Akureyri

Europe > Iceland > Akureyri (AEY)

The Car or no Car advice for  Akureyri can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Akureyri ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Akureyri ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇮🇸 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 5

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Akureyri?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇮🇸 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 7
🚗Do we need a car in Akureyri? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland, sitting at the end of a long fjord with mountains on both sides. The town itself is compact and friendly, with cafés, museums, and a small harbour. However, the real magic lies just outside: waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, whale-watching towns, and hot springs. Public transport exists but is very limited outside the town. So, should you rent a car in Akureyri? The answer depends on whether you want to stay in town or explore North Iceland. Since the best sights sit far apart, your decision matters.

🚶 Why You Don’t Need a Car Inside Akureyri

The town centre is walkable.
You can reach:

  • Shops

  • The church

  • Museums

  • Restaurants

  • The harbour

Buses inside Akureyri are free and cover most local trips.

➡ In short: you don’t need a car for the town itself.

🚕 Taxis Are Available but Not Frequent

Taxis exist, but they are expensive because Iceland is expensive.
They work for short hops, especially late at night.

➡ Taxis help, but they are not a replacement for a car outside town.

🚗 Why Renting a Car Is Extremely Useful

Akureyri is one of the few places in Iceland where renting a car makes a huge difference.
It allows you to reach:

  • Goðafoss

  • Lake Mývatn

  • Hverir geothermal area

  • Dimmuborgir lava fields

  • Húsavík for whale watching

  • Dettifoss (one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls)

  • Ski areas like Hlíðarfjall in winter

Public transport to these destinations is patchy or nonexistent.

➡ For North Iceland exploration, a car is the best choice.

❄️ Winter Driving: Important Note

Akureyri has real winter conditions.
Snow, ice, and winds are common.
If you’re not confident driving in snow, it’s safer to take guided tours.

➡ In winter, choose based on your driving experience.

🧭 Quick Decision Table

Your Plan in Akureyri / North Iceland Car Needed?
Staying inside the town ❌ No
Using free local buses ❌ No
Short local sightseeing ❌ No
Visiting Goðafoss or Mývatn ❔ Optional
Exploring Húsavík or geothermal areas ❔ Optional
Doing multiple attractions in one day ❔ Optional
Full North Iceland road trip ✅ Yes

🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Akureyri?

  • ❌ Skip the car if you stay inside town and rely on free buses plus walking.

  • ❔ Consider renting a car if you want to reach waterfalls, volcanic areas, whale-watching towns, and scenic fjords, because public transport is very limited.

🚗Do we need a car in Akureyri? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇮🇸 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Akureyri?
 overall should you rent a car score 6
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