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City Guide - Reykjavik - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport The main provider of bus services is the Reykjavik Bus Service (SVR), Borgartun 35 (tel: 551 2700 or 581 2533; website: www.svr.is). The two main bus stations in Reykjavik are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. Buses run every 20-30 minutes, 0645-2400 Monday to Saturday and 1000-2400 Sunday. At the weekend, night buses run 0230-0400. The fare is IKr150 for adults and IKr30 for children, 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. Books of ten tickets are available and can be purchased at the bus terminals. The Reykjavik Card (see the Sightseeing section) offers unlimited transport on buses in Reykjavik. Taxis All taxis in Reykjavik charge standard fares and are metered. Tipping is not expected. Most taxi stations offer day tours to the main sights around the city. Taxis can be hailed in the street or telephoned; operators include Borgaríll (tel: 552 2440), BSR (tel: 561 0000) and Hréyfill (tel: 588 5522). To take a taxi on a short trip around town costs from IKr1000. Limousines Limousine operators include: Edalvagnar (tel: 898 9494) and Royal Limousine Service (tel: 895 6292; fax: 426 7501; e-mail: royal1@islandia.is). Rates start at about IKr7000 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, however, those that do drive will find it a pleasurable experience. Traffic is not heavy, there is little congestion and Icelandic drivers are very considerate towards other road users. Parking in the city is easy, with metered spaces costing IKr50 per hour. Alternatively, there are six multi-storey car parks and plenty of larger parking lots, which cost around IKr30-100 per hour. 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. Hire charges for a small car from Víkingur, Ránargata 12 (tel: 562 1290 or 896 4661), start at IKr3200, which includes VAT and the first 100km, but not insurance at an additional IKr950. Other hire companies include: Bonus, Malarhöfdi 2 (tel: 567 8300; fax: 567 8302; e-mail: bonuscar@centrum.is; website: www.centrum.is/bonuscar) and Europcra/InterRent, Skifan 9 (tel: 568 6915). Bicycle Hire Reykjavik's flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. Bicycles can be hired from Borgarhjól, Hverfisgata 50 (tel: 551 5653) and BSÍ Travel, Vatnsmírarvegur 10 (tel: 552 5300). The cost is around IKr1200 per day. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club, PO Box 5193 (tel: 562 0099; website: www.mmedia.is/~ifhk/tourist.htm), based in Reykjavik, offers advice on cycling around the country. |