# Public transport

- URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/public-transport/
- Published: 2021-08-16
- Last updated: 2026-10-05

> Explore Iceland without a car! While there are no trains, the country offers plenty of options, such as public buses, guided bus tours, ferries, and domestic flights, making it easy to get around. Be sure to plan ahead, especially in winter, for a seamless journey.

Are you looking to explore Iceland without a car? While there are no trains in Iceland, you can easily navigate the country by bus, ferry, or plane. Planning is highly recommended, particularly during winter (November-March), to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

### Strætó - the Icelandic Public Transportation System

*Image: Strætó, the public bus, is recognizable by its yellow color*

Strætó operates buses in Reykjavík and around the country. On [Straeto.is](https://www.straeto.is/en) you can check timetables, plan routes, download the straeto app, named [Klapp](https://www.straeto.is/en/store/klapp) and buy tickets.

There is no hop-on/hop-off bus pass available that covers the whole island. However, the bus network is extensive and makes it possible to travel the whole circle. In addition to strætó, local bus networks operate in the East and Westfjords of Iceland. When planning your trip, pay attention to the summer and winter schedules.

*Image: Many companies offer organized bus tours around the country*

### Organized bus tours

Numerous private bus companies offer scheduled tours, package tours, day trips, and excursions from Reykjavík to many destinations all around the country.

[View a list of all bus companies](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4b8&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d469)  

### Highland Buses

During summer, the [Highland Bus](https://trex.is/) and [Hikers Bus pass](https://trex.is/hikers-buss-pass/) bring you to the popular hiking spots Þorsmörk and Landmannalaugar.

[Read more about bus travel in Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/bus-tours-iceland)

*Image: Keflavík Airport*

### Scheduled airport transfer - buses to Keflavík Airport

The drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík takes approximately 45-50 minutes, depending on the pick-up station. Scheduled tours between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport operate the whole year-round, starting very early in the morning.  

[Flybus Airport Shuttle](https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/)

[Gray Line Iceland](https://grayline.is/airport-bus-transfer)

[Airport Direct](https://airportdirect.is/)

[Strætó](https://www.straeto.is/en/route-planner/bus-kefairport) 

*Image: Domestic Airports can be found all over Iceland*

### Domestic flights 

Regular flights are scheduled from Reykjavík to domestic airports in all parts of the country. In cooperation with local bus companies, most towns in Iceland are connected to a regional airport, giving you easy access from Reykjavík to anywhere.  

[View a full list of airlines in Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4b8&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d46a)

### Ferry connections

*Image: The Ferry Baldur sailing between Stýkkishólmur, Flatey and Brjánslækur*

Several ferry lines operate services to various islands and fjords. During the summer, ferries also offer regular sightseeing tours.

[Reykjavík-Viðey Island](https://www.elding.is/videy/)

[Stykkishólmur-Flatey-Brjánslækur](https://www.ferja.is/en)

[To Grímsey Island](https://www.vegagerdin.is/en/the-transportation-system/public-transport/ferries/saefari-grimsey)

[To Hrísey Island](https://www.hrisey.is/en/ferry-schedule)

[To the Westman Islands](https://herjolfur.is/en/schedule)  

[View a list of all ferries in Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4b8&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d468)

### Sharing a Ride - Carpooling in Iceland   

Sharing a ride is also a common way to get from one town to another. On [www.samferda.is](https://www.samferda.net/), one can offer and request rides at one’s own risk.