Is it viable to move around Iceland using public transport?
I started gathering some information about Iceland reading Travel.SE (what else?) and I was quite surprised I didn't find a single question about moving around Iceland using public transport, a car seems mandatory.
How widespread is the public transportation system net in July? Would it be viable to rely upon it to move around the Ring road and the Golden circle? Is there a bus (or a train?) which goes in the central area of Iceland?
Best Answer
There are no trains; Iceland has no rail-based public transport.
The systems that do exist (bus) are under-developed, and while there are nation-wide bus and coach services, many of the locals will use internal flights to get across the country.
Iceland actually has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world (similar to the US) which has led to little need for a public transport network.
Both rail and light rail systems have been proposed, but as yet are not being constructed or in service.
There are some ferries between port cities, as one alternative to get around.
Primary info source: Public transport in Iceland
Saying that, there are coach/bus companies which serve the various towns, and you can use them to get around, and the bus network is reasonably extensive.
Some coach companies:
the bus network, and timetables are available on Nat.IS.
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Is public transport good in Iceland?
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