The Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið) of Iceland is the country's most populous and vibrant area, centered around Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. It encompasses seven municipalities including Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur, together forming Iceland's cultural, political, and economic heart. The region blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal pools, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
- Public
- Strætó buses cover Reykjavik and all Capital Region municipalities well but run infrequently (every 20-30 min) and stop around midnight
- Taxi
- Reliable and easy via Hreyfill app; expensive for longer distances
- Rental
- Essential for day trips to Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon — best car rental value in the region
- Walking
- Reykjavik city center is compact and highly walkable; most attractions within 20 minutes on foot
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $150-180, 45 min to center
- Taxi Info
- Metered taxis available outside arrivals; no fixed rate so confirm price before boarding
- Shuttle
- $30-38, shared Flybus service
- Shuttle Info
- Flybus departs every 30-45 min to BSÍ terminal; hotel pick-up version $38 drops at your hotel
- Bus
- No public bus between Keflavik and Reykjavik
- Bus Info
- Strætó does not serve Keflavik Airport; Flybus is the only public-transport equivalent option
- Private
- $150-180, pre-booked car or taxi
- Private Info
- Book a private transfer in advance for fixed price convenience; same price as metered taxi
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Strætó buses cover all Reykjavik neighborhoods and outlying municipalities. $4 per ride (exact change only on bus); buy daily/weekly passes via Strætó app for best value.
Alternatives
Taxis available via Hreyfill and BSR apps; bike rental from $20/day; e-scooters available in summer
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $6 base fare + $2.60/km (higher rates after 5PM, weekends, and bank holidays)
- Apps
- Hreyfill, BSR
- App Names
- Hreyfill, BSR
- Typical Fare
- $15-25 for average city ride; $30-45 to airport Domestic or Sky Lagoon
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Long-distance buses from BSÍ terminal: Akureyri from $55, Akranes from $15, Borgarnes from $20
Shared
Shared day tour buses available from all major hotels; popular Golden Circle and South Coast tours from $80
Flights
Domestic flights from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri $80+, Vestmannaeyjar $60+
Private
Private car hire with driver from $200/day for full-day excursions
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
The Capital Region is served by Keflavik International Airport 50km from Reykjavik and Reykjavik Domestic Airport 2km from city center. The Strætó public bus network covers all seven municipalities, and car rental is the best option for day trips outside the region.
Airports
Keflavik International Airport
Reykjavik Domestic Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Strætó
Official Reykjavik public bus app with real-time tracking, route planning, and ticket purchase
Hreyfill
Iceland's main taxi app, similar to Uber — easy booking and fare estimates
Road.is (Vegagerðin)
Official Iceland road conditions website — essential before any driving outside Reykjavik
Vedur.is
Icelandic Meteorological Office weather app — critical for outdoor and driving safety
Safe Travel Iceland
Register your travel plans and receive safety alerts for outdoor activities
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
The Flybus airport shuttle is the only practical public transport between Keflavik and Reykjavik — book in advance
Strætó app shows real-time bus locations and lets you buy tickets on your phone
Taxis become scarce on Reykjavik weekend nights — book via app or queue at dedicated taxi stands
Renting a car for the Golden Circle and South Coast is significantly cheaper than joining tours if traveling in a group of 2+
Always carry a physical Strætó route map as a backup — free from Reykjavik visitor centers
Road.is is the official road conditions website — essential before any drive outside Reykjavik
Parking in Reykjavik city center is metered Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM; free on Sundays and evenings
Electric vehicles are available to rent and charging stations are widespread throughout the Capital Region