Iceland "An ice-capped paradise"

Local Travel Info
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Local Travel Info

Internal Flights and Major International Airports in Iceland
The main airport in Iceland is the KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. It is located in the southwest of Iceland and 48km from Reykjavik, the country’s capital. The airport also connects all domestic flights to various locations in the country. The Leifur Eiríksson International Air Terminal in Keflavik operates 24 hours per day with many retail and service outlets provided for travellers.
 

Getting to and from the airport in Iceland

It is easy to get to and from the airport in Iceland. The airport’s bus service called Flybus operates between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport at least 10 times a day. The Flybus from Keflavik Airport leaves approximately 30 to 35 minutes after each flight arrival. Passengers are dropped off at all major hotels in Reykjavík, at the Camping Place which is a Youth Hostel in Laugardalur and at Air Iceland´s Domestic Terminal, Reykjavik Airport. The fare for Flybus service is ISK 1500 one way for adults and ISK 650 one way for children 2 to12 years. Alternatively, you can choose to take the airport taxis to Reykjavik. The taxis charge uniform fares and you pay what the meter shows at the end of the trip. The taxi fare for 4 passengers to Reykjavik is approximately ISK 10,000.
 

Renting Cars in Iceland

Driving in Iceland is probably the most flexible way to explore the island. There are many reputable car rental agencies in Iceland offering standard two wheel drive vehicles. Four wheel drive vehicles are available for those who want to venture into rougher terrains. The rental prices for cars in Iceland are high; the price for a two wheel drive car is about ISK 4,000 per day and about ISK12,000 per day for a four wheel drive car. It is advisable to make reservation for rentals of four wheel drive vehicles several months in advance as they are usually in high demand especially during the summer months.

To book car rental in Iceland online, view our Car Hire section for Iceland. We offer Ok Alpha users the latest special offers and best rates available for car hire in Iceland. We advise you book your Iceland hire car in advance so you can pick it up and drop it off directly at the airport.
 

Driving license requirements in Iceland

To rent a car in Iceland, foreign drivers must be at least 18 years of age and have held a license for at least one year. Some car hire agencies impose a minimum age requirement of at least 25 for those who wish to hire a four wheel drive car to travel into the highlands of Iceland. The drivers in Iceland drive on the right handside of the road. Though the roads in Iceland are generally good, drivers should take great caution when driving in the interior of Iceland as the mountain roads have a surface of loose gravel and can be quite challenging at times to drive on. It would be useful for drivers in Iceland to familiarise themselves with road signs such as, "malbik endar" which means that the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road and "einbreið brú" means that a one-lane bridge is approaching. Driving off road or marked tracks is prohibited by law in Iceland. The general speed limit is 50 km per hour in urban areas, 80 km per hour on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90 km per hour on asphalt roads. There are speed cameras posted around the country and drink driving is an offense. Headlights and seatbelts must be put on at all times.
 

Buses in Iceland

Iceland operates an extensive bus network service which makes for an easy and inexpensive way for visitors to explore many parts of the country and highlands. The main bus terminal in Reykjavik, BSI bus terminal, is where all bus services depart and arrive. This is also a central point for all coach traffic in Iceland. The BSI bus service operates from 7am on weekdays and Saturdays, 10am on Sundays and Holidays. The service closes down at midnight. The bus fare for adults is ISK 150, Children 4 to11 are half price and children under 4 travel free. Bus tickets can be purchased from drivers or at the main transfer station at Hlemmur, Lækjartorg, Mjódd, Grensás and Ártún, City Hall and swimming pools. There is also a night bus service which runs until 4 am at weekends for night revellers.
 

Taxis in Iceland

There several taxis operators in Iceland which are all metered. You pay whatever the meter shows at the end of the trip. Taxis can be booked by phone or hailed from a taxi rank outside most hotels and throughout the city and towns. Though taxi fares are relatively expensive, it is frequently a convenient way to travel especially for short journeys. Taxi tour services are often offered by taxi stations in Reykjavik and Akureyri. The drivers in these tours also act as guides and generally speak English, German or a Scandinavian language. Worthwhile checking if you decide on a tour by taxi.
 

 

 

Cycling in Iceland

The rugged landscape and contrasting terrain makes cycling in Iceland a challenging and exhilarating experience. Every bend brings different a view with spectacular scenery. The mountainous terrains, quiet rolling pastures, glaciers, desert highlands, waterfalls and lakes will fulfil any traveller’s dream of an adventure close to nature. Though there are several cycle paths in Iceland’s city and major towns, most visitors cycling in Iceland will usually explore the island on Ring Road Route 1 which is the main road in Iceland. Ring Road Route 1 runs around the island and connects the towns, villages and city. The total length of the Ring Road is 1339km (832miles). Bicycles can be rented in Reykjavik and other points around Iceland.
 

Hitch Hiking in Iceland

Hitch hiking in Iceland is an inexpensive way to get around the country. Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Icelanders are also friendly people and will usually stop for hitchhikers. The roads in Iceland especially outside Reykjavik are usually quiet hence hitch hikers should plan where they want to go before hitching a ride as there may be only a few passing cars. It is also important to be prepared for any change in weather. Remember, hitch hiking in Iceland especially on off road routes can be windy and cold.