Iceland – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Iceland, and how do they compare to systems in other countries?

Iceland’s entire public transport infrastructure rests on buses alone, with no rail or rapid transit alternatives anywhere in the country. Anyone relocating from a place with a metro, tram, or commuter rail network will need to adjust their expectations accordingly. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, transport investment and planning focused heavily on roads, Reykjavík included. The legacy of those decisions is a country that is strongly oriented towards private car use, with a relatively limited public transport offering.

Iceland ranks among the highest in the world for car ownership, recording 779 cars per 1,000 residents as of 2024. While residents of many Western European cities instinctively turn to public transport for their daily travel, most Icelanders outside the capital depend primarily on their own vehicles. Within Reykjavík itself, however, the bus network offers a genuinely viable everyday option.

In March 2023, the capital area recorded around 1.2 million bus journeys per month — roughly 40,000 per day. The network benefits from strong digital infrastructure: routes, stops, and timetables are published as a public GTFS data feed, enabling both Google Maps and Apple Maps to display bus information. A 2024 expansion added live departure times, giving passengers real-time tracking across the network. For a capital of its scale, this is a solid technological foundation.

By 2024, the fleet included 28 battery-electric buses and 4 CNG buses, representing approximately 18% of total vehicles in service. Iceland’s broader commitment to renewable energy is reflected in the gradual greening of its bus fleet, though the overall size of the network remains modest in comparison with capital cities in larger European nations.

What bus services are available in Iceland, and who operates them?

Strætó is the public transport company responsible for city bus services across the Icelandic capital region, encompassing Reykjavík and its surrounding municipalities. The company also manages rural coach services for most of the country, working in partnership with the Icelandic Road Administration. It is jointly owned by the six Capital Region municipalities: Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, and Seltjarnarnes. The buses are immediately recognisable by their striking yellow livery.

The Strætó network comprises 29 routes within the capital area and typically 30 routes outside it. In Reykjavík, most services run at 15-minute intervals during peak hours, dropping to every 30 minutes off-peak. From 17 August 2025, key routes will see departures every ten minutes at the busiest times of day, as part of a continuing effort to increase service frequency.

Two further local bus networks also form part of Iceland’s public transport landscape: the SVA system serving Akureyri, northern Iceland’s main urban centre, and the local bus service in Reykjanesbær near Keflavík International Airport. Away from these urban areas, bus coverage becomes considerably thinner.

Routes numbered between 50 and 100 operate as long-distance services, linking Reykjavík and regional centres across the country. Certain highly rural routes function as request services, meaning passengers must phone ahead for the bus to operate. Long-distance Strætó departures from Reykjavík typically use the Mjódd bus terminal on the city’s outskirts.

Several private operators also serve specific corridors and tourist destinations. Reykjavik Excursions has run the Flybus — the principal coach link between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport — since 1979. The Highland Bus is another scheduled service, offering independent travellers access to Iceland’s most celebrated hiking areas during the summer months. Operator Trex (trex.is) runs scheduled coaches to highland destinations including Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, primarily from summer through early autumn.

During the peak tourist season from June to mid-September, regular bus services reach most attractions along Iceland’s Ring Road, popular destinations in the southwest, and larger towns in the Westfjords and East Fjords. Outside this window, routes are substantially reduced and timetables become less frequent. This seasonal rhythm is a critical consideration for expats planning their regular transport arrangements.

Where can I find timetables, routes, and fare information for buses in Iceland?

The main starting point for city transport in Reykjavík is the official Strætó website at straeto.is/en, which is fully available in English and covers schedules, route maps, and pricing. The Klappið app is the essential companion tool for real-time tracking, ticket purchases, and journey planning. Fare details are listed directly at straeto.is/en/store/pricing.

For a complete national picture spanning all operators, the website publictransport.is aggregates detailed timetables and route information for every bus line in Iceland. It draws together services from Strætó, Reykjavik Excursions, Trex, and regional operators in a single location — particularly useful when piecing together multi-leg journeys beyond the capital.

The Klappið ticketing platform maintains its own dedicated site at klappid.is/en, where users can browse pass options, manage their account, and review fare structures. For Reykjavik Excursions services including the Flybus, the relevant site is re.is. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (vegagerdin.is), which funds and oversees rural routes outside the capital, serves as an additional official reference point.

To identify the right bus for a particular journey, travellers can use the route planner on the Strætó website or the Klappið app, both of which display real-time bus locations and per-route timetables. Since the entire network’s data is published as a GTFS feed — extended in 2024 to include live departure information — Google Maps and Apple Maps offer a familiar and reliable journey-planning option for newly arrived residents.

What types of tickets and passes are available for buses in Iceland?

Within Reykjavík’s capital region, a single ticket grants unlimited transfers for 75 minutes from the moment it is activated, at a flat fare. The standard adult single fare stood at ISK 650 as of autumn 2024. Given that fares are periodically revised, always verify the latest figures at straeto.is/en/store/pricing.

A particularly useful feature of the Reykjavík system is automatic fare capping — a mechanism familiar to users of London’s Oyster or contactless payment networks. Under this scheme, adult passengers are never charged for more than 3 journeys in a day or 9 in a week. Frequent commuters therefore receive an effective discount automatically, without needing to purchase any advance pass.

The Klappið app supports a range of payment options, including single-journey tickets and longer-duration period passes — such as monthly or annual subscriptions — for both residents and visitors. Students aged 18 and over are entitled to a 50% reduction on period passes for Strætó services in the capital area. The annual student pass is priced at 58,000 ISK. Always check klappid.is/en to confirm current pass prices, as these are subject to revision.

It is also worth noting that during 2025, Strætó began phasing out the 1- and 3-day passes that had previously been issued on single-use Klapp barcode cards. The system is moving towards fare capping as the primary mechanism for short-stay users, replacing fixed-duration day passes as the standard option for tourists and short-term visitors.

For those arriving in Reykjavík for the first time, the Reykjavík City Card — available in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour formats — bundles free entry to numerous museums, galleries, the Viðey Island ferry, and swimming pools with unlimited capital-region bus travel. It does not, however, cover intercity or airport bus services. Current City Card pricing can be found at the Visit Reykjavík website.

For journeys between cities, fares are calculated on distance and are considerably steeper. Route 55 linking Reykjavík with Keflavík International Airport, for example, was priced at 2,400 ISK one-way as of 2025. Always confirm intercity fares directly with the relevant operator prior to travel, as prices change regularly.

How do I buy a bus ticket in Iceland?

Iceland’s ticketing landscape has shifted considerably in recent years, and newcomers should familiarise themselves with the cashless setup before stepping onto a bus for the first time. The following steps explain how to get started:

1. Download the Klappið app. Klappið is the official payment application for Strætó Iceland’s public transport network. It is available from the App Store for Apple devices and from Google Play for Android, and supports both Icelandic and English.
2. Register and add a payment method. After downloading, create an account using your phone number and enter your card details. Note that American Express is not accepted by the app. Once registered, you can purchase tickets or load a card.
3. Purchase a ticket or pass. Single-journey tickets and period passes for Strætó buses can be bought through the app. Tickets are not activated at the point of purchase, meaning you can buy ahead and use them when needed.
4. Activate and scan when boarding. Once on the bus, activate your ticket within the app and hold the barcode up to the validator near the driver. An active internet connection is required to both purchase and use tickets via the app.
5. Alternatively, get a Klapp smartcard. Frequent travellers may prefer a reusable Klapp smartcard, onto which any ticket type can be loaded. These cards are sold at selected shops and service points across the capital area.
6. Or pay by contactless bank card. Following the introduction of fare capping in September 2024, Strætó added support for contactless Visa and Mastercard payments in December of the same year. For new arrivals yet to set up the app or obtain a smartcard, this is the most straightforward boarding option.

One point that cannot be overstated: from June 2025, Strætó ceased accepting cash on city bus routes. Unlike many bus systems worldwide where coins handed to the driver remain an option, Reykjavík’s urban buses now operate on a fully cashless basis. Always have your app, smartcard, or contactless bank card ready before you board.

Are there trams in Iceland?

Iceland has no railway infrastructure of any kind, though proposals have surfaced over the years for a passenger rail link between Keflavík and Reykjavík, as well as ideas for a light rail system in the capital. At present, there are no trams, light rail vehicles, metro lines, or any other form of rail-based passenger transit operating anywhere in the country. For expats arriving from cities where rail networks are the backbone of daily transport, this is a significant practical difference that requires adjustment.

A major infrastructure initiative is, however, underway. Borgarlína is the name given to a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network for Iceland’s capital region — a project that has been in planning since 2015, involving the conversion of existing road corridors to include lengthy stretches of lanes reserved exclusively for public transport.

The Borgarlínan concept centres on buses running in their own dedicated infrastructure, with purpose-built stops and a distinct visual identity. The BRT model combines the high capacity and operational speed of a tram with the reduced construction costs and flexibility associated with bus-based systems. From a passenger perspective, the experience is deliberately designed to resemble a metro or tram rather than a conventional city bus — with level boarding, station-style stops, and high service frequency.

Portions of the network are being designed to accommodate a future upgrade to light rail. As of 2025, the first phase is scheduled to open in 2031. The broader Borgarlína works have already brought changes to the current network: the main city-centre interchange at Hlemmur was closed in 2024 as a result of urban redevelopment and construction activity, with services partially relocated to a temporary facility at Skúlagötu. Once reconstruction is complete, Hlemmur will re-emerge as a dedicated interchange for Borgarlína BRT services.

For expats settling in Reykjavík today, it is worth keeping in mind that the city’s transport picture is set to change substantially before the early 2030s. The BRT vehicles will measure 18 to 24 metres in length and will operate at seven-and-a-half-minute intervals, running mainly in segregated lanes. Passengers can expect high-quality interchange stations and mobility hubs featuring universal access, cycle parking, and live transport information displays.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses in Iceland?

Every new country comes with its own unspoken norms around public transport — and Iceland is no different. The points below cover the most essential things to understand before your first commute:

• Go cashless from day one. Cash is no longer accepted on city buses. Before making your first journey, either set up the Klappið app, pick up a Klapp smartcard, or confirm that your Visa or Mastercard supports contactless payment.
• Understand the 75-minute transfer rule. A single fare in the capital region covers unlimited bus changes within 75 minutes of activation. This means one payment can take you across multiple routes in a single journey — much like time-based transfer systems in cities such as Dublin or Stockholm.
• Use Google Maps or Apple Maps for route planning. Strætó’s full timetable and stop data is available as a GTFS feed, and a 2024 update added real-time departure information to both mapping apps. For new arrivals unfamiliar with the local network, this makes navigation intuitive from day one.
• Be aware of evening and weekend schedules. City buses generally begin running from around 6:30 AM on weekdays and start later on weekends, with most services running until around midnight. Late-night travel is covered by Routes 101, 103, and 106 on Friday and Saturday evenings. Services are noticeably less frequent than during weekday peak hours, so it pays to check times in advance.
• Plan intercity travel well ahead. Long-distance journeys require careful planning — Route 57 from Reykjavík to Akureyri, for example, takes 8–10 hours, far longer than the equivalent drive. Seats on intercity coaches fill quickly, especially during the summer tourist season.
• Dress for the conditions at rural stops. Iceland’s weather can deteriorate rapidly even in summer. Carrying warm layers when waiting at rural bus stops — where shelter is often minimal — is a sensible precaution at any time of year.
• Expect significantly reduced options outside the capital in winter. Strætó runs year-round and covers the broadest network, but many other operators are summer-only. If you live outside Reykjavík or intend to travel to rural areas between autumn and spring, your bus options will be considerably restricted.
• Purchase Klappið tickets before you need them. The app requires an internet connection to activate tickets, and connectivity cannot always be guaranteed. Buying tickets in advance rather than at the last moment at the stop will save stress.
• Accessibility varies between routes. Strætó’s city buses in Reykjavík are low-floor vehicles with step-free boarding. Many long-distance coaches are also suitable for wheelchair users, and accessibility has become an increasingly prominent concern across the network in recent years. If accessibility is a priority, check the details for individual routes before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro or underground system in Reykjavík?

No. Iceland’s public transport is built entirely around buses, and the country has no metro, underground, tram, or any other form of rail-based passenger transit. A Bus Rapid Transit network known as Borgarlína is currently in development for the capital region, with the first phase expected to open in 2031.

Can I use a contactless bank card to pay on Reykjavík buses?

Yes — Visa and Mastercard contactless payments are accepted on Strætó city buses. This facility was introduced in December 2024 and is a convenient option for new arrivals who have not yet downloaded the Klappið app. Bear in mind that American Express is not supported by the Klappið app, so check your card type before depending on it.

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík by bus?

The Flybus, run by Reykjavik Excursions, operates timed connections with all arriving and departing flights at Keflavík International Airport. The journey from the airport terminal to Reykjavík takes around 45 minutes. Strætó Route 55 also serves this corridor; visit straeto.is/en or re.is for up-to-date timetables and fares.

Are buses in Iceland reliable in bad weather?

Because public transport in Iceland is so closely tied to road conditions, it is not always as dependable as travellers might hope. Advance planning is strongly advisable. In particularly harsh weather — especially on rural and highland routes during winter — services may be curtailed or suspended entirely. Always check the Strætó website or app before setting out.

Do I need to speak Icelandic to use the bus system?

No. The Klappið app can be switched to English, the Strætó website is fully available in English, and both Google Maps and Apple Maps are compatible with the Reykjavík bus network. City buses also feature on-board stop displays and audible announcements, helping passengers follow their journey without any knowledge of Icelandic.

Is there a discount for students or seniors on Icelandic buses?

Students aged 18 and over qualify for a 50% reduction on period passes for Strætó services in the capital area. The annual student pass is listed at 58,000 ISK on the Klappið platform — check klappid.is/en for the latest pricing. Concessions for other groups, including seniors and children, are also available through the Klapp system and are detailed on the Strætó pricing page.

How do I travel by bus between Reykjavík and Akureyri?

Route 57 connects Reykjavík with Akureyri in 8–10 hours, making it effectively a full day’s travel. Bookings can be made through the Klappið app or via straeto.is/en. Advance booking is strongly advised, particularly during the busier summer months.

What is Borgarlína, and when will it open?

Borgarlína is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project designed to transform sections of the capital region’s road network by introducing dedicated public transport corridors. These lanes will be reserved exclusively for buses and emergency vehicles, and are also intended to serve as the foundation for a future light rail system in a subsequent phase of development. As of 2025, the first phase of Borgarlína is scheduled to open in 2031.