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The Best Way to Travel Around Iceland

Aerial view of scenic road in Iceland

Discovering the best way to travel around Iceland demonstrates how the country can feel like a new world, with nature center stage. Glaciers glint on mountaintops and puffins swirl around sheer coastal cliffs in this dynamic destination.

The distinctive and sparsely populated scenery still offers plenty of transportation options that allow you to explore in your preferred way.

A Zicasso Iceland destination specialist will always ensure you can enjoy the country in comfort by minding all your transportation logistics, with the following guide offering information on options you can consider.

Overview

Best for Long Distances: Flights
Best for Short Travel: Private Drivers & Car Rentals
Best for Urban Travel: Taxis & Local Transportation
Best Alternative Travel: Bikes
Enjoy the Best Ways to Travel in Iceland

Best for Long Distances: Flights

Icelandair airplane in flight

Domestic flights are a fast and easy way to travel far distances in Iceland. While the country only covers approximately 39,769 square miles of land, it has around 464 international and domestic airports.

The rugged terrain and island setting make some destinations reachable only by plane. A flight allows you to reach your intended destination much faster, while giving you a different perspective of the scenery below. For example, a flight between Reykjavík and Akureyri or Egilsstaðir can take 45 minutes instead of a five- to nine-hour drive.

Best for Short Travel: Private Drivers & Car Rentals

Roadside pull-off to enjoy the scenic view

A private driver is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Iceland’s famous landscape. A private driver knows the roads and better understands the conditions of even the most untouched regions of the country. This not only gives you more opportunities to explore farther afield, but also means you can sit back and relax, enjoying the scenery as your driver navigates the diverse terrain. Renting a car is an easy way to explore Iceland and turns some destinations that may feel inaccessible into an option. With a diverse landscape and unique culture, renting a car could take away from your surroundings as you concentrate on the road, road signs, and any unpredictable conditions that change with the weather, but a travel specialist can direct you with good logistics and trip design.

Best for Urban Travel: Taxis & Local Transportation

Reykjavik, Iceland

In Iceland’s capital city, taxis are abundant, easy to find, and reasonable, but when traveling outside of the city, they can be hard to find and expensive. Other forms of urban transportation in Iceland include buses, which are an easy and affordable option. Buses offer an extensive service around the city, running from early in the morning until late at night, with schedules accessible on an app.

Best Alternative Travel: Bikes

Biking on a winter day in Iceland

Cycling around Iceland is a lesser-known option for travelers. While it takes more time and requires experience, it is a great idea when the weather allows as it provides the opportunity to enjoy nature and experience the culture in a different way.

Enjoy the Best Ways to Travel in Iceland

Taking in the view of view of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Traveling around Iceland is relatively easy. The best time to visit the country depends greatly on the experiences you want, whether they be ice-cave walks, bird watching, seeing the Northern Lights, or embarking on glacial hikes. However, these excursions depend on the seasons.

Our Iceland travel guide can give you much more information on how you can have your perfect trip. You can also speak to a local travel expert after finding more inspiration with our Iceland tours and vacations to customize your trip according to your preferences.