18-04-2025
One of the biggest parts of planning any trip is how you will get around. While many countries have ride-sharing services, you may wonder if you can rely on Uber in Iceland. The short answer is that Uber doesn’t exist in Iceland, which means you will need to find other ways to get around the country — like considering a car rental in Iceland. Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re asking “is there Uber in Iceland?” or “is there Uber in Reykjavík?” you’ll likely notice that the answer is no. The ride-sharing platform has not gained traction in the country, which means those who rely on this method to get around are left looking at other options. The good news is that you’ll find numerous alternatives to ensure you get to see everything you want.
After getting your answer to the question “Does Iceland have Uber?” you may be left wondering why. The main reason there are no Ubers in Iceland is due to the strict taxi laws. Individuals who drive passengers for a fee are required to carry a specific driver’s license and insurance to operate legally. Uber doesn’t have such requirements.
Iceland also has a relatively small population, which would make the Uber system more challenging. There is no need for such a service among residents and there aren’t enough people to perform the service for others. While Hopp has similar features, it is still a normal taxi service.
Iceland’s ride-sharing laws dictate that individuals who wish to charge a fare to drive passengers around must hold a specific permit to do so and vehicles must be registered as a taxi. Drivers must also be licensed to transport passengers. Requiring permits for taxi services helps regulate safety and ensure a fair price for everyone who travels in the country.
Taxis in Iceland are governed by strict regulations and laws. For instance, the vehicles used must meet specific safety requirements and must be clearly identified as a taxi. They must have a visible price list as well to give passengers a clear indication of how much they will pay for the ride, whether it’s based on a meter or a fixed rate.
So how do locals and tourists get around if there is no Uber in Iceland? Many residents own a vehicle, but not everyone does. For individuals who don’t have a personal vehicle, public buses and taxis are often used. Others may get rides from family members or friends. Walking is also an option in smaller towns or the city center.
There’s a reason a lot of tourists are asking “does Uber operate in Iceland?” Tourists often face more challenges when trying to get around Iceland. The cost of taxis can be high, especially when traveling longer distances. Public buses are great for getting around town, but pose challenges when trying to visit tourist destinations. They also don’t know locals to help them out.
Some tourists may try hitchhiking, which is a relatively safe practice in the country. However, if you want the best flexibility and to ensure you can visit everywhere you want, the best and most affordable option is to rent a vehicle. Renting a vehicle allows you to enjoy the country at your pace for a predetermined rate, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind.
Without Uber in Iceland, you will need to choose one of the alternative ways to travel around the country. Below are some of the most common options tourists choose to help them see as much of the country as possible during their journeys.
The first alternative that comes to mind for many visitors is taxis. After all, these services are typically available 24/7 and can be ordered similar to Uber, allowing you to get where you want to go whenever you’re ready. However, in Iceland, this comes at a high cost.
Taxis in Reykjavík aren’t always incredibly expensive as long as you’re staying in the city and not going far. However, if you want to get out of the city to see the sights or travel to or from the airport in Keflavík, the price of a taxi is often quite expensive. This cost makes taxis a poor choice for tourists looking to get around the country to see various sights.
Public buses are often a more cost-effective method for getting around the country than a taxi, but they also come with limitations. Like taxis, they are great for getting around the city and can even be a viable option if you want to visit another town in Iceland. However, they will not take you to the tourist sites and there are other limitations as well.
The bus schedule outside of Reykjavík is often limited, sometimes with just one bus per day in each direction. If you take the bust to a destination, you may have to wait until the next day to return, depending on the schedule. They also have limited stops, often only stopping in each town rather than at the popular destinations. Only a couple of tourist sites have public bus stops.
For many visitors to Iceland, a car rental is the best solution to ensure you can see what you want without spending a fortune on taxis. Rental cars, especially when booked well ahead of time, can come at a reasonable price while giving you the gift of flexibility in your schedule. You can choose where and when to stop and how long you stay at each stop.
Renting a car also opens more doors to where you can visit during your stay. As long as you rent the appropriate type of vehicle, you can venture off the main road and see everything Iceland has to offer. When renting, you will no longer worry about whether there are Ubers in Reykjavík.
Even if you’re used to using Uber or a similar service in other destinations, there are great reasons to consider renting a car in Iceland. Because the country is relatively easy to navigate and driving isn’t overly challenging as long as you pay attention to the weather, there are few reasons not to rent a car.
The cost comparison alone is one of the best reasons to consider renting rather than relying on taxis. In general, rental cars can range from about 2500 ISK to 10,000 ISK per day depending on the time of year and size of the vehicle. However, you will be able to drive as much or as little as you would like without spending more.
Taxis, on the other hand, generally cost about 800 ISK at the start with an additional fee of about 300-500 ISK per kilometer you travel. These costs can quickly add up if you’re doing more than driving around the city. If you require the taxi to wait for you at your destination, you can expect to pay a per minute fee for this service. For reference, from the airport to the city generally costs about 16,700 ISK.
Few visitors are interested in only spending time in Reykjavík. The beautiful scenery around the country is often the main attraction, which means you will need to get around. Taxis and buses are ineffective and expensive when you wish to go beyond Reykjavík. Instead, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore anywhere you wish.
Whether you want to visit a few main areas around the country or drive the entire Ring Road, renting a car allows you to choose where you stop and how much time you spend at each location. You won’t find a more flexible option unless you spend a higher amount on a private tour.
Once you decide that renting a car is right for your needs, you will need to choose one. Car rental companies in Iceland offer numerous options, from small compact cars perfect for solo travelers interested in sticking to the main roads to large SUVs for families and 4x4s for those who wish to explore more of the country.
To help you choose the perfect rental car for your trip, you will need to consider the number of people in your travel party, how much luggage you have, whether you need a 4x4, and what other features you want. With various choices available, you can find the best solution that fits within your travel budget.
Transportation questions are often at the forefront when deciding how to spend your time in Iceland. Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions about getting around the country:
No, Uber doesn’t operate in Iceland due to strict taxi regulations. While you can easily order a taxi through various licensed services, you won’t be able to use your Uber account or travel with anyone who doesn’t have the proper licensing and permits.
Yes, public transportation is available, but it isn’t always the best way to get around. If you want to get around the city or perhaps travel to another town without a rental car, the public bus is an option. However, it won’t take you to most of the tourist sights and the schedule can be limited.
While there are other ways to get around Iceland, such as taxis, public buses, and tours, renting a car in Iceland offers the best flexibility for your travel plans. You will be in full control of your itinerary and can easily make adjustments as needed due to weather or other issues.
Overall, it is perfectly safe to drive in Iceland, especially in the summer months. If you plan to visit in the winter, however, you should have some winter driving experience to ensure you can remain safe on the road. You should also follow the weather and road conditions.
Does Reykjavik have Uber? Because there is no Uber in Iceland, you’ll find yourself looking for other options to get around. For many, renting a car in Iceland is the best solution to ensure you can go where you want to go and maintain complete control of your vacation. You will get to choose where you stop and how long you spend at each location.
With numerous rental car options, you’re sure to find something that fits within your budget and gives you everything you need for an enjoyable vacation without relying on expensive taxis or sporadic bus schedules.