By Monika
How to See Iceland Without a Car: Best Tours and + Itinerary.
Visiting Iceland is a dream for many travelers – but if you don’t plan to rent a car, you might be wondering: can you still see the best of Iceland without driving yourself?
The good news is – yes, you absolutely can. While self-driving is a popular way to explore, it’s far from the only option.
With excellent guided tours and organized transfers, you can experience Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic coastlines stress-free.
In fact, some of the best tours in Iceland are designed to take you directly to the country’s most iconic regions and attractions, like the Golden Circle, South Coast, or even the remote Highlands, without needing to navigate the roads yourself.
Whether you’re not up for traveling in a foreign country, prefer not to drive in unpredictable weather, or just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Iceland without a car.
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- How to See Iceland Without a Car: Best Tours and + Itinerary.
- 1. Where to stay if not renting a car in Iceland?
- 2. How to get to your accommodation in Reykjavik from the airport?
- 3. How to get around Reykjavik without a car?
- 4. Can you get to hot springs and lagoons without a car?
- 5. How to stay connected with tour providers?
- Other things to consider when planning to see Iceland without a car
- Sample tour-based Itinerary
- How to travel the Ring Road
- FAQ: Traveling in Iceland Without a Car
Before we get to planning your “car-free Iceland itinerary” let’s go over a few things you should consider.
1. Where to stay if not renting a car in Iceland?
If you’re not renting a car in Iceland, your best bet is to rent a hotel or an apartment in Reykjavik.
Most tour companies have a meeting point in a central place in a city (like a bus stop or a landmark) but a lot of them offer pick-up from your accommodation.
That way you’ll have a convenient location for your tour departure AND you can explore Reykjavik.
Reykjavik is a very walkable city, and you definitely don’t need a car to enjoy it!
Learn what to see in Iceland’s capital in my guide to the best things to see in Reykjavik.
Want to explore on a budget? Check out my guide to FREE things to see and do in Reykjavik.
Here are some popular accommodation choices: Fosshótel Barón, Hótel Reykjavík Grand, Oddson Hotel, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.
Helpful hint: If you’d like to prepare some of your own meals, try to rent an apartment with a kitchen, within walking distance of a bus stop. That will allow you to be close to your tour’s meeting point, and you can use the bus to get to a grocery store.
2. How to get to your accommodation in Reykjavik from the airport?
You have a few choices here.
The most popular option is the Flybus – a convenient and affordable airport transfer option that will get you to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. For an extra fee, the bus can drop you off either at or very close to your hotel.
You can also take a public Strætó bus either directly from the airport or from the BSI Terminal to the hotel.
The third option is taking a taxi. This is the most convenient, however, the most costly option. If you do choose that, make sure to use a reputable Icelandic taxi company, like Hreyfill (book conveniently through their app), instead of flagging a random cab at the airport.
You can also book a private airport transfer.
Good to know: there is no Uber in Iceland!
3. How to get around Reykjavik without a car?
As I mentioned earlier, Reykjavik is walkable and very easy to explore on foot. If needed, public transportation like Strætó bus is very convenient. You can purchase tickets and check the schedules via the Klappið app.
Lastly, you can opt for a Hop On Hop Off bus, which will take you around all the major attractions (including Perlan museum), plus you’ll get audio guides with information about the city and the landmarks you’re visiting.
4. Can you get to hot springs and lagoons without a car?
Iceland is famous for its spas and lagoons, primarily for the iconc Blue Lagoon. So how can you experience these amazing places without driving?
Very easily! Just purchase tickets with a transfer. These options are offered by Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvík Hot Spring.
5. How to stay connected with tour providers?
I have a few tips here for you.
First, let’s talk about the actual cell phone connection. You can use your hotel’s Wi-Fi or rely on your international cellular plan – cell phone reception in Iceland is great.
If your cell phone provider does not offer a good affordable international option, I recommend an eSIM – a virtual SIM card providing you with an data and optional calling feature for the length of your visit.
The most popular and easy to install eSIMs are Airalo, Saily and Sim Local (for which I have a promo code for you – use PLANPACK at checkout for 5% off your purchase!)
Now that you’re connected, let’s talk about staying in touch with your tour companies. I like using GetYourGuide or Viator for a few reasons:
- I like having all my tours and tickets easily accessible from a convenient app vs. keeping track of multiple confirmation emails.
- You’ll get notifications and reminders when your activity dates are approaching plus any updates about the tours.
- It’s very easy to message your provider and ask questions about the itinerary, meeting point, etc. through the app.
Other things to consider when planning to see Iceland without a car
So what else should you consider when planning a tour-based Iceland trip?
Time of the year
You probably hear that you have to be flexible with your itinerary in Iceland.
It’s usually said in relation to self-driving, however, tours are also weather dependent, especially in the winter. There can be cancellations due to hazardous road or weather conditions and it’s good to be aware of that and possibly have a plan B.
The type of tour
Do you prefer a private tour or are you ok with some company?
Is it a big bus tour or a small group experience? It’s usually clearly stated in the description.
The length of a tour
Some tours are 6-8 hour excursions but there are tours that last 10-11 hours. Be sure to book an experience you’ll enjoy from the beginning to the end, that won’t exceed your stimulation and travel time tolerance.
And now – let’s plan your itinerary!
Sample tour-based Itinerary
Here is a sample itinerary for your first visit (with some optional/seasonal add-ons)
Day 1 – arrival day
That is typically a lighter day, as you may be tired and jet-lagged, but it all depends on where you’re arriving from, at what time you’ll land, and your travel style.
The safest activity choice for your arrival day is visiting the Blue Lagoon – it’s a very relaxing experience and Blue Lagoon is located only about 20 minutes from the airport, so it’s very convenient.
Note: Blue Lagoon has luggage storage.
You can head to Reykjavik after your Blue Lagoon visit (using the city drop off option on your Blue Lagoon transfer) or straight from the airport (using one of the transportation options mentioned earlier in this article) – it all depends on your arrival time and energy level.
Budget tip: for a true “like a local experience” you can opt for a public swimming pool and experience Icelanders’ favorite activity at a fraction of any lagoon’s admission.
Day 2 – Golden Circle
You have so many possibilities for this day!
While all of the tours include the three main stops on this scenic route (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall), there are some fantastic detours that you can add on to your day.
You can read all about them in my detailed guide to the Golden Circle and then choose which one you’d like to include in your tour.
Not up for a full-day tour? Choose the Golden Circle Afternoon Tour with a noon pick-up time.
Day 3 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This is such an amazing area of Iceland! It was one of my favorite day trips during our first visit to Iceland.
It’s called “Iceland in miniature” as it has a lot of everything Iceland is famous for – glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanic craters and so much more!
Read my guide to Snæfellsnes Peninsula to find out more and then choose a tour that best fits your schedule and interests.
Day 4 – the South Coast
For this day, you’ll have to choose whether you will focus on the area of the South Coast between Reykjavik and Vik, or if you’d like to go as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
If you travel to Vik and back, you’ll have plenty of time to visit waterfalls, the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the village of Vik.
You can also add a glacier adventure (like a glacier hike) or a visit to an ice cave to your day.
If Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are on your “must-do” list, you have another choice to make – do it all in one long, day trip or take a multi-day tour with an overnight stay, which typically lasts 3 days and also includes the Golden Circle.
To help you decide which sights should go on your list, I’ve put together a guide to the best things to see on the South Coast of Iceland.
Day 5 (or day 6) – departure day
Depending on your flight schedule, you may still have time to explore Reykjavik or visit one of the lagoons, as described in Day 1 section.
Another option – if you have a day to explore – is to book a tour of Reykjanes Peninsula – it’s a unique, otherworldly and definitely underrated area in the vicinity of Keflavik Inyernational Airport.
This tour offers pick-up/drop off both from Reykjavik AND KEF Airport, so it’s super convenient!
Helpful tip: Just remember to be at the airport in plenty of time for security and passport control – Keflavik Airport can get very busy in the summer.
This itinerary covers the most famous highlights of Iceland and while you won’t travel around the Ring Road, it will show you enough of Iceland’s beauty to most likely make you want to come back right away!
That’s exactly what happened to us. We spent a magical six days in Iceland and immediately started planning our return trip! And even though we had a rental car and just did a few tours, hopefully you can get some inspiration from our adventure!
If you have more time
If you have more time, here are some things you can add to your itinerary for which tours are available.
More time in Reykjavik in the summer?
Add a whale watching tour or a horseback riding tour.
Want to visit the Highlands?
Book a tour to the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, beautiful, remote Thórsmörk or the steaming geothermal valleys of Kerlingarfjöll.
More time in Reykjavik in the winter?
Book a Northern Lights tour.
As you can see, you can have a fantastic time in Iceland without ever getting behind the wheel of a car!
👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!
How to travel the Ring Road
Want to have the unforgettable experience of traveling Iceland’s Ring Road without a car? Join one of the multi-day Ring Road tours and enjoy seeing many regions of the country with all the details taken care of by the tour company.
FAQ: Traveling in Iceland Without a Car
Not necessarily. Renting a car in Iceland comes with extra costs, like insurance, fuel, parking etc. Tours may look pricier upfront, but they include guides, transportation, and sometimes admission fees. For solo travelers or couples, tours can even be cheaper than renting a car. For larger groups, weigh pros and cons vs. the cost.
Some areas are only accessible by car, but most major highlights (Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, Snæfellsnes, etc.) are easily reached by tours. Plus, tour guides often add bonus stops you wouldn’t know about yourself.
Yes! Many tour companies offer Northern Lights tours with expert guides who know the best spots. They also monitor weather forecasts and adjust routes, increasing your chances of success compared to driving alone.
Safety comes first in Iceland. If a tour is canceled, companies usually offer rescheduling or a full refund. Always book with reputable providers (through GetYourGuide & Viator, or directly with local operators with good reviews) to ensure proper customer service and support.
Day trips don’t require luggage, so you’d typically leave it at your accommodation. If you’re between hotels or flying in/out, many sites (like the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik BSI bus terminal or the airport) offer secure luggage storage. Multi-day tours also include luggage transport.
Ready to plan your adventure? Check out my tips for first-time visitors to Iceland and read about what not to do in Iceland – and enjoy your trip!
Let me help you pack for your trip!
Get organized with this printable, fillable, practical ICELAND PACKING LIST!
Imagine all your Iceland essentials organized in a checklist that you can access from any device or print to have a hard copy!
Make packing for Iceland easy with this comprehensive, easy-to-follow checklist!
You may also like:
- Iceland on a Budget: All You Need to Know to Plan an Affordable Trip.
- Brúarfoss – How to Visit Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.
- Reykjanes Peninsula – Things to Do and Must-Know Tips.
- Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi – How to Visit Two Stunning Waterfalls.
- Skógafoss Waterfall – a Complete Guide (+ a Hidden Gem!)
- How to Plan a Stopover in Iceland (and What to Do to Make it Epic!)
- Friðheimar Tomato Farm – a Unique Dining Experience in Iceland.
- Best Glacier Hikes in Iceland – Top Tours + Tips for a Great Experience.
- Landmannalaugar Travel Guide – All You Need to Know + Best Things to Do.
- The Amazing Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir Geothermal Area in Iceland.
For more Iceland inspiration and travel guides click HERE.
Need more help planning your trip? Join our private Iceland Travel Planning Facebook Group to ask questions, share your experiences, plus get expert travel tips and advice from a supportive community of Iceland enthusiasts!
Prefer a public FB Group? Check out my Explore Iceland: Travel Tips & Advice community and join today!
About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
