Reykjavik, Iceland — Travel Tips
Getting There By Air
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Tel: 425 6000/0680.
Website: www.airport.is
Keflavik International Airport is 40km (34 miles) from Reykjavik, on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Approximate flight times to Reykjavik: From London is 3 hours; from New York is 5 hours 30 minutes; from Los Angeles is 11 hours 30 minutes (via New York); and from Toronto is 7 hours 30 minutes (via New York).
Airport facilities: These include a 24-hour bureau de change, ATMs, travel agent, car hire, tourist information, duty-free and other shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the terminal, and there is a new play area for those traveling with young children.
Transport to the city: Taxis operate from the airport (journey time - 30 minutes). The fare is about Ikr8,000. The Flybus (tel: 562 1011; website: www.flybus.is) runs in connection with all incoming and outgoing flights and travels from Keflavik to the Hotel Loftleidir, by the domestic airport 2km (1.24 miles) from Reykjavik city center (journey time - 45 minutes). Free pick up is available from some hotels and guest houses in downtown Reykjavik. Book this with your hotel reception desk the night before departure.
Getting There By Road
Traffic in Reykjavik drives on the right and the legal driving age in Iceland is 18 years. The use of headlights at all times of the day and night and fastening seat belts are obligatory legal requirements. Streets in towns are generally asphalt and have excellent surfaces. However, outside towns, the roads are often gravelled, so care must be taken. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50mph) on unpaved roads and 90kph (56mph) on paved roads. Drivers must carry the vehicle's registration, proof of international insurance (i.e. a Green Card), plus a valid driving license (foreign licenses are valid for visitors to Iceland). Information on road conditions is available from the Public Roads Administration (tel: 522 1000 or 1777; www.vegagerdin.is). The Icelandic Automobile Association (FÍB) (tel: 414 9999; www.fib.is) provides more information.
Emergency breakdown services
FÍB (tel: 511 2112).
Routes to the city
A 1,351km (840 mile) ring road (Highway 1) traces Iceland's entire coastline (the interior is largely inaccessible). The main routes to Reykjavik are along this road from the east or the west.
Driving times to the city
From Akureyri - 6 hours; Höfn - 9 hours; Isafjördur - 10 hours.
Coach services
The central bus station in Reykjavik, at Vatnsmýrarvegi 10, near Reykjavik City Airport, is run by BSÍ Travel (tel: 562 1011; www.bsi.is), which offers an extensive bus service to most parts of the country, as well as a large number of organized bus tours. Reservations are not usually necessary and tickets can be purchased at the bus station or from the driver.
Getting There By Rail
Rail Services
There is no rail system in Iceland.
Getting Around in Reykjavik, Iceland
Public Transport
The main provider of buses is the Reykjavik Bus Service (Strætó) (tel: 540 2700; www.straeto.is). The main bus stations are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. Correct fares must be paid to the driver. The driver can provide transfer tickets, valid for 45-60 minutes from the time of issue. A number of passes are available. You can also purchase a book of 10 tickets. The Reykjavik Card offers unlimited transport on buses.
Taxis
Taxis are metered and charge standard fares. Tipping is not expected. Taxis can be hailed or telephoned. Recommended taxi firms include Borgarbíll (tel: 552 2440), BSR (tel: 561 0000), BSH (tel: 555 0888) and Hréyfill (tel: 588 5522).
Driving in the City
With a small city center and a very efficient bus service, it is not really necessary to use a car to get around Reykjavik. Furthermore, the cost of car hire is enough to put most people off. Those that do drive, however, will find it a pleasurable experience. Traffic is not heavy, there is little congestion (the heaviest build-up of traffic is around 2300 in the center of the city, when the locals head out for a night on the town) and Icelandic drivers are considerate towards other road users. Parking in the city is easy, with metered spaces. Alternatively, there are six multi-story car parks and plenty of larger car parks.
Car Hire
Hiring a car in Reykjavik is prohibitively expensive. In addition to the hire price, VAT is charged at 24.5% and there are compulsory charges for insurance and petrol. Most car hire companies have a minimum age limit of 23 years and a foreign driver's license is accepted. Car hire companies include Avis (tel: 591 4000; www.avis.is), Budget (tel: 562 6060; www.budget.is), Europcar (tel: 565 3800; www.europcar.is), Herz (tel: 522 4420; www.hertz.is) and Sixt (tel: 540 2222; www.sixt.is).
Bicycle Hire
Reykjavik's flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (tel: 562 0099; www.fjallahjolaklubburinn.is), based in Reykjavik, offers advice on cycling around the country, which is a tough and grueling experience. Bikes can be hired from Borgarhjol Bike Rental, Hverfisgata 50 (tel: 551 5653; http://borgarhjol.net).
