There's something magical about travelling to
Iceland for a vacation or hiking trip. The country offers much, from incredible hiking trails to dramatic landscapes and glaciers.
If you time your visit well, you can even experience the Northern Lights or capture a superb geyser eruption!
That may be why you're thinking of travelling light.
Just a lightweight travel pack and using flexible means of transport? Good move!
If you need tips, read on as we tell you how to travel around Iceland without a car.
Can You Travel Around Iceland Without a Car?
The answer is an absolute yes!
While a car is the most convenient mode of transport in Iceland, you can explore Iceland without it, and it's better than you think!
Pro tip: We offer group tours at
Skyhook, so you won't need a car (we'll handle the transportation logistics.)
But if you're going solo, you can travel by bus, ferry, carpool, or domestic flight.
There are no trains in Iceland, so the bus is the most flexible and affordable option for travelling around the country.
We all rave about Iceland's breathtaking nature, so deciding to lower your carbon footprint here is the best way to respect and preserve this beauty.
Ready to go? Here's what travelling around Iceland without a car can look like:
Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík by Bus
Flying in, you land at Keflavík International Airport, approximately 50 km from Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.
Airport transfers run regularly between Keflavík and Reykjavík, typically every half-hour to hour, depending on flight times.
The airport transfers take you as close to your hotel as possible, but depending on the hotel's location, you may need to walk a bit.
For a more memorable start to your trip, consider choosing a transfer that includes a stop at the Blue Lagoon.
For example, you can walk a kilometre from the airport to the
Destination Blue Lagoon bus terminal for a shuttle service that goes to the Blue Lagoon (you must
book the tour before).
This detour lets you relax in one of Iceland's most famous geothermal spas. It gives you a taste of the country's stunning landscapes.
The lagoon's unique blue waters and therapeutic properties offer a refreshing introduction to your Icelandic adventure.
Exploring Reykjavík Without a Car
Once in Reykjavík, walking is the best way to admire the city's architecture, soak in the atmosphere, and explore critical attractions like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour area.
It's affordable and efficient, especially if you get a travel card for multiple trips.
In summer, bike renting is another excellent option for exploring the city and nearby areas.
If you plan to visit multiple attractions, consider getting a
Reykjavík City Card. This pass includes free museum entry and unlimited bus travel, making it a cost-effective way to explore the capital.
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Venturing Beyond Reykjavík: Day Tours and Multi-Day Adventures
When you're ready to explore beyond the capital, day tours are an excellent way to see Iceland's highlights without a car.
The Golden Circle is a classic route that takes you to Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall.
For a taste of Iceland's dramatic coastline, a South Coast tour introduces you to black sand beaches and epic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, allowing you to walk on a glacier.
But why stop at day trips?
Multi-day tours allow you to delve deeper into Iceland's wonders.
At Skyhook, we take car-free travel to the next level with our unique wilderness experiences.
Our three-day
Hornstrandir Traverse begins with a scenic boat ride to the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Here, you'll hike through pristine landscapes, observe rich wildlife, and camp comfortably each night.
If you are a water enthusiast, we offer exhilarating kayaking adventures.
Our three-day
kayaking and wild camping adventure starts with a car transfer to the fjord. Then, you paddle along Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, where you can spot wildlife and camp on secluded beaches. Magical!
Other Transport Alternatives to Explore Iceland
While Iceland's public transport network is less extensive than in some countries, it can still be a valuable tool for car-free travel.
Here are more ways you can get around:
Long-distance buses: Services like Strætó and Highland buses like Trex connect major towns and attractions, especially during summer. Some companies even offer bus passports, allowing you to hop on and off at various locations nationwide.
Ferries: Do you want to explore different islands and fjords in Iceland? If so, you can book the various ferry rides like Viðey Ferry and Seatours during summer. An even better option would be to book a sightseeing ferry tour that helps you save some money and get good travel insights!
Domestic flights: Consider taking domestic flights to quickly reach Iceland's far corners. Towns like Akureyri in the north and Ísafjörður in the Westfjords are just a short flight away from Reykjavík Airport.
Hitchike: For the more adventurous and those who want to travel to Iceland on a budget, hitchhiking is an option, especially in summer. It's relatively common and generally considered safe in Iceland.
When planning your car-free journey in Iceland, consider the seasonal variations that can affect your travel experience.
Here's a brief overview to help you decide the best time for your visit:
Summer (June-August): Summer is the best time to travel to Iceland. The season offers longer daylight hours, more frequent public transport and tour options, and better conditions for activities like hiking and biking. If that's on your agenda, it's also the best time for hitchhiking.
Winter (November-March): Winter brings its magic, with the possibility of Northern Lights tours and ice cave explorations. However, shorter days limit sightseeing time, and some roads may be closed due to weather conditions. This makes organised tours an even more attractive option during the colder months.
Exploring Iceland without a car opens a world of unique experiences and hassle-free adventures.
Guided tours, efficient public transport, and exciting alternatives allow you to dive into Iceland's stunning landscapes without driving.
Whether you're a solo traveller eager to connect with new friends, an eco-conscious explorer aiming to tread lightly, or simply someone who enjoys leaving the driving to experts, Iceland offers a warm welcome for all.
