Is it possible to travel Iceland without a car?
Yes, with some planning. Many visitors base themselves in Reykjavik and use airport coaches, city buses, guided day tours and sometimes domestic flights. You give up flexibility, because you follow tour times and bus schedules, but you avoid driving in changeable weather, parking costs and fuel.
The approach works best for short trips focused on the best-known sights, and in summer, when more services run. It gets harder in winter and in remote areas, where public transport is limited. Iceland is also often named a comfortable first solo destination; see best places to solo travel in Europe.
Getting from the airport to Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is about 45 to 50 minutes from Reykjavik by road. Common options are:
- Airport coach services: Flybus and similar services run to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik or, depending on the service, to hotel stops or designated pick-up points. Services are timed to flights; check current operators and fares.
- Public bus: The Straeto network has a route linking the airport area with Reykjavik. It is usually cheaper but less frequent, so check the timetable.
- Taxi or private transfer: Faster and more convenient, but typically considerably more expensive.
Getting around Reykjavik
Central Reykjavik is compact, and many main sights, including Hallgrimskirkja church, the harbor and the main shopping street Laugavegur, are within walking distance of each other.
- City buses: Straeto buses cover the capital area; tickets can usually be bought using an app.
- E-scooters: Rental scooters are available in the city in warmer months.
- Taxis: Local companies operate in the city. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber are not generally available in Iceland, and taxis tend to be expensive, so use them for short or late trips when needed.
Day tours from Reykjavik
Guided day tours are the most common car-free way to see the countryside. Tour operators usually collect passengers from central pick-up points or hotels. Typical day trips include:
- The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss).
- The South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara), sometimes extended to glacier hikes or Jokulsarlon on long days.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
- Reykjanes Peninsula and geothermal spas.
- Whale watching and, in winter, northern lights tours.
- Glacier, ice cave and snorkeling or caving activities, with equipment provided.
Tours differ in group size, stops and how long you get at each place. Read the itinerary carefully, because some long-distance tours spend many hours on the road. For a route that shows what a driving trip looks like, see our 5-day summer itinerary and consider which days could be replaced with tours.
Public buses between towns
Iceland has a national bus network that connects Reykjavik with towns around the Ring Road, such as Selfoss, Vik, Hofn and Akureyri. These buses are mainly designed for locals, so they run less often, especially in winter, and do not stop to allow sightseeing. They can work if you want to get from one town to another, but are less suited to a tight sightseeing itinerary. Check the operator’s timetables well in advance, as services and seasons change.
Summer highland buses
In summer, when the interior mountain roads open, special 4x4 buses run to areas such as Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. These are the main option for reaching highland hiking trails without a car. Operating dates depend on road conditions, so check schedules and book early. For multi-day routes in that area, see 5 day backpacking trips, which includes the Laugavegur.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights from Reykjavik City Airport reach destinations such as Akureyri, Egilsstadir and some smaller communities. They can save many hours compared with driving the north and east, though prices are generally higher than the bus. They can be useful if you want to see the north without a long drive.
Choosing a base
- Reykjavik: the easiest base, with the most tours, accommodation, restaurants and transport links. Best for first-time visitors and short trips.
- Selfoss or Hveragerdi: closer to the Golden Circle and South Coast but with fewer services.
- Vik or Skaftafell/Hofn area: limited services, but helpful if you take a multi-day tour or have a long stay.
- Akureyri: the main base for the north, reachable by bus or flight, with tours to Lake Myvatn, whale watching and waterfalls.
For most first trips, staying in Reykjavik and taking day tours is simplest.
Multi-day tours and hybrids
If you want to see more of the country but do not want to drive, multi-day small-group tours cover the Ring Road, South Coast or Snaefellsnes with transport and accommodation arranged. Another approach is a hybrid trip: use tours for the days with the longest or most challenging drives and rent a car for just one or two days for flexibility, such as around the Reykjavik area on good weather days.
Seasonal considerations
- Summer: more tour departures, highland buses and longer daylight make this the easiest season.
- Winter: fewer public bus services and some tours are canceled due to weather. Road conditions can make driving harder for inexperienced drivers, which is a reason some visitors prefer tours then. Northern lights tours leave from Reykjavik on suitable nights.
- Shoulder seasons: services vary, so check each operator’s schedule.
The trade-offs
Advantages: no driving stress, no insurance or fuel to manage, flexible if the weather changes plans (tours may be rescheduled), and you can relax and look out the window.
Drawbacks: less flexibility, schedules set by the operator, crowded stops at peak times, and costs that can add up if you take many tours. For travelers with many days and a flexible budget, renting a car may be cheaper per day. Do your own comparison for your dates and group size.
Also see our Iceland travel essentials for what to pack and know before you go.
FAQ
Do you need a car when visiting Iceland?
Not necessarily. A car makes it easier to visit places at your own pace, but a trip based in Reykjavik with tours, buses and occasional flights can work well, particularly for short stays.
Is Uber expensive in Iceland?
Uber is not generally available in Iceland, so the question usually comes down to taxis, which are typically expensive compared with many other countries. Walking, buses and pre-arranged transfers are the more economical choices.
When is the worst time to go to Iceland?
There is no single worst time, since it depends on your priorities. Winter has short days, storms and travel disruptions, while summer is crowded and pricey. If you want to travel without a car, winter is when public transport and tour options are most limited.
Is Iceland prettier than Norway?
That is a matter of taste. Iceland is known for volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers and geothermal areas; Norway for deep fjords and mountain scenery. Both are widely considered spectacular, and they feel quite different.