In this post, we share everything you need to know about Iceland’s busiest transport centre, including why it’s your best option for reaching the airport. - Reach downtown Reykjavik from the airport with the Flybus Iceland

What to expect from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s BSI bus terminal is the largest bus hub in Iceland. It’s where visitors and locals find transport connections to all of the major destinations across the country—and many of the minor ones too.

As Iceland is one of the few remaining countries in the world without a public train system, we rely on our quality bus service instead. At a walking distance from downtown Reykjavik, BSI is where it all begins.

It’s also where most tours begin to attractions and sights across the south and west of Iceland. If you want to join a trip to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, or explore the Golden Circle, you’ll start here. That’s because this is where we at Reykjavik Excursions, one of Iceland’s largest, oldest, and most trusted bus companies, is based.

Inside the BSI terminal, you can do everything that you’d expect at a bus station. You can buy bus tickets and check the timetable for whatever your destination might be. Catch a taxi to your hotel, hire a car, or store your luggage in advance of your bus journey later on. There are also snacks and food for you to buy before your bus, or take on your trip with you.

By the way, if you’re catching a flight, you’ll find the most convenient way to reach Keflavik airport is from BSI too.

Flybus between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik City

Iceland’s Flybus is the easiest way to travel between Reykjavik and Keflavik, Iceland’s international airport.

Covering a distance of 50 kilometres (31 miles) from downtown Reykjavik, a journey to Keflavik takes about 45 minutes. While many visitors are tempted to take a taxi from their hotel, it’s not really worth the extra cost. Taxis take the same amount of time as the Flybus, but charge considerably more.

Meanwhile, the Flybus runs from early in the morning (the first departure is at 03:30) until late at night. Don’t worry about missing your flight. The Flybus timetable is in sync with the airport’s flight schedule. That means you’ll be perfectly on time.

If you’re landing at Keflavik, there’ll be a bus there waiting for you. If your plane is late, we wait!

Flybus has its headquarters at BSI, making it the perfect place to go to catch your flight.

Five reasons for taking the Flybus

Landing at Keflavik airport? Here are five reasons you should catch the Flybus: - It’s quick and reliable. Reach downtown Reykjavik from the airport in less than an hour. Even the private taxis can’t get you there much faster.

• It’s really convenient. As the Flybus is aligned with Keflavik’s flight schedule, there’ll always be a bus waiting for you, no matter what time you land.

• It’s affordable. A taxi can be as much as six times the price of a Flybus ticket. When the bus is so convenient, why would you pay more?

• It’s sustainable. At Reykjavik Excursions, we’re committed to sustainability. The bus is always the most environmentally friendly way to travel.

• It’s comfortable. Our state of the art coaches mean that you’re travelling in style.

Find out more: Five reasons for taking the Flybus

Kjammi and kók: A brief history of the BSI bus terminal

Now, a bus station might not sound like a fun place. But Reykjavik’s BSI terminal holds a special place in the hearts of local Icelanders.

Firstly, you might be wondering about its name, BSI. While many visitors think that it stands for “bus station Iceland”, it actually means “Bifreiðastöð Íslands”. In English, that translates as something like “automobile depot Iceland”, referring to the location’s history as a taxi station.

For a long time, BSI was the only place in Reykjavik that was open at all hours as a place to buy food. That meant that, throughout the night, party-goers would descend on the bus station to grab a bite to eat.

What would they choose to satisfy their appetite? The famous Icelandic street food, kjammi and kók. That’s half a boiled sheep’s head and a can of coke. Sadly, though, these days, the restaurant that served it, the beloved Myrin Mathús, is now closed.

Hop-on Hop-off city sightseeing

Alongside tours by us at Reykjavik Excursions and the Flybus to Keflavik airport, the BSI bus terminal also hosts Reykjavik’s Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses. If you’re looking for a relaxed and educational way to see the city, this could be the option for you.

The Hop-on Hop-off will take you round all of the major sights in Reykjavik, from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church to the contemporary Harpa concert hall. During the summer, when the bus runs a longer route, you can go as far as Höfði lighthouse and Starfabakki harbour too.

With buses running every 30 minutes, it’s such a convenient way to see the city.

• Find out more: What to Do in Reykjavik: Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing

Frequently asked questions about BSI bus terminal Iceland

Want to know more about Reykjavik’s BSI terminal? Here, we answer some of the most common questions visitors have.

Where is the BSI bus terminal?

The BSI bus terminal is close to the heart of Reykjavik. You can find it towards the south of the city centre, close to Hljómskála Park.

The bus station is about a two-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja church, or about 10 minutes from Laugavegur.

Are there taxis at BSI bus terminal Reykjavik?

You’ll find plenty of taxis waiting for you at the BSI bus terminal, and taxis from across the city will be happy to drop you off at the terminal too.

If you need to reach your hotel from the bus station, you can hire a shuttle service through Flybus. With the Flybus+ service, we can pick you up or drop you off directly at your accommodation.

How much is the public bus from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik?

There is a public bus—the number 55—that runs from Keflavik to BSI nine times a day. At other times, it only runs from the airport to Fjörður on the southern outskirts of town.

Running throughout the day and night, the Flybus is a much more reliable option. You’ll find it waiting for you to take you into town no matter what time you land at Keflavik.

How much is the bus from Reykjavik to the airport?

The Flybus from the BSI bus terminal to Keflavik costs the equivalent of €23 ($25) one way. You can buy the tickets online, at the bus station, or with a payment card from the driver.

How far is it from Reykjavik BSI bus terminal to Reykjavik?

It is a short walk from the BSI terminal to Reykjavik city. However, exactly how far it is depends on where you want to go.

For example, the terminal is about a kilometre (0.6 miles) from Laugavegur, one of the main streets in downtown Reykjavik. However, it’s about two kilometres (1.2 miles) to Reykjavik’s harbour.

How long does it take to get from Reykjavik BSI bus terminal to Reykjavik?

It’s not far at all from BSI to Reykjavik. If you’re walking, it can take you as little as 10 minutes to reach Laugavegur, one of the city’s main streets. Or, in a taxi, it’ll take you just five minutes from the bus station to the harbour.

How do I get from Reykjavik BSI bus terminal to Reykjavik the fastest?

Often, the fastest way for you to reach Reykjavik from the bus terminal will be to walk. You can be at some central destinations in as little as five minutes.

If you’re heading further away, then a taxi or bus shuttle will be your quickest option.

What to pack for your trip to Iceland

At Reykjavik Excursions, we tell all our guests the same thing when we’re asked what to pack: be prepared for all kinds of weather, no matter the season!

That means that warm clothes, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes should definitely always be on your packing list. It’s wise to pack a hat and gloves too.

Don’t forget the essentials. You’ll need a travel adapter if you’re coming from outside of continental Europe, as well as your camera, chargers, and a debit or credit card (don’t worry about cash!).

• Anything else? You can all you need to know here: What to pack for your Iceland trip: Your complete guide

Visit Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions

Come to Reykjavik and let us show you the very best of Iceland. At Reykjavik Excursions, we’re one of Iceland’s oldest and most trusted tour operators. We’ve been running tours across the city and to Iceland’s most beautiful destinations for over 50 years.

While you’ll find us in the BSI bus terminal, we don’t just do coach tours. Rather, however you want to travel, we can help make it happen. Fancy hiring a car? Our self-drive tours could be right for you. Prefer an intimate small group tour? We can arrange that too.

We’ll help you get to and from the airport as well. Book the Flybus Reykjavik, the easiest way to reach the city.