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Local time Reykjavik

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Getting around Reykjavik

Public transport

The main provider of buses is the Reykjavík Bus Service (Strætó) (tel: +354 540 2700; www.straeto.is). The main bus stations are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. You can pay for fares with cash (must be exact change), bus cards or using a mobile app. You can also purchase a book of 20 tickets, or buy a one-day or three-day pass.

For tourists, it's recommended to purchase a Reykjavík City Card which offers unlimited transport on buses within the city area, along with free entry to many museums, galleries, thermal pools and saunas. Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, you can buy the City Card online or in many hotels across Reykjavík.

Taxis

Taxis are metered and charge standard fares. Tipping is not expected. It is not common to hail a taxi in the street. Instead, taxi services can be called to arrange a pick-up or can be found at a number of taxi stands around the city. Recommended taxi firms include BSR (tel: +354 561 0000) and Hréyfill (tel: +354 588 5522).

Driving

With a small city centre and an efficient bus service, it's 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. Alternatively, there are several multi-storey car parks and plenty of larger car parks.

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.

Car hire companies include Avis (tel: +354 591 4000; www.avis.is), Budget (tel: +354 562 6060; www.budget.is), Europcar (tel: +354 568 6915; www.europcar.is) and Hertz (tel: +354 522 4400; www.hertz.is).

Bicycle hire

Reykjavik's flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (tel: +354 562 0099; www.fjallahjolaklubburinn.is), based in Reykjavik, offers advice on cycling around the country, which is a tough and gruelling experience.

You can hire bikes from Borgarhjol Bike Rental, Hverfisgata 50 (tel: +354 551 5653; www.borgarhjol.is).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Hotel Fron

With its bright blue facade, you can't miss Hotel Fron. When the runtur (pub crawl) gets underway at the weekend, a couple of rooms at the front might get a bit noisy, but most of the rooms are remarkably quiet. It's an excellent choice for leisure travellers wanting a central location at a reasonable price.

Sunna Guesthouse

Just behind Hallgrimskirkja, this guesthouse in the heart of the old town is within easy walking distance of the major attractions, shops and restaurants. The rooms are basic but clean, and the buffet breakfast is included in the rate. Accommodation options range from rooms with shared facilities to studios and apartments.

Hotel Borg

A Reykjavik institution, the grand Hotel Borg overlooks Austurvöllur and the Parliament building on the other side. Inside, rooms are comfortable and well appointed, while the split-level Tower Suite has proved a hit with visiting VIPs. Downstairs, it boasts its own gourmet restaurant, Silfur, which serves top-notch French fare.

Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel

One of the newer hotels in Reykjavik, the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel is housed in the former offices of an old Icelandic shipping line. It has been meticulously refurbished with urbane minimalist chic, so sleek dark wood furnishings cut a fashionable jib against the tastefully off-white décor. Outside it's officious, inside it's delicious.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Good for anyone in search of a quieter stay, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica sits 10 minutes from the city centre, close to the botanic gardens. Decked out in white and grey, the 284-room hotel is huge but boasts a soothing Scandinavian ambience. Along with the Vox restaurant, it also has an onsite spa.

Hotel Reykjavik Natura

Located a 20-minute walk from the city centre, close to the domestic airport, Hotel Reykjavik Naturais is run by national carrier Icelandair. A short stroll from the Perlan complex, it is good for nature fans with biking, running and walking paths and a nearby geothermal beach. Inside, rooms are comfortable and there’s an onsite spa.

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