Getting around Iceland
Europe
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
3h30 direct
Indicative round-trip price
120-350 EUR A/R
Book
2-3 months ahead, outside July-August
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
The Strætó network for Reykjavik and a few regional lines. Outside the capital, public transport is scarce: a car is almost essential.
Train
No trains in Iceland: the country has no rail network.
Taxi
Reliable but very expensive taxis (high meter, no Uber-style ride-hailing). Book by phone or the Hreyfill app.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keflavík Airport | Reykjavik | Flybus / Airport Direct bus | 45 min | 30-40 EUR |
| Reykjavik | Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir) | Car or excursion | 1h-1h30 per leg | excursion 60-100 EUR |
| Reykjavik | Vik (south) | Car (Ring Road) | 2h30 | fuel ~30 EUR round trip |
| Reykjavik | Akureyri (north) | Car or domestic flight | 5h by car / 45 min by plane | flight 60-130 EUR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
Not applicable (weather and wind)
Car
50-110 EUR (2x4), 90-200 EUR (4x4 for the F-roads) / day
French licence accepted
International permit : Not required (French license accepted)
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Abusive rental insurance
Rental companies push gravel, ash and sand insurance at a high price, with very high excesses.
Tip :Read the contract, check what your card already covers, and film the state of the vehicle at pickup.
Off-road damage
Driving F-roads in a 2WD or fording a river voids the insurance: the whole bill is on you.
Tip :Take a 4x4 for the highlands and never leave the permitted tracks.
Prepaid fuel locked in
Some automatic pumps pre-block a high amount on the card.
Tip :Use a deferred-debit card or the network's app (N1, Orkan).
Practical tips
- Renting a car is almost essential: it's the heaviest budget item but the only real freedom for the Ring Road.
- Check road.is and vedur.is every morning: road closures and storms are frequent, especially from October to April.
- Fill up whenever you can: service stations are far apart in the east and the highlands.
Other transport guides
Europe
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