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Getting Around
Public Transport
The main provider of bus services is the Reykjavik Bus Service – SVR, Borgartun 35 (tel: 540 2700; website: www.bus.is). The two main bus stations in Reykjavik are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. Buses operate 0645-2400 Monday to Saturday and 1000-2400 Sunday. On weekdays, buses run every 20 minutes; while in the evening (after 1900) and on weekends buses run every 30 minutes. At the weekend, night buses run 0230-0400. The fare is IKr200 and is paid to the driver (the driver is not permitted to give change). If transferring bus routes, the bus driver can provide a skiptimidi (a transfer ticket), which is valid for 45 minutes from the time of issue, otherwise tickets are not usually issued.
Passes of ten fares are available and can be purchased at the bus terminals. The Reykjavik Card (see Tourist Information in Sightseeing) offers unlimited transport on buses in Reykjavik.
Taxis
All taxis in Reykjavik are metered and charge standard fares. Tipping is not expected. Taxis can be hailed in the street or telephoned – operators include Borgaríll (tel: 552 2440), BSR (tel: 561 0000) and Hréyfill (tel: 588 5522). Taxis are expensive and taking a taxi on a short trip around town costs from IKr1000. Most taxi stations also offer day tours to the main sights around the city.
Limousines
Limousine operators include Edalvagnar (tel: 869 1555) and Limousine Service (tel/fax: 555 3225). Rates start at about IKr6000 per hour.
Driving in the City
With a small city centre and a very efficient bus service, it is not really necessary to use a car to get around Reykjavik. Furthermore, the cost of car hire is enough to put most people off. Those that do drive, however, will find it a pleasurable experience. Traffic is not heavy, there is little congestion (the heaviest build-up of traffic is around 2300 in the centre of the city, when the locals head out for a night on the town) and Icelandic drivers are considerate towards other road users.
Parking in the city is easy, with metered spaces costing IKr50-150 per hour. Alternatively, there are six multi-storey car parks and plenty of larger parking lots costing around IKr40-100 per hour. These are Vitatorg, Hverfisgata, Kolaportid, Kalkofnsvegur, Bergstadir, Bergstadastraeti, Tradarkot, Hverfisgata, City Hall Basement, Tjarnargata, and Vesturgata 7, Vesturgata. Other parking lots are located at Hlemmur, Tryggvagata, Tjarargata and near the harbour.
Car Hire
Hiring a car in Reykjavik is prohibitively expensive. In addition to the hire price, VAT is charged at 24.5% and there are compulsory charges for insurance and petrol. Most car hire companies have a minimum age limit of 23 years and a foreign driver’s licence is accepted.
The hire price for a small car from Víkingur, Furuhjalli 10 (tel: 562 1290), starts at IKr3500, which includes VAT and the first 100km (62 miles) but not insurance, which is an additional IKr950. Other hire companies include Budget, Malarhöfdi 2 (tel: 567 8300; fax: 567 8302; e-mail: budget@budget.is; website: www.budget.is), and Avis, Dugguvogi 10 (tel: 553 1090; fax: 553 1091; website: www.avis.com).
Bicycle Hire
Reykjavik’s flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. However, it’s fairly difficult to hire a bicycle in Reykjavik. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (tel: 562 0099; website: www.mmedia.is/~ifhk/tourist.htm), based in Reykjavik, recommend bringing one’s own bicycle. It can also offer advice on cycling around the country, which is a tough and gruelling experience.
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