Best Time to Visit

In summer you'll find the warmest temperatures (usually in the low 20°C), beautiful green landscapes, and an exciting choice of events — see our dedicated section for more info. As summer is the most popular time to visit, though, expect crowds of tourists. A great attraction of Icelandic summers is the midnight sun: darkness lasts for a very short time, especially in June. Head for the countryside, where there are fewer artificial lights, to get the most ethereal views. July and August, the warmest months, are the best for hikers. May to September is the best period to go whale-watching, peaking in June and July. If you're interested in the Northern lights, visit in February-March or September-October, and remember to pack warm clothes against the less-than-idyllic weather.

Passport / Visa

Iceland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

All international flights land at the Keflavík International Airport, located near the town of Keflavík, about 50 kilometres from Reykjavík. Flybus is the airport shuttle that runs between the Keflavík International Airport and the city of Reykjavík. The shuttle schedule is coordinated with airline flight schedules. The bus stops at many of the larger hotels in the city to drop off and pick up travellers.

• Web:

  www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport

• Phone:

  +354 424 4000

Reykjavík City Airport (RKV)

Reykjavík’s domestic airport, situated near the city centre, operates flights to other parts of the country and to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. All major towns in the country have their own airports. On certain routes, you can also choose to fly one way, and take the bus the other way. For further information on scheduled domestic flights, contact Air Iceland.

• Web:

  www.isavia.is/en/reykjavik-airport

Public Transport

Reykjavík has an excellent bus system. Most buses run every 10–20 minutes, and every 30 minutes in the evening and on weekends. Bus information is available at the Lækjartorg bus station, at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre and online. A flat fare is charged on the buses. You may need to change buses: ask for a skiptimidi (transfer ticket) on the first bus and you will not have to pay again on the second bus if changing within 45 minutes. The Reykjavík Tourist Card, available at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre in addition to many hotels, museums and other outlets, offers unlimited bus travel for 24, 48 or 72 hours and unlimited access to most Reykjavík museums and thermal baths. A great way to see all the main sites in one go and with an excellent view, is with the hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus operated from May to mid-September. Coaches make regular trips from Reykjavík to various towns and places around Iceland. Tickets are sold at the BSI Coach Terminal, situated close to the city centre. Visit the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre for information about visiting other parts of the country.

• Web:

  www.bsi.is

• Address:

  BSI Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegi 10, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 580 5400

Taxi

Several taxi companies operate in Reykjavík. Taxi ranks are dotted around the city and the taxi companies have phone numbers that you can call to get a taxi from anywhere in the city. Some have special offers for transport to and from Keflavík International Airport. All taxis have official mileage meters, and taxi fares are charged at standard rates. There is no need to tip.

• Web:

  www.hreyfill.is/en

• Address:

  Hreyfill-Baejarleidir Taxis

• Phone:

  +354 588 5522