Do long-distance buses in Iceland typically permit getting off outside timetabled stops?

When I have taken long-distance buses in northern Sweden or northern Norway, I have frequently gotten off the bus at arbitrary spots along the route, by talking to the bus driver, often far from any official timetabled stop. Soon I will head to Iceland. I will be taking bus 51 (Reykjavík-Mjódd to Höfn), and the place I would like to get off is between Jökulsárlón and Höfn. Can I expect that the bus driver will be willing to let me off at the exact indicated spot (assuming he can stop safely)? The alternative would be to walk/taxi/hitch-hike back 20-25 km along the ring road.

buses iceland

Best Answer

Parts of the Strætó web site (the bus line operator) is unfortunately only in Icelandic. Here they write:

Vinsamlegast biddu vagnstjóra aldrei um að stöðva vagninn annarsstaðar en á biðstöð. Það getur haft í för með sér mikla slysahættu, bæði fyrir farþega og aðra í umferðinni.

Roughly translated to English:

Please never ask the bus driver to stop the bus at other places than the designated bus stops. It can be the cause of many accidents, both for the passengers and for other road users.

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Do long-distance buses in Iceland typically permit getting off outside timetabled stops? - Photo Of Icebergs During Daytime

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How is public transportation in Iceland?

As you might expect from a nature-loving country like Iceland, public transport is of a pretty high standard. Car rentals are popular among travellers to this island, but you could have a full, fun trip without turning the key in the ignition yourself. Buses (both tour buses and public ones) are frequent and well run.

How much is a bus passport in Iceland?

You can buy a one day pass for 1.560 ISK or a three day pass for 3.560 ISK, which is only valid in the capital area, zone 1.

Can you pay by card on bus in Iceland?

You can buy a bus ticket onboard, but you need to have the exact amount of cash available. Please note that the bus drivers cannot accept credit cards nor give change if you have bigger bills. That's why we recommend using the app.

Do you need cash for bus in Iceland?

There are five ways to pay for the bus in Reykjav\xedk: Cash, ticket, day-pass, bus-card, or the app. Children under the age of 6 and legally blind people don't have to pay to ride the bus. You can pay the bus fare in cash, each bus has a fare collecting box next to the driver.

How to get around Iceland - Transportation Options

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