How To Travel Iceland Without A Car (And Still See All The Best Sights)
If you’re wondering how to travel Iceland without a car but still want to see all the natural beauty this country has to offer then you’re probably in exactly the same position I was before I travelled there. You want the goods, without the headache that is foreign country car hire!
And honestly, somewhere like Iceland I really don’t blame you. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if you’re not an experienced driver in snowy conditions it probably isn’t all that safe to hire a car in Iceland.
While I was there I saw the weather turn from a beautiful, clear sunny day to a snowstorm where you literally couldn’t see a few paces ahead in a matter of minutes.
Luckily our driver (and those around us) knew exactly what to do, and promptly stopped the car in the middle of a main road while snow built up all around us. I was hiking to the garage station toilets with a good few inches of snow on the ground within 15 minutes. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!
You might not have the snow to contend with in the summer months, but I would still recommend letting someone else do the driving for you. The distances are long and the views are insane. You will want to be a passenger princess, staring out of the window while someone else does the navigating.
But how do you make sure you still see all the beautiful scenery Iceland has to offer without a car of your own? Luckily there are plenty of options, and all of them will make sure an unforgettable trip.
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Table of Contents
- Sightseeing Without A Car In Iceland
- Getting A Transfer Without A Car In Iceland
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sightseeing Without A Car In Iceland
If you only have a short time in Iceland, then base yourself in Reykjavik. Even just 3 days in Reykjavik is plenty of time to see the city and take some day tours to the natural beauty spots. You can still have the best time sightseeing in Iceland without a car. Here is how!
Best Day Tours In Iceland
If you’re travelling without a car in Iceland then my number one suggestion is to take day or multi-tours.
I was so against tours, being fiercely independent when I travel and stubborn about setting my own itineraries. When it came to Iceland I just couldn’t bring myself to tackle dangerous icy unfamiliar roads and gave in to the convenience of tours and I am so glad I did.
Not only did I get to see all the top spots I wanted in a short amount of time, but I also visited some places I never would have known about that turned about to be some of my favourite places. I met some incredible people, and the tour guides were full of information that I simply wouldn’t have even thought to look up if I was going it alone.
Basically, I had the best time, and would jump at the opportunity to do it again. I think there was only once that I felt dragged away from somewhere too early, and I never felt overcrowded.
We went on the two tour experiences below during two of our days there, and went hunting for the northern lights on one of the evenings. If you’re visiting in the summer then the day tours would be still be amazing but I’ve been recommended a few summer-specific tours too which I’ve included.
The Golden Circle And Blue Lagoon
If you only have time for one tour then this should be it. This tour gives the most variety of all the tours out there. You get to see one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, the famous Geysir hot spring and lounge around in the blue lagoon too. Plus a lot more!
For me, the Gullfoss waterfall was a real highlight. It might have been my favourite of several we visited (though it’s hard to choose as they were all special for different reasons). The Geysir was also pretty impressive and something I’ll probably never see again.
You’ll be transported from place to place in a climate-controlled coach with WiFi, and a driver that won’t be phased by the crazy weather here.
✅ Book the best Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour here
Full Day Tour Of Iceland’s South Coast
Although I would recommend the above tour if you only have one day in Iceland, I would struggle to let you miss this tour too as it had some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.
Driving past the little white church in the middle of a mass of nothing was something that sticks with me. A picture postcard image.
On this tour you’ll visit two waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Skógafoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland but both are equally impressive. Walking behind a waterfall as huge as this one isn’t something you’ll quickly forget.
You’ll also visit Glacier Sólheimajökull, an offshoot off of the main body of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The surrounding landscape is so beautiful, if I didn’t have the pictures to prove it I’m not sure I’d believe this place existed.
Reynisfjara, or the Black Sand Beach is another beautiful place you’ll visit, and in the summer months you’ll find puffins here. Just be careful of the sneaker waves, never turn your back to the sea or get too close. I have nightmares about it, but I also find it fascinating. Give it a read if you’re morbid like me.
✅Book the Iceland South Coast Full Day Tour here
Northern Lights Midnight Tour
If you’re visiting Iceland without a car in the winter months then please don’t assume you can’t see the northern lights without your own transport. Book onto this tour!
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken outside of the city to a pretty countryside location which is perfect for northern lights spotting. The tour guides keep a close eye on the forecast and know how likely it is for you to see the Aurora and they will give you the best chance possible of spotting the lights.
What I liked about this tour in particular is that they will reschedule if your trip is cancelled due to weather, and offer an alternate night if you don’t see them. They cancelled on us the first night due to a storm, and rescheduled. We were the last bus to leave when they didn’t show up, but just as the final people were boarding the light appeared so we had them all to ourselves. It was magical!
Note: Tour companies will try and tell you the lights take place between September and April, and while this is true it’s unlikely you’ll see them in the shoulder months. Try to visit in the depths of winter to stand the best chance of a sighting.
✅ Book the best Northern Lights hunting tour here
Taking A Multi-Day Tour Of Iceland
If you have a short time in Iceland, perhaps only a long weekend, then multi-day tours will be your best friend. They’re also great options for solo travellers who want to mingle.
Pack in as much sightseeing as you can and do it with a group of people who will quickly become your friends on one of these multi-day tours of Iceland that you can do without a car.
3-Day Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
If you have three days in Iceland use them wisely. This tour will take you to all the best sights on an epic three day adventure, including a chance to spot the northern lights.
You’ll be picked up from Reykjavik and taken on the road trip of a lifetime, to visit places like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. We never got to do the glacier hike which I was really sad about.
The only thing you don’t get is a trip to the blue lagoon, but out of all the things to do in Iceland I would say this is the most gimmicky and ok to miss. A visit to any hot springs would be similar. You won’t find landscapes like the ones on this tour anywhere else.
✅ Book this epic 3-day adventure around Iceland without a car
Explore From Reykjavik
There are actually a whole host of Icelandic experiences you can savour from Reykjavik itself. Not all of them are quite as grand as the waterfalls and geysers that Iceland is so famous for, but they will give you a taste of the real country and the people who live there.
We would thoroughly suggest you try to combine them with some tours out in nature so you get a feel for the country as a whole.
Reykjavik Food Walk With Local Foodie
This is a food and city tour in one (though obviously the focus is the food, which is surely the important part!)
Your local guide will take you to various restaurants and food trucks around the city, passing landmarks on the way.
The food in Iceland is quite different to the usual pizza and pasta you’ll find in a lot of European countries. Try street food favourites like Icelandic cheeses, arctic char and homemade ice cream.
There are several different food tours in Reykjavik but this the best in our opinion (and apparently everyone else’s!!) The guides are all brilliant – engaging and knowledgeable. This is a tour you’ll remember.
✅ Book the best food tour in Reykjavik now
Experience The Northern Lights
There’s no denying that you’re going to be in with a much better chance of seeing the lights if you head out on an organised tour. Not only will you avoid the light pollution but you’ll also be in the capable hands of people who know exactly what they’re looking for and where to go.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t also keep your eyes out for the northern lights in Reykjavik itself. We were lucky enough to see them when the conditions were just right.
The best place for northern lights watching in Reykjavik is down by the harbour. The light pollution is less here and you have a better unobstructed view of the sky.
Try to head here on a night when there isn’t a full moon and wait for the darkest point of the night. If the aurora forecast is looking good you’ll probably be joined by locals with big cameras, that’s when you know it’s worth sticking around!
You might be waiting all night and see nothing, but the quiet and stillness out there in the evening is pretty magical too.
Public Transport In Iceland
You might be surprised to know that Iceland doesn’t have a railway system, so you won’t be travelling by train. Instead, it’s best to get around by bus or if you’re visiting the islands, then ferry.
Strætó operates buses in ReykjavÃk and around the country. You can download the app which will give you access to a whole load of information. Make sure you look at the right summer or winter schedule so you don’t get the wrong times!
It’s not the quickest way to get around but you can definitely do a lot of exploring using buses. Note that they won’t take you to the off the beaten track nature hot spots, you’ll need a tour bus for those.
Hitchhiking In Iceland
I would never recommend hitchhiking but if you are going to do it then you should make sure you’re as safe as possible doing so. This is pretty hard to do when you’re getting into a car with a total stranger.
Iceland has a culture where hitchhiking is quite common during the summer months. It’s definitely not recommended over winter when it can get pretty dangerous waiting in the cold or endangering drivers by asking them to pull over onto icy banks.
Obviously hitchhiking is a cheap way to travel, but it comes with risks we just wouldn’t want to take. If you’re going to risk it then don’t tell us, or we’ll be up all night worrying!
Getting A Transfer Without A Car In Iceland
The easiest way to reach your hotel in Reykjavik is by coach transfer. Always book this in advance and go with a reputable business just in case. We always book through Viator as we like the safety net of knowing we’ll be taken care of if something goes wrong.
This is the transfer company we used and they were easy to find, safe and comfortable. They will take you straight to your hotel.
✅ Book your airport transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve got a question, we’ve almost certainly got the answer. Ping us an email if there’s something you still don’t know after reading these frequently asked questions.
Is It Worth Visiting Iceland Without A Car?
Yes! I think I’ve demonstrated that having a car in Iceland really isn’t necessary. You can explore many attractions through guided tours, shuttle buses, and public transportation, especially around ReykjavÃk and popular tourist routes like the Golden Circle.
Organized excursions often provide in-depth knowledge and access to remote areas without the hassle of driving.
That said, having a car does offer more flexibility, especially if you plan to visit off-the-beaten-path locations. But if you prefer convenience and ease (and honestly, safety), going car-free is a great way to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty.
How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland Without A Car
The best way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland without a car is to join a guided Northern Lights tour.
Many companies in ReykjavÃk offer bus or minibus tours specifically aimed at chasing the lights. These tours often have experienced guides who know the best locations based on weather conditions.
If you get really lucky you might even be able to spot them from Reykjavik. Head down to the harbour where there is the least light pollution to be in with a chance. Some hotels and guesthouses even offer Northern Lights wake-up calls to alert you when the aurora appears.
✅ Book the best Northern Lights hunting tour here
Do You Need A Car For Reykjavik?
No, you don’t need a car for Reykjavik. The city is very walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within close proximity. For a city it’s actually very compact.
Public transportation, like buses, can also get you around town easily if you don’t fancy walking.
I would say that actually having a car in Reykjavik would be annoying. You would have to find parking spaces in the city centre and navigate smaller streets. It’s easier just to walk.
Should I Self-Drive In Iceland?
If I was confident on icy, unfamiliar roads in quickly changing weather then I would have loved to self-drive.
Self-driving in Iceland offers incredible flexibility to explore the country’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. It allows you to visit remote places like hidden waterfalls, glaciers, and hot springs that aren’t always covered by tours.
However, Iceland’s roads can be challenging, especially in winter with icy conditions and strong winds. If you’re comfortable with changing weather and driving on sometimes rough roads, a self-drive tour can be rewarding.
We experienced this first hand and I was so relieved I didn’t have to navigate it all myself.
For those who prefer less stress, guided tours or using public transport within Reykjavik might be a better option.
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Conclusion: How To Visit Iceland Without A Car
Would I go back to Iceland without a car? 100%.
Our travel through Iceland without a car was one of my best holiday experiences and I can’t wait to get back there. And definitely not hire a car!
Reykjavik is walkable, with public buses and organized tours allowing you to explore the city and nearby attractions like the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle without needing your own vehicle.
For further destinations, guided tours are available, providing access to natural wonders like glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls.
Though a car offers more independence, Iceland’s well-developed tour system makes it easy for travellers to see the sights, even without driving.
