From the airport to the city centre Iceland

Shuttles from the airport to the city center arrive at Reykjavik's BSI bus station. This is the departure point for most regular buses, buses to Keflavik airport (Fly Bus) and excursions from Reykjavik. The building may not look like much, but it has ticket offices, a recommendable cafeteria, toilets, an info point and luggage storage.

Theaverage price of a bus transfer is around 30 euros per journey, depending on the company and the options available (if there's a drop-off point at your hotel, for example).

Several cab companies will take you to the airport, but the fare is relatively high: between €100 and €150 for one to four people.

Arrival by train Iceland

There is currently no rail line to get around Iceland, and there are no plans to do so.

Arrival by boat Iceland

There are several ferry routes in the country, which are described in the relevant sections: Reykjavík - Viðey; Stykkishólmur - Flatey - Brjánslækur; Ísafjörður - Hornstrandir Nature Reserve; Dalvík - Grímsey; Arskógssandur - Hrísey; Landeyjahöfn - Vestmannaeyjar.

Fjord companies: Borea Adventures (www.boreaadventures.com - Tel. +354 456 3322), Strandferdir (https://strandferdir.is/ - Tel. +354 849-4079 or +354 780-7787).

To Iceland from Denmark or via the Faroe Islands: Smyrril Line (www.smyrilline.fr - Tel. +494 312 00886).

To the Vestmann Islands: Herjólfur (https://herjolfur.is/ - Tel. +354 481 2800).

Public transport Iceland

Icelandic coaches and buses, often 4×4, are comfortable, punctual and easy to use. They allow you to cover the whole country at low cost, while taking time to admire the changing landscapes - drivers will stop at certain points to let you take a closer look at a waterfall or a magnificent fjord. As the main form of public transport, the bus lets you rub shoulders with Icelanders and meet other travellers. Buses also carry mail and other goods, and stop at isolated farms to make deliveries. It's possible to be dropped off somewhere along the route and picked up later, or to make part of the journey by another means of transport, by bike or on foot... You can also use the bus to send your luggage wherever you like. Tired or soaked cyclists can have their bikes transported on the bus, for an additional charge.

The bus network is relatively dense, but has suffered as a result of the pandemic, and many historic lines have been discontinued. Some still have an uncertain future, notably those well-known to hikers that used to lead to the Highlands. If you traveled/hiked in Iceland before 2019, don't rely on your memories! If you're planning a bus trip to some of the more remote regions, such as the Western Fjords or the Highlands, be extra vigilant in your preparations and check that the lines on your itinerary are still operating (including those mentioned in this guide). If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the regional tourist offices.

There are, of course, more services along route no. 1. This route is served daily during the summer. During the same season, a large number of buses run to tourist sites all around and inland. These secondary routes also enable you to cross the great interior desert (July-August). But beware: they are less frequent, and some areas, such as the western fjords, can be difficult to visit by bus alone. In winter, most lines are out of service, including some sections of Route 1.

Reykjavík's BSI bus station is the departure point for many travellers. All information is available there, and all types of tickets and packages can be purchased. Elsewhere, tickets can be purchased at stops, bus stations or directly on the bus. They may seem rather expensive, but fortunately there are some very practical and advantageous packages available, provided you use the buses frequently over a period of at least a week.

Several companies offer bus travel in Iceland, such as Reykjavik Excursions, Trex... It's worth comparing offers to choose the ones best suited to your needs. You'll find a wealth of information by referring directly to the websites of the main national coach operators: Trex (www.trex.is), Reykjavík Excursions (www.re.is).

The Strætó bus company (www.straeto.is) offers a wide range of bus routes in the capital and throughout the country. The average price of a Straeto bus ticket is 570 Kr. You can buy them directly on the Klappid app, which is very practical, and you can also locate your bus and the lines in circulation directly on the Straeto app.

The Reykjavik City Card is ideal. It gives you free access to transport, museums, swimming pools and discounted activities in the capital.

Although not anofficial source, the https://publictransport.is/ website is a real goldmine for planning your itinerary. On their map, you'll find all the information you need on bus routes, airlines and ferries throughout the country. Of course, it's always worth checking, but it's a very good start to planning your itinerary.

Bike, scooters & co Iceland

The Hopp service (https://hopp.bike/) has been rolled out in over twenty Icelandic towns and cities, enabling you to rent an electric scooter for a short period of time. To use it, you need to download the dedicated application.

With a driver Iceland

Cabs have a monopoly here, and Icelandic law strictly regulates the number of cabs allowed in the country. Similarly, some companies offer transfers as well as excursions. The price depends on the distance covered (around €2 per kilometer), but can also be time-dependent. The fare is relatively high compared with other countries, and this is not the preferred means of transport.

As a general rule, we advise you to limit the use of cabs to journeys within or to the capital, as they quickly become prohibitively expensive for exploring the country. If you don't have your own means of transport, it's best to travel by bus between the different regions.

Uber is not present in Iceland, although the subject comes up regularly. Icelandic legislation is not currently compatible with European standards.

The Hreyfill company is one of the most reputed to reach the capital (www.hreyfill.is - +354 588 5522), but also to organize certain private transfers (from €136 for airport transfer and from €259 for airport - Blue Lagoon - capital transfer).

BSR is also well known (www.taxireykjavik.is - +354 561 0000) and can take you to the Golden Circle (from €464 for one to 3 people), to the South Coast (from €512 for one to 3 people) or for an airport-capital transfer from €112.

By car Iceland

Iceland has about 1/3 paved roads and 2/3 dirt and gravel roads. This means you not only have to adapt your speed, but also choose the right vehicle for your journey. The former are suitable for all types of vehicle, but the latter (often closed outside summer) require a 4×4.

A word of advice: buy a recent map for your trip to Iceland! Some destinations that are heavily promoted on social networks may give the impression that Iceland is a country like any other, but this is not the case. Unsealed roads are in the majority, and some of them will take you up steep slopes or over cliffs. Depending on your driving experience, you may find it useful to scout your route on your map.

If a car gives you more freedom, you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully, depending on road conditions and the variable cost of fuel (between 8,000 and 12,000 Kr). Cars can be rented almost everywhere, but the rental price is quite high. Taking your own car by ferry from Denmark is also an option if you have the time and budget.

The network. The road network has improved considerably in recent years. Roads in and around Reykjavík are in excellent condition. Route no. 1, which circles the island, is paved for 99.9% of its length, but in winter, the section between Egilsstaðir and Akureyri, which crosses the highlands, is not always open. Many secondary roads remain impassable in winter until the end of June, due to late snow cover. The inland trails (Kjölur, Sprengisandur, Landmannalaugar) only open in July and require a 4×4 to cross the many fords, which put off many tourists who prefer to leave these worries to the bus driver. You need to ask for the trail opening map, which is available free of charge from service stations and updated every week.

Here are a few Icelandic traffic rules to be aware of:

- In traffic circles, priority is given to the driver on the inner ring, not the outer ring. Be particularly vigilant, and check your blind spots before each exit if you're driving on the outer ring.

- if you are approaching a bridge, the first person on the bridge has the right of way. Be careful: on long bridges, it can be difficult to keep track of who goes first.

Watch out for sheep: they're everywhere!

As you'll notice if you come to Iceland during the high season, sheep and their young are very often close to the roadside, or even on the road. Not very shy, they often come in threes and can sometimes appear from the roadside at the last moment.

What to do if you injure a sheep? Notify the local police on 112 so that the owner can be identified. The locals are well aware that these adorable creatures don't always have the right reflexes, and they'll appreciate being able to recover their animal. What's more, the declaration will also enable you to show your good faith to your rental company in the event of damage to the vehicle (even if a deductible is likely to apply). Don't forget to get a copy of your statement if you want to claim on an insurance policy. Also check the clauses of your contract.

Driving in bad weather in Iceland. Iceland is a very windy country all year round, which can be surprising. The speed limit in town is 50 km/h, and 90 km/h outside built-up areas. Even if some roads are deserted and you're on your own, there can be strong crosswinds. Don't exceed speed limits! In the event of a storm, lighted signs on your route may indicate the temperature and wind speed.

When driving in winter , rental vehicles are generally well equipped with snow tires. A thin layer of snow won't make you lose grip, even if you do need to be careful. In the event of heavy snow, it may be more prudent to stay off the road until it calms down, to avoid getting stuck. The same applies to storms and blizzards. Most vehicles are also well equipped for icy conditions. Above all, you'll need to keep your distance and brake carefully. You also need to be careful when getting out of the car, as icy conditions can sometimes take you by surprise.

In Iceland, you have to be prepared to change your program from one day to the next. Some tourists mistakenly think that the weather in Iceland is similar to that back home: it's annoying, but it doesn't stop them from driving. This is not the case, however, as you are in a Nordic country where it can snow on July 25 as well as December 25.

Before you set off, check the road conditions and whether they are open at www.road.is. If you're not advised to go out, don't, especially when the locals advise you against it. They know their country and its limits! Don't underestimate storms in Iceland! As well as putting you in danger, storms can also severely damage your rental car. When traveling in the south, beware of sandstorms: if you get caught in one, there's no escape.

To rent a car in Iceland, you must be over 20 years of age, and have held your driver's license for more than a year. If you're under 25, a young driver's fee may apply.

When it comes to choosing a service provider, local rental companies are often just as competent as international ones.

Good to know if you're looking for car-sharing: groups exist on Facebook by typing in "Samferda" and then looking for the group closest to your destination. On these groups, everyone is free to post their own car-sharing ad.

Tourist traps Iceland

When renting your car, it's best to take out all-inclusive insurance. Although it may seem optional, insurance to cover ashes and storms is essential, because without it, you won't be reimbursed for damage, which can be extensive. Follow the guide!