Iceland with its wild beauty and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for nature lovers, if not even adventurers. The fact remains that to visit a place well, you must first get around it well. So back to these few useful little things to know when traveling in Iceland…
Routes and traffic
Iceland has more than 12,000 km of roads and tracks, with a relatively dense network around the capital and much more random elsewhere.
Of the whole, a large third is paved and you can drive without difficulty around Reykjavik as well as on the circular road (N1) which goes around the island. For the rest, most of the trails generally require an all-terrain vehicle, knowing that many of them are closed for long months due to the climate (don’t forget if you travel outside of summer).
In short, road travel in Iceland requires some precautions, caution and adaptation depending on the seasons and the roads taken.
Rules of Conduct
In terms of highway code, the speed is limited to 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on tracks and 90 km/h on asphalt roads. It is compulsory to drive with low beam lights 24 hours a day and it is forbidden to drive off marked roads and trails. It is also prohibited to drive after drinking alcohol since Iceland has a zero tolerance policy in this area.
Otherwise, you should know that in the case of fines, these can quickly add up.
Roads closed for months inside the island
As long as we stay on the circular road (N1) which goes around the island or in the surroundings of the capital, there will never be any problem traveling whatever the type of vehicle or the season.
On the other hand, you should know that most of the roads and mountain trails in the center of the island are closed until June, or even longer, due to mud or melting snow which makes them impassable. They are then open during the summer months until the next harsh weather conditions which will force their closures again (around September/October) until the following year. You might as well be aware of what you plan to do.
Car rental
There are many local – often the most economical – or international car rental agencies in Iceland.
As is often the case, having your own vehicle allows you great freedom but, given the prices, you might as well be sure of its usefulness and above all its profitability. Count in fact around 60-80 €/day for a standard model and not far from 100 € at best for a small all-terrain vehicle which will only be justified for leaving the main roads or going deep into the heart of the island.
In short, when it comes to finances, it’s better to have at least three people to cover the costs compared to, for example, the bus.
Likewise, if the planned stay revolves around hiking with few vehicle trips and many days of walking, renting will not necessarily be wise.
In summary, you need to think about your trip in advance and compare offers before opting for a car rental. Even if it is obvious that this remains a guarantee of freedom and simplicity in terms of transport and travel.
The buses
Iceland has a substantial bus network, with various companies, which serves all regions of the country, including the desert center with 4×4 vehicles.
However, you should know that the frequency of buses in Iceland can be very limited, with often only one connection/day for a number of services, that connections are in fact not always possible on the same day, and that the lines serving the indoor are only seasonal, mostly in June–August.
If many lines have a “public service” vocation, others – and even more and more – have primarily a tourist purpose allowing in particular access for visitors to certain otherwise difficult places such as in the center of the city. ‘island. In this case, beyond the transport itself, various additional services can be added.
Despite everything, the bus remains the best and most economical means of transport when you are alone or at least two people. Especially since there are different pass options for those who want to use it quite a bit or for a long time.
Otherwise, what else?
The bike
This is an option chosen by some with either their own equipment or rented on site.
The fact remains that discovering Iceland by bike is primarily aimed at somewhat experienced, equipped and above all motivated cycle tourists. Climatic variations and other harsh weather, associated with stages sometimes in an almost desert environment, can indeed be discouraging. That said, it is also possible to put your bike on the buses if you want.
Carpooling
In Iceland, as in many European countries, there are carpooling or “organized hitchhiking” services. We don’t necessarily think about it when we’re on vacation, but the service is also aimed at tourists.
Trains, boats and planes
There are no trains in Iceland.
As for the boat, the country has a few small domestic ferry lines allowing you to connect peninsulas together without the need for detours.
As for the plane, Iceland has developed an internal air network of around fifteen lines. But as it is focused on the capital, service between provincial towns will always or almost always require transit through Reykjavik.
So, what should you choose to travel to Iceland?
Most people going to Iceland generally opt for car rental, or incidentally travel by bus (“package”).
Even if the prices remain substantial, the car remains ideal in terms of freedom of movement. But be careful, because going off the beaten track, that is to say roughly the N1 road which goes around the island, cannot be improvised either, including in a 4×4.
As for the bus, its network is good and serves the area rather well, at least in summer. Here too the prices are not necessarily cheap but become more reasonable if you use the different pass systems.