Transportation in Iceland, car rentals, bus rentals, bus terminals, and flights
Coming to Iceland
Being an island, the only way to reach Iceland is by air or by sea. There are daily scheduled flights to Iceland from mainland Europe and the USA, and most tourists arrive by air. The country´s location in the middle of the North Atlantic makes sea transport less feasible in winter, as the sea can be very rough. Never the less, the ferry Nörröna sails to Iceland throughout the year.
Getting around in Iceland
Getting around in Iceland is easy during the summer but can be difficult during winter. The
domestic airlines in Iceland provide the only reliable form of cross-country transportation in the winter when snow and ice prohibit most overland travel. In summer, the airlines have daily flights between Reykjavík and most major destinations. Iceland has no railways and its highway system is the least-developed in Europe. However, Bifreiðastöð Íslands (BSÍ), a collective organization of long-distance bus lines, does a tidy job of covering the country with a feasible, though inconvenient, network. There are also a number of ferry services connecting ports.
Car rental agencies are found in most major towns. You will find links to all major providers on this site.
Pedal Power: With its unsurfaced roads, steep hills and inclement weather, Iceland is an extreme challenge for cyclists. Nevertheless, an increasing number of visitors are turning to cycling as a mode of transportation. Bikes can be rented in most urban centers as well as at hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Live like a Local: Local transportation includes municipal buses and taxis which can be hired for sightseeing. Of course, if you are able, walking around any of the major cities in Iceland will let you make the most of your experience.