| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | Independent trip on Route 1 | See car rental |
| Reykjavík City Card | Getting around the capital | Valid 1 to 3 days; free city buses, 8 geothermal pools, museums and the ferry to Viðey; from €34, 4.4 (1,244 reviews) |
| Guided tours | Main sights outside the city | See Golden Circle and South Coast; pick-up in Reykjavik |
| Airport coach | Keflavík to Reykjavik | See from the airport to Reykjavik |
| Domestic flights | Far destinations such as the north | They leave from Reykjavik's own airport, not Keflavík |
Prices and ratings read on 6 November 2026; they change with the date.
Airport to the city
The Keflavík airport is about 50 km from Reykjavik, 45 to 50 minutes by road. The Flybus runs to the BSÍ bus terminal, and it guarantees your seat even if your flight is delayed. Each ticket includes two bags of up to 23 kg. Departures from BSÍ run from about 04:00 to 22:30, and airport arrivals run from about 04:45 to 23:15. A shared transfer costs about €27 to €33 and takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. For a group of up to three, a private transfer costs about €113 to €126 per group, rated 4.9.
Car or tour?
A small car is enough on Route 1 in summer. A rental car lets you stop when you want at waterfalls and beaches, and it is the only option for the Highlands. A guided tour is the better choice if you do not want to drive on gravel or in winter. You will see fewer sights than on a road trip, but a guide does the driving. Every tour listed here leaves from Reykjavik, except the Katla ice cave, which meets in Vík.
Blue Lagoon and the north
The Keflavík airport to the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes by road, and a one-way bus transfer costs from €27 in the listing. Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon is 49 km, about 50 minutes by car or bus. From Reykjavik to Akureyri, the drive is about 390 km and roughly five hours on the Ring Road, where high passes can close in storms from September to May. Icelandair flies the route about 45 minutes, several times a day, and a daily Strætó bus also runs it. See Reykjavik to Akureyri for the route.
Car prices
On Discover Cars, a sample search for 8 to 16 November 2026 showed a mini car from about €31 a day, a compact automatic from about €35 and a Dacia Duster compact SUV from about €41, all with free cancellation. Prices change with dates and season: see car rental for the insurance options.
Tips
- Reykjavik: the centre is walkable. The City Card pays off only if you add pools, museums and buses in the same days. Museum entry is free for under 18s, but children aged 6 and over pay on city buses and at the pools (card listing).
- Insurance: the UK government warns that sand and ash damage is often not covered by standard policies. Check the sand and ash line on any rental.
- Roads: check road.is before every drive, especially in winter; many highland tracks need a 4x4 and are open only briefly in summer.
- Parking: Þingvellir charges ISK 1,000 per car (thingvellir.is, 6 November 2026), so a tour can be cheaper than driving the Golden Circle.
- Budget: see the budget.
FAQ
Are there trains in Iceland?
No.
Can I visit Iceland without a car?
Yes, with guided tours from Reykjavik, but you will see fewer sights than on a road trip. On a first visit, see the Iceland first-time guide.
What is the best way to see the South Coast?
By car or on a guided tour: 10 hours from Reykjavik.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
