Navigating Reykjavik’s public bus system, Strætó, might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city. Between bus routes, schedules, and fare options, it’s easy to get confused and risk missing your connections. This guide will provide all the essential information you need to travel around Reykjavik easily using public buses, covering routes, ticketing, and practical tips to make your experience stress-free.

Key Takeaways:

• Bus Routes and Schedules: Reykjavik’s buses, operated by Strætó, run across 27 routes with frequent services in the city center and tourist areas, including Route 1 and Route 6.
• Ticket Options: Buy tickets through the Strætó app, Klapp card, or onboard with exact change. A single fare is 650 ISK and valid for 75 minutes.
• Strætó App: Use the app to buy tickets, view bus schedules, and track buses in real-time for a smoother experience.
• Tourist Routes: Buses connect to top attractions like Perlan, Harpa Concert Hall, and Hallgrímskirkja, making public transport an affordable way to explore Reykjavik.
• Night Buses: Available on weekends from 1:00 AM to 4:30 AM, night buses cover central areas for late-night travelers.

How do I use Reykjavik’s public bus system?

To use Reykjavik’s public bus system (Strætó), purchase tickets through the Strætó app, a Klapp card, or pay with exact change onboard. Bus routes, like Route 1 and Route 6, connect key areas of the city, and buses run from 6:30 AM to midnight on weekdays. Tickets cost 650 ISK for adults and are valid for 75 minutes with free transfers during that time.

Bus Routes and Schedules

Reykjavik’s public buses, operated by Strætó, run on 27 routes throughout the capital, connecting major neighborhoods and attractions. The most frequently used routes are Route 1 and Route 6, which operate every 10-15 minutes during peak hours​.

• Buses run from around 6:30 AM to midnight on weekdays, with later start times on weekends and public holidays. Routes covering popular areas, like the city center and the harbor, run more frequently, while buses to the suburbs operate on a 30-minute schedule.
• Night buses run from 1:00 AM to 4:30 AM on weekends, perfect for late-night travelers or those enjoying Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife​.

Key stops include Hlemmur, a central bus terminal in the city, and Lækjartorg, which connects you to several tourist attractions.

How to Buy Bus Tickets

Reykjavik’s bus system offers several ticket options to make traveling convenient. You can buy tickets using the Klapp app, a Klapp card, or the KLAPP ten paper pass. Tickets purchased on the app allow you to avoid dealing with cash and are valid for 75 minutes, during which you can transfer between buses.

• Single tickets for adults cost 650 ISK, while discounted tickets are available for students, children, and seniors​.
• You can also buy Reykjavik City Cards, which provide unlimited bus travel and access to museums, thermal pools, and other attractions​.

To purchase a ticket on the bus, you’ll need to have exact change, as drivers do not handle cash transactions. The most convenient way to ride is to download the Strætó app, which allows you to buy and activate tickets with ease.

Using the Strætó App

The Strætó app is the easiest and most efficient way to manage your bus travel in Reykjavik. The app allows you to purchase single or multi-day passes, view real-time bus schedules, and track your bus’s arrival.

• How to use the app: Download the app, register, and add payment information. You can then purchase tickets in advance, but remember to activate your ticket before boarding the bus. Activated tickets remain valid for 75 minutes​.
• The app also shows real-time bus tracking, so you know exactly when your bus will arrive, helping you plan your travel around Reykjavik more effectively​.

Popular Bus Routes for Tourists

Several Strætó routes are perfect for tourists looking to visit Reykjavik’s major attractions. Whether you’re heading to cultural landmarks, museums, or local shops, the bus system has you covered.

• Route 1: A busy route that connects the city center with popular stops like Perlan, Harpa Concert Hall, and local shopping districts.
• Route 6: Ideal for visiting Hallgrímskirkja and The National Museum of Iceland, this route offers easy access to cultural hotspots.
• Airport Connections: Special buses also operate from Keflavik Airport to downtown Reykjavik, making it easy to reach your accommodation​. You can also use Keflavik Airport transfers as for the most convenient option.

For tourists, using buses is not only convenient but also an affordable way to explore Reykjavik’s top attractions without the hassle of driving.

Practical Tips for Using Reykjavik Buses

• Exact Fare: Be sure to have exact change if buying tickets on the bus, as drivers cannot provide change.
• Signal the Driver: When your bus arrives, signal the driver that you intend to board. Similarly, press the stop button ahead of your destination to notify the driver you want to exit​.
• Bikes and Pets: Bicycles and pets are allowed on the bus, but space may be limited, and priority is given to baby carriages and wheelchairs. Keep in mind that pets are restricted during peak hours​.
• Avoid Peak Hours: To ensure a more relaxed ride, avoid the bus during peak hours, which are typically 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM​.

Night Buses and Special Services

Reykjavik offers night buses during weekends for those enjoying the city’s nightlife. Operating from 1:00 AM to 4:30 AM, night buses cover central areas and neighborhoods where many restaurants and bars are located​. This is a great option for travelers who want to explore Reykjavik’s nightlife without worrying about transportation.

Additionally, the Reykjavik City Card is a valuable investment for tourists, offering free bus rides alongside access to top attractions​.

FAQs

How do I buy a bus ticket in Reykjavik?

You can purchase bus tickets through the Strætó app, which allows you to buy single or multi-day passes. You can also use a Klapp card, buy tickets with exact cash on the bus, or get a Reykjavik City Card, which includes unlimited bus travel. The app is the easiest method, as it also provides real-time updates on schedules​.

What is the cost of a bus ticket in Reykjavik?

A single adult ticket costs 650 ISK and is valid for 75 minutes, allowing free transfers within that time. Discounted tickets are available for children, students, seniors, and disabled passengers. If you plan to travel frequently, consider a multi-day pass or the Reykjavik City Card for better value​.

How often do buses run in Reykjavik?

Bus frequency varies by route, with main routes like Route 1 and Route 6 operating every 10-15 minutes during peak hours. Other routes may have a 30-minute frequency. Night buses operate on weekends from 1:00 AM to 4:30 AM, providing transport for late-night travelers​.

What bus routes should tourists use in Reykjavik?

Tourists can take Route 1 to popular attractions like Perlan and Harpa Concert Hall, while Route 6 is ideal for visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and the National Museum of Iceland. Additionally, special routes from Keflavik Airport connect to Reykjavik’s city center​.

How can I use the Strætó app?

Download the Strætó app on your phone to buy tickets, view real-time bus schedules, and track routes. Make sure to activate your ticket before boarding the bus. The app also helps you plan your trips with accurate arrival times​.

Where can I catch a bus from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik?

Buses run from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik’s city center, with various routes available, including the Airport Express and regular Strætó buses. These buses operate frequently and are a convenient option for travelers arriving in Iceland​.

Why should I use the Reykjavik public bus system?

Reykjavik’s Strætó buses offer an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the city and nearby attractions. With a wide network of routes, tourists can easily visit landmarks without the need to rent a car, and the Strætó app makes traveling seamless​.

Are there discounts for children and seniors on Reykjavik buses?

Yes, there are discounted fares for children aged 6-17, seniors over 67, and disabled passengers. Children under 6 can ride free of charge. You can buy these discounted tickets via the Strætó app or with a Klapp card​.

Will I need exact change to pay for the bus in Reykjavik?

Yes, if you’re paying for a bus ticket directly on the bus, you’ll need exact change, as bus drivers do not provide change. Alternatively, it’s easier to use the Strætó app or a Klapp card to avoid the hassle of cash​.

How accessible are Reykjavik buses for people with disabilities?

Reykjavik buses are equipped with ramps and priority seating for passengers with disabilities. Most buses have space for wheelchairs and baby carriages, though it’s advisable to travel outside peak hours for more room​.

Conclusion

Using Reykjavik’s public bus system is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city, whether you’re visiting major tourist attractions or simply traveling around town. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to navigate Reykjavik’s buses like a local. Download the Strætó app, plan your routes, and enjoy your hassle-free journey around Iceland’s capital!