceland beyond Reykjavik.
Airport
- Name
- Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
- Distance From City
- 50 km (31 miles) southwest
- Travel Time To City
- 45 minutes (private/shuttle) to 75+ minutes (public bus)
Rail Connections
- Detail
- Iceland has no railways or passenger train system. Proposals for an airport rail link (Lava Express) and light rail in the capital region remain unfunded and unbuilt as of 2026.
- Status
- None
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Reykjavík
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.