Does Iceland Have Uber? How to Get Around Reykjavík

No, Iceland does not have Uber, Lyft or any other ride-hailing app. There are no plans to introduce one. The Icelandic taxi market is regulated, and ride-sharing services are not licensed to operate in the country.

That might sound inconvenient, but Reykjavík is a small, walkable city, and there are several ways to get around that work perfectly well. Here is the full picture.

Why No Uber?

Iceland's transportation market is regulated by the government, and ride-hailing services like Uber have not been permitted. The taxi industry is licensed, and drivers must meet specific training and insurance requirements. There has been limited public pressure to change this, partly because Reykjavík is compact enough that alternatives work well.

Taxis in Iceland

Taxis exist in Reykjavík and a few larger towns, but they are expensive. Really expensive. A 10-minute ride across central Reykjavík can easily cost 2,500 to 4,000 ISK ($18 to $30). A taxi from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík costs 15,000 to 20,000 ISK ($110 to $145). The meters run at rates that reflect Icelandic wages and operating costs.

How to get a taxi:

Call ahead: Hreyfill (tel: 588 5522) and BSR (tel: 561 0000) are the two main companies
Taxi ranks are located at the city centre (by Harpa concert hall and on Lækjargata), at the BSÍ bus terminal and at the domestic airport
Hotels and restaurants will call one for you
There is no hailing taxis on the street in Iceland. You call, book or go to a rank

Tipping: Not expected or necessary. See our tipping guide for details.

Walking: The Best Way to See Reykjavík

Central Reykjavík is remarkably small. You can walk from Harpa concert hall to Hallgrímskirkja church in 15 minutes. Almost everything visitors want to see, from the main shopping street (Laugavegur) to the old harbour, the museums, restaurants and nightlife, is within a 20-minute walk.

If you are staying in the city centre, you will not need any transport for exploring Reykjavík itself. Walking is genuinely the best option.

In winter: Pavements can be icy. Wear shoes with good grip or consider slip-on ice grips (available at outdoor shops in Reykjavík).

Public Buses (Strætó)

Reykjavík's public bus system is called Strætó. It covers the greater Reykjavík capital area (including Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær) and is the cheapest way to get around by vehicle.

Key information:

Single ride: 550 ISK (~$4)
Payment: You need the Klappið app (download it before you arrive). Cash is not accepted on buses. Buy credits through the app and scan when boarding
Routes and schedules: Available at straeto.is and in the Klappið app
Frequency: Main routes run every 15 to 30 minutes during the day. Evenings and weekends are less frequent
The system is practical for getting to places like Laugardalslaug swimming pool, the Perlan museum or Kringlan shopping centre from the city centre

The honest take: Strætó works for getting around the capital area but it is not fast or frequent enough to be a primary transport method for tourists. Routes are designed for commuters, not sightseers. For getting to the airport or between towns, there are better options.

Airport Transfer: Keflavík to Reykjavík

The 50 km between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík is the one journey where transport matters most.

Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions): The most popular option. Coaches depart from outside the terminal after every flight arrival. The ride takes about 45 minutes to the BSÍ bus terminal, with optional add-on transfers to hotels and guesthouses.

Price: 3,499 ISK one way (~$25)
Book at re.is or buy at the counter in the arrivals hall

Airport Direct (Gray Line): Similar service, similar price. Offers hotel drop-offs.

Price: 3,499 ISK one way
Book at airportdirect.is

Taxi: 15,000 to 20,000 ISK ($110 to $145). Pre-booking is recommended. Only worthwhile if you are splitting with 3 to 4 people.

Rental car: If you are renting a car for your trip, pick it up at the airport. Many rental companies have desks in the terminal or shuttle you to nearby lots. See our car rental guide.

The honest advice: Take the Flybus or Airport Direct. It is easy, affordable and stress-free. Only take a taxi if you have a large group splitting the cost or if you arrive at an unusual hour when buses are not running.

Getting Around Iceland Beyond Reykjavík

Once you leave Reykjavík, your options narrow significantly.

Rental car: By far the best option for exploring Iceland. The freedom to stop wherever you want, whenever you want, is invaluable in a country where the scenery is the main attraction. See our car rental guide and driving guide.

Domestic flights: Useful for reaching the north (Akureyri) or east (Egilsstaðir) quickly. Icelandair and PLAY operate domestic routes. Flights to Akureyri take about 45 minutes and cost 12,000 to 25,000 ISK if booked in advance.

Long-distance buses: Strætó operates some intercity routes, and companies like Reykjavík Excursions and SBA run seasonal services to popular destinations. Coverage is limited and schedules are infrequent. See our public transport guide.

Guided tours: Day tours from Reykjavík cover the Golden Circle, south coast, Snæfellsnes and more. Multi-day tours cover the Ring Road and highland destinations. These are a good option if you do not want to drive, especially in winter. See our tours comparison guide.

Electric Scooters and Bikes

E-scooters (Hopp) have been available in Reykjavík seasonally. Check the app for current availability. They are useful for quick trips around the city centre in dry weather.

Bike rentals are available from several shops in Reykjavík. The city has some bike paths, and cycling is pleasant in summer. In winter, it is cold, windy and not recommended.

The Bottom Line

No Uber, but you do not need it. Walk in Reykjavík (it is tiny), take the Flybus to and from the airport, and rent a car for exploring the rest of Iceland. That combination covers 99% of visitors perfectly.