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Getting Around Iceland Without Renting a Car
Drive Reykjavik team · 5 min read · October 2026
Many first-time visitors assume they must rent a car, but travelling Iceland without a car is entirely possible. Whether you do not drive, do not want to deal with winter roads or simply prefer to look out of the window, there are several ways to get around. Each has strengths and limits, so the right mix depends on where you want to go and how flexible you want to be.
Why travel Iceland without a car?
- Winter and shoulder-season conditions can change quickly, with ice, snow and strong wind.
- Many roads are narrow and distances between sights are long.
- Rental costs, fuel and insurance add up, and parking in Reykjavík takes planning.
- Unfamiliar rules such as unpaved roads, single-lane bridges and strict off-road laws can be stressful.
- Some visitors want to enjoy the scenery or have a drink with dinner.
Driving is a perfectly good choice in good conditions for confident drivers. Our guide to driving in Iceland in winter explains when it makes sense to hand over the wheel.
From the airport to Reykjavík
Keflavík Airport is about 49 km from Reykjavík. You can take the airport bus, a taxi or a private transfer. Our guide to every way to get from Keflavík to Reykjavík compares them, and our Flybus comparison looks at the bus versus a private ride.
Getting around Reykjavík
Central Reykjavík is compact, and most sights are within walking distance. For longer hops, the city bus network covers the capital area, and taxis are available. Check current routes, fares and payment methods with the bus operator. See our list of things to do in Reykjavík for what is easy on foot.
Intercity buses and domestic flights
- Intercity buses connect Reykjavík with many towns and some sights. Routes and timetables vary by season, so check current schedules before you plan. They work best for point-to-point travel, not flexible sightseeing.
- Domestic flights link Reykjavík with places such as Akureyri. They save a lot of time on long distances, but the sights then need other transport. See our Akureyri guide.
- Ferries serve some islands and routes. Check the current timetable.
If you are travelling in winter, a car-free approach also removes a lot of worry. You do not have to decide whether a road is safe, find a place to stop in poor visibility or manage an unfamiliar car on ice. Someone else watches the road, and you watch the scenery.
Group tours and private tours
For classic sights such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast, the simplest car-free option is a tour. A coach tour is usually the lowest-cost option, but you follow a fixed schedule with other passengers. A private tour gives you your own driver in your own car or van, so you choose the stops, the pace and the start time.
See our guides to the Golden Circle and the South Coast for what each day involves.
Private transfers and taxis
Taxis work for short trips in town, but long distances can add up, and they are not always easy to find in smaller places. See our guide to taxis in Iceland. A pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed price per car instead of a meter, and your driver is waiting when you arrive. For rides between Keflavík, Reykjavík and other cities, see our transfers.
- Fixed price per car, not per person, with KEF to Reykjavík from 18,900 kr per car
- Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers, Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7, minibus for 8 to 16 on request
- Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and waits up to 45 minutes free of charge
- Pay a 20% deposit online and the rest to the driver by card or cash
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up
Book at least 1 hour before pick-up and add your flight number when you book. For other routes, message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949.
A common car-free pattern is to combine options: an airport transfer on arrival, walking and local buses in the city, a private or group tour for each big day out and a transfer back to the airport at the end. This keeps costs reasonable while avoiding the longest drives on your own.
Which option is best for you?
- Short city break: airport transfer plus walking and local buses.
- Classic day trips: private or group tours.
- Another town or region: domestic flight, intercity bus or a long private ride.
- Family or group: a private van or minibus often compares well on cost per person.
FAQ
Yes. Combining buses, domestic flights, tours and private drivers covers most popular places, though with less flexibility.
It is good in the Reykjavík area and on some main routes, but limited elsewhere, and schedules change by season. Check current timetables.
A pre-booked private transfer, the airport bus or a taxi. A private transfer costs a fixed price per car (see the price list).
Yes, by group tour or a private tour with your own driver.
Message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 with your route and date and we will tell you what is possible.
Travel tips
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