Getting Around & Where to Stay
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Getting Around Iceland

Iceland is a great road trip destination, with the Ring Road (Highway Route 1) circling the entire island for about 1,332 km (828 miles) and the most traveled road. Main roads are accessible even with a regular car during the summer months, but a 4×4 is required for some more challenging off-the-beaten-path detours, or travel during winter months. For more adventurous travelers, the F-roads (mountain roads) offer access to remote highland areas, but these require a 4×4 vehicle due to rough conditions all rear around.
There are several options for exploring Iceland depending on time restrains, budgets, and travel styles. Many visitors choose self-driving option as it provides the most flexibility.
Be prepared for unique conditions like single-lane bridges, gravel roads, and sudden weather changes. Always have your headlights on, and remember, right turns on red are illegal.

Offer the most flexible option when travelling in Iceland. Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Budget, and Europcar have locations at Keflavik International Airport and sometimes in Reykjavik. Local companies like Lava Car Rental, Blue Car Rental, and Go Cars (Greenmotion) are often recommended for their competitive pricing and service.
If driving on regular roads and good weather, sedans and economy cars are often suitable. However, if planning drive on F-roads (mountain roads) or explore the highlands, SUV and 4×4 vehicles are recommended.

For those looking to combine transportation with accommodation, camper vans are a popular choice, especially in summer. They provide flexibility in camping allowing staying overnight in beautiful, remote locations, but are less ideal in winter due to harsh weather and limited campsite availability.

Strætó, Reykjavik’s public bus system, operates with yellow buses throughout the Greater Reykjavik Area. Several companies operate along Iceland’s main highway, including Reykjavík Excursions, Sterna Travel, and Strætó. Special buses, often referred to as “Highland Buses,” operate during the summer to highland areas like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, which are not accessible by regular buses due to rough terrain. Websites like publictransport.is provide detailed schedules and routes. The Strætó app is also useful for navigating within Reykjavik.

Various operators offer day trips or multi-day tours covering different regions or themes like the Northern Lights, Golden Circle, or South Coast. There are also off-road adventures, that can take you to less accessible spots like Thórsmörk or the interior highlands. Specialized Tours include whale watching, or glacier adventures.

Quick way to hop between regions, especially useful for the Westfjords or East Iceland.

Used to access islands like the Westman Islands or remote areas in the Westfjords, but have limited schedules and are weather-dependent.

Drive Safe stay happy
Iceland Academy Class

Plan Early
Where to Stay

Iceland offers plenty of options for lodging that include hotels, apartments, guesthouses, cabins or hostels. To ensure success in choosing your preferred locations, it is essential to book your stays as much in advance as possible, especially if you plan your trip during peak season. Hotels and apartments fill up fast during summer and even the Christmas season. It also should be noted that a trip around Iceland involves staying in small communities or settlements with limited lodging options. All accommodations in Iceland are pretty costly.
Usefull Fact: Tap water is safe to drink as it sourced directly from pristine springs.

Only ones that we would return to…
Recommended Accomodations

Sol Apartment, Keflavík –
Great location, close to the airport. Close to the main street in Keflavík for dinning and souvenir shopping. Fully equipped kitchen, spacious and clean. Free private parking. Great communication before and after stay.

Link to Booking.com
Apartment

Close to KEF airport

Lighthouse-Inn, Gardur –
Close to the coast and airport. Clean and recently updated. Electric kettle provided. All rooms are located on ground floor. Pool table and common areas to relax. Easy parking. Restaurant is closed some days, check hours before arrival.

Link to Booking.com
Hotel

Close to KEF airport

Baldursbrá Apartment Laugavegur, Reykjavík – Great location for shopping, dinning and exploring on foot. Free parking. Spacious and comfy. Specious. Well-appointed kitchen with Nespresso coffee machine with pods. Washer and dryer. Elevator. A bit confusing entrance.

Link to Booking.com
Apartment

Reykjavik, Center

Private and Peaceful One Bedroom Apartments – Lovely apartment with cozy bedroom and well-equipped kitchen. Parking convenient in the front, but steep driveway. Located above a quirky café and nice restaurant next door. Many other options to eat nearby. Friendly and easy check-in.

Link to Booking.com
Apartment

Borgarnes

Hotel Búdir – Perfect location for exploring the Snaefellsness Peninsula. Amazing views. Next door to the famous Black Church. Choice of rooms between a recently remodeled section and the older one. To access some rooms in the older section exit from the main building is required. Expensive but good restaurant. Elevator. Comfy beds. Cozy lounge areas.

Link to Booking.com
Hotel

Búdir

Sudur-Bár Guesthouse, near Grundarfjördur – Beautiful view of Kirkjufell. Guesthouse offers bright, simple rooms that have either a private bathroom with shower or an in-room wash basin and separate shared bathroom. Cozy studios with kitchenettes, porch area, and TVs are also available. Breakfast buffet. Convinient parking. Books fast.

Link to Booking.com
Guesthouse

Sudur-Bár near Grundarfjördur

Kirkjufell Guesthouse & Apartments, just outside Grundarfjördur –
Beautiful view of Kirkjufell Mountain. Guesthouse offers cozy rooms with a private bathroom, common lounge area and a shared kitchen. In a separate building it offers comfortable clean apartments with well-equipped kitchen and sitting area. Easy check-in. Convenient parking.

Link to Booking.com
Guesthouse & Apartments

Grundarfjördur

Private House with Private Garden, Ísafjörður – Lovely and clean two-bedroom duplex located in the center of the “old town” Isafjordur in the Westfjords. Amazing well- equipped kitchen, comfy living room, and washer and dryer in the basement. Stairs to bedrooms and bathroom. Convenient parking in front of the house. Great communication with host.

Link to Booking.com
Private House

Ísafjörður

Vík Apartments – Close to the Black Beach, shops and restaurants. Kronan store right opposite the apartment. Modern with well-equipped kitchen, and washer and dryer. Convenient parking. Upper units accessible by stairs.

Link to Booking.com
Apartment

Vik

Black Beach Suites –
Beautiful views of the sea. Well-equipped kitchen with coffee maker. Comfortable beds, big bathroom, modern and clean. Small deck area. Free parking.

Link to Booking.com
Suites

Close to Vik & Reynishverfisvegur Beach

Nónhamar, Hof – Cozy two-bedroom cabins and mini-cabins. Well-equipped kitchenette with everything you need for a short stay. Parking in the front of the cottage. Great location to visit Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon.  

Link to Web Site
Cabins

Close to Hof village

weather forecasts
Important Weather Links

Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change dramatically. Official weather forecast is posted on the Icelandic MET Office website, and weather and road conditions on the Safe Travel web site.

Icelandic MET Office Iceland Safe Travel
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