The best way to discover Reykjavik is to walk. The city has a compact and pleasant city centre and its main tourist attractions are mostly close enough to one another that you can reach them on foot.
Reykjavik has good pavements and is stroller friendly: traffic is limited and it is therefore an easy city to visit with kids.
Getting around Reykjavik by car or taxi
If your Reykjavik hotel is outside of the city centre yo may want to consider renting a car to get you closer to the action. There are several parking areas in Reykjavik both on street (pay and display) and in covered parking lots.
The city is organised in 4 different parking zones and different fees apply for each of them. Pay and display machines are available in all areas and have full details of the exact location and fee required.
Taxis are easy to find in Reykjavik and offer 24 hour service. While convenient, it is worth noticing that they are however an expensive form of transport: for longer distances in particular, shuttle bus services are usually significantly cheaper.
Car seats are compulsory in Iceland and the rules state that children cannot ride in a booster until at least 18 kg (40 lbs.) and should be in a booster until 36 kg (80 lbs.). Child seats should be placed on the back seat: children cannot seat in the front seat in Iceland until they are at least 140cm tall.
Click here to read more about what to bring to Iceland.
Getting around Reykjavik by bus
Buses are the only form of public transportation in Reykjavik. The company operating it is called Strætó and the buses connect the several cities constituting the Greater Reykjavik area. The buses are a bright yellow colour.
Buses have a special designated space for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs. Tickets must be purchased in advance in several shops in town. Children under 6 go free and children age 12-17 enjoy a reduced fare. You can find all the updated information here.
How to get to and from Reykjavik airport
Keflavik airport is located about 45 minutes outside of the city. It is well connected with the centre by frequent buses operating a shuttle service connected to flights arrivals/departures. These shuttle buses bring passengers up to Reykjavik city centre and selected hotels.
Reykjavik city centre is a no-bus area and several bus pick up/drop off points are scattered around the city, to serve the main landmarks. Some companies offer a combined pick up/drop off service of bus + mini van to drive passengers to their hotel door, should their accommodation fall within the no entry zone.
Click here to go to our Reykjavik City Guide.
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Practical guide about getting around Reykjavik with kids in tow