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- Why Getting Around In Iceland Is Unique.
Summary
- Walking and biking are the best ways to get around Reykjavík and other major cities in Iceland. It's a simple and enjoyable transportation option, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
- Staying in larger towns and cities in Iceland makes navigation easier. Look for accommodations with sidewalks and downtown areas, as these tend to be more pedestrian-friendly.
- Buses are available in Iceland, both within the city and to more remote locations. Tourists can purchase a bus passport during the summer months, and an app called Straeto provides schedules, maps, and contactless payment options for a convenient experience.
There are many tourist behaviors that Uber drivers won't love, but what if you travel somewhere that doesn't even have Uber? As it turns out, Uber doesn't operate in Iceland, which might be a surprise for those of us who are super used to having the app on our phones wherever we go.
Iceland is a great place to go in the summertime, so we need to be prepared with some modes of transportation. Since Uber isn't available in Iceland, we're definitely curious to learn how the locals and tourists get around. Read on to find out. It could be better to simply walk, bike, or rent a car when coming to the stunning country of Iceland.
UPDATE: 2023/09/28 17:13 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Why Getting Around In Iceland Is Unique.
This article has been refreshed with new information regarding a trip to Iceland, as well as tips and tricks for navigating the beautiful (and often remote) country. Whether someone wants to explore a fjord, see a mountain, or hop on a boat: Iceland is a spectacular place to visit.
You Can Walk Or Bike Through Reykjavík
- For those in Reykjavík, walking and biking are the best bet.
- This town (and many in the country) is incredibly walkable for visitors.
There are many different ways that you can get around a major city in Iceland, and walking and biking are two of them. These are definitely some of the simplest options when it comes to transportation. There are so many great things to do in Iceland, and a lot of planning can go into your vacation. One of the best ways to see Iceland is to go to a major city, like Reykjavík, and walk around. Travelade notes that there are a lot of hills, but you can definitely get to a lot of places by walking.
Travelade also mentions WOW bikes, which are purple, so they're not only functional and will allow you to see Iceland, but they're going to be gorgeous (and photogenic, too). There are stations where you can exchange money for a bike. You can pay for 30 minutes at a time (it costs 350 ISK) and 500 ISK for every 30-minute period that you want to add to your time. This sounds really fun.
Larger Towns And Cities In Iceland Are Easiest To Manuever
One thing to consider when coming to Iceland is that staying in more populated towns, cities, and villages means easier navigation. For people wanting to walk or bike: it's best to book a hotel or vacation rental somewhere with sidewalks, downtown areas, and close-knit communities.
What About Buses?
- There are buses running to more remote Icelandic locations.
- It could be better to have a car rented for any out-of-city travel.
Extreme Iceland also talks about buses, which you can take in areas that are considered the country, as well as Reykjavík. One thing to note is that tourists visiting Iceland in the summer months (June to September) can pay for a "bus passport." You can find bus terminals in Reykjavík which makes things super easy and convenient. If you want to make this mode of transportation even better, then an app, Straeto, will let you use your credit card so you don't have to carry around any cash, and you can see schedules and maps on this app, too.
According to Lonely Planet, the bus schedule is from seven in the morning until either 11 p.m. or 12 a.m. The areas around Reykjavík can be reached by bus: Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur, and Garðabær.
You Can Definitely Take Some Taxis
- There are countless taxi services running throughout Iceland.
- The taxis in Iceland are known to be pricey.
Lonely Planet says that while taxis are going to cost you quite a bit, this is definitely still an option. You can find a taxi if you're at a restaurant, bar, or bus station (especially if it's a Friday or Saturday evening), and you're not going to be expected to leave any tips for the driver.
Take A Boat To See Some Cool Sights
- Traveling via boat may be a good choice for Iceland vacationers.
- The country is small and driveable, but the water is worth exploring.
Extreme Iceland has some great tips for tourists visiting Iceland: you can take a boat to see some cool sights. You can visit Grimsey Island, which is located in the North of Iceland, by boat, and you can also see the Westfjords by booking through Seatours. You have to take a boat to visit the Westman Islands (where tourists see puffins) and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (located in the Westfjords), so it would be awesome to take advantage of this interesting mode of transportation.
When heading over to Iceland, you're going to want to know how to get around without Uber. Thankfully, these options will be convenient and allow you to see beautiful sights.