£79+ Cheap flights to Reykjavik

Getting around Reykjavik

You can save some money by using the city’s public transport. The bus system, Strætó, will take you around the city and the suburbs cheaply and quickly. They don’t run all day, but there are some night buses. 

Watch your budget when you’re out late at night because taxis can be expensive. It’s easy to walk around Reykjavik, so most people don’t rent a car. There are plenty of bike rental companies to be found, so consider a two-wheeler to get around.

Getting to the city

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is located around 31 miles away from the city. There are regular bus services operating from the airport which take about 45 minutes to reach the centre of Reykjavik. Pre-booking is essential. Taxis are also available as are car rental companies.

What is good to know if travelling to Reykjavik?

• At 2, 999 ft high, Mt Esja is Reykjavik’s most outstanding feature and is also a popular hiking area among the locals. There are a number of routes to the top to choose from but regardless of how you get there, be sure to take in the stunning views of the city below.
• Best known as the site of a summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986 that effectively ended the Cold War, Hofdi House, built in 1909, is among the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavik. It was initially home to the French Consul in Iceland but has since hosted a number of famous guests including the Queen, Winston Churchill and Marlene Dietrich. These days it is used for official receptions and although it is not open to visitors, it can be viewed from the outside.
• Hallgrimskirkja church is Reykjavik’s most prominent landmark and is visible from just about anywhere in the city. Designed by Gudjon Samuelson, it aims to resemble volcanic rock formations and took 40 years to build before the grand opening in 1986. At the front of the building is a statue of Leifur Eiriksson, also known as Leif the Lucky, who was the first European to discover America some time around the year 1000 AD. Needless to say he was a native son.
• A few minutes from the city by boat, a visit to Videy Island is a must for all travellers. Inhabited since the 10th century, the island was a destination for pilgrims during the middle ages and was the site of the local port and a government seat before its last inhabitant left in 1943.
• The Pearl is a curious glass structure perched on top of a series of tanks that store the natural hot water of the area that in turn is used to heat the city. The dome houses a restaurant where the fine cuisine competes with the panoramic views of the city for visitors’ attention.