Iceland Transport

Air
There is only one international airport in Iceland and that is Keflavik Airport in the southwest of the country, just to the west of Reykjavík on Reykjanes Peninsula. Direct flights arrive at Keflavik Airport from cities all over the world with major carriers including from: New York and San Francisco in the US, and London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid in Europe. The cheapest alternative for getting here if you are in Europe is to use the low-cost airline Iceland Express, which flies from Stansted in London among other European airports.

Keflavik International Airport is a modern airport, although it is not awash with outstanding facilities. There is however a bank, cash machines, currency exchange services, a post office, lost property, first-aid station and a range of shops and restaurants. Guarded short-term and long-term car parking is available at Keflavik Airport.

There are two reliable bus services that run to and from the airport and Reykjavík; the FlyBus and the Blue Lagoon bus. The FlyBus is the most direct service to Reykjavík, leaving throughout the day and stopping at major hotels before pulling into Reykjavík Bus Terminal. To save money, it is best to book one return journey rather than two singles. The other service goes via the Blue Lagoon (south) before heading for Reykjavík. Taxis are also available at the airport, but are notoriously expensive, while highway 41 provides access to the capital for those who hire cars.

Sea
Smyril Line ferries operate services to Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland between May and early September, with direct services departing from Esbjerg in Denmark, Bergen in Norway and from the Faroe Islands. Those coming from Scotland can go from Aberdeen to Lerwick in the Shetland Isles and then onto Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, followed by a ferry to Seyðisfjörður. Cabins are available, with a choice of four-berth, two-berth or deluxe.

Air
The easiest way to get about Iceland is to fly, and most major towns of interest to tourists in Iceland have airports. Travelling by plane in the winter is the only real way to get about, owing to bad weather and tough driving conditions. Air Iceland is Iceland's main domestic airline, although prices are usually quite steep in summer and winter, and rides are often bumpy. Air Iceland sells passes to those who plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, where four, five or six flights are sold at a discounted rate. In addition, Icelandair also sells a 12-day unlimited flight pass.

Bus
BSI Travel is Iceland’s major bus company which runs a regular service to most areas. They also offer unlimited ride bus passes, where passengers can hop on and off at all destinations. Buses follow the main route around the country, Route 1, while an optional pass is available that covers travel around the Westfjords region. In addition, other companies offer more specialised travel, with SBA-Nordurleid operating northern and eastern routes, while Reykjavik Excursions also cover the east as well as the west and south.

Car
If you plan on sticking to the major towns that lie on Route 1, then a normal two-wheel drive saloon car will be fine. If you plan on visiting the interior and out-of-the-way places however, you will need a four-wheel-drive without question. In addition, most of the roads in the interior are all but impassable at any time other than in the summer, where snow and mud make driving treacherous.

Taxi
Taxis wait outside all of Iceland’s airports for transfers to respective towns and cities. Taxi travel within towns and cities is the fastest option for getting about. Taxis can be hailed if the light on the roof is on, signifying that it is free, or by calling the taxi company.

Bicycle
Many tourists bring their own bicycles to Iceland in the summer months and cycle tour the country. This is obviously the cheapest way to get around, but some of the roads are very tough to hard to cycle on, although Route 1 is fine and buses are fitted with bike racks. City cycling is good, but try to avoid rush hours in Reykjavík.