Public transportation options
For those who would like to see Iceland, but want to avoid renting a private vehicle, public transportation options and privately operated bus service are available.
Utilising public transportation and other public transit opportunities not only allows travellers to focus on sightseeing in their travels, but also furthers the IRCA’s goals of striving for sustainability, and cultivating a culture of safety in the transportation system.
Public transportation options
Although renting a private vehicle might provide more freedom when travelling, experiencing Iceland through public transport is both accessible and easy, allowing travellers to enjoy the landscape without having to worry about the drive.
The IRCA runs the rural public bus service, owns four ferries, and subsidises select domestic flights around the country.
Available public transportation
Private bus service and guided tours
The tourism industry has become Iceland’s largest industry in the last fifteen years. This development has seen the emergence of private companies offering bus services to popular highland destinations, such as Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar, and Askja.
Reykjavík Excursions and TREX Travel Experiences are the two largest private bus service, and guided tour operators, but various smaller companies handle specific, regional routes around the country.
Privately operated companies are a welcome addition to the public transportation system, as all utilisation of public transit serves to further IRCA goals of sustainability and safety in the transportation system.
Booking and more information
For a comprehensive overview of Icelandic mass transit, PublicTransport.is provides maps and easy, direct links to booking sites for all private and public bus services, ferries, and domestic flight.