If you find yourself driving in Iceland, you may be looking for parking options in Reykjavík. Read on to discover how and where to park around Iceland.
Renting a car is the best way to get around Iceland and see some of the world’s most spectacular sights. One thing that people might be unsure about before arriving on the island is the parking provisions in the capital. In fact, many of our clients are tripped up on this because they’re unsure of the regulations. It’s best to be as informed as possible to avoid hefty fines upon your return home! So if you’re planning to spend some time in the capital checking out Reykjavik’s best things to do, make sure you’re prepared when it comes to parking!
Key Highlights
- There are colored parking zones in Reykjavík, which differ in price.
- Multi-storey car parks tend to be cheaper than on-street alternatives.
- Parking fines can be pretty hefty if you don’t adhere to the rules.
- Parking fines are payable at local banks.
How Much Does Parking in Reykjavík Cost?
Street parking in Reykjavík is always free before 9 am and after 6 pm, as well as all day on Sundays. Charges apply on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm, so it is worth doing some research ahead of your journey. Costs will depend on the colored zone you’re in, so this could vary depending on where you’re headed in the capital.
Reykjavík Parking Zones
There are 4 parking zones in Reykjavík, and each has different charges and rates when it comes to parking. Generally, it is only within these zones in downtown Reykjavík that you must pay for parking; most other places should be free. If you don’t see a “P” parking sign or information about charges clearly displayed, then you shouldn’t have to pay for parking. The different rates for parking zones in Reykjavík are charged at an hourly rate as follows:
- Red & Pink – Area P1; these are the most expensive areas to park, charging 600 ISK (€4.04)
- Blue – Area P2; these areas of parking charge 220 ISK (€1.48)
- Green – Area P3; these regions of the capital charge 90 ISK (€0.60)
- Orange – Area P4; only valid during weekday charging, 220 ISK (€1.48)
Where Else Can I Park in Reykjavík?
It's not just street parking and parking lots that are available in Reykjavík. One of the best places to park in Reykjavík is in multi-storey car parks, which are usually much cheaper than the parking zones.
If you want to be sure of a parking space, then there is a great website that provides live parking updates called Bílastæðasjóður. The website can be translated into your native tongue, and you can easily navigate by choosing your location and seeing the number of spaces available in green. See an example below:
The Parkopedia site also has an excellent map to help you find a parking space in Reykjavík.
How to Pay For Parking in Reykjavík
The easiest way to pay for parking in the capital city is to use an app. There are two main apps, one called Parka and the other called Easypark.
Without an app, there will be machines in areas where you must pay for parking. You can generally pay for parking with both cash and credit cards in most places, but there are still some old-fashioned machines around. These older parking meters will only accept coins and are generally located on side streets in downtown Reykjavík.
You can still use a pay-and-display machine to get a valid ticket for parking if you only have a credit card, but it could be difficult to find a machine if you don’t know where you are. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep some coins with you in case you come across an old parking meter in the city.
Parking During Public Holidays
Like many countries in Europe, parking during public holidays is relaxed in Iceland. The public holidays that allow free parking are outlined below; however, always be sure to check the signs before you park:
- New Year’s Day
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1st day of Summer
- Labour Day, May 1st
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- Independence Day, June 17th
- Commerce Day, 1st Monday of August (also known as Holiday of the Merchants)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Can You Sleep in Your Car in Iceland?
Whilst it is not illegal to sleep in your car, it is currently illegal to camp overnight in your car, trailer, motorhome, or campervan outside of designated campsite areas. Unless you have written permission from the landowner, you will find yourself confronted with a hefty fine. We would recommend using your car during the day and then seeking a hotel or rental accommodation for overnight. If you do wish to park up and sleep under the Icelandic night sky, be sure to find a campsite that will suit your needs so that you can ‘car camp’.
Parking Fines in Iceland
If you do not follow the laws and guidelines for parking in Reykjavík, you could find yourself facing a fine, as the rules are strongly enforced. The main things you can encounter a fine for are not having any time left on your meter, parking in a disabled or handicapped space without a permit, or parking in an area where parking isn't actually permitted.
Parking Ticket Charges
If you pay within the first 3 days of being issued a ticket, you will get a discount, and your fine (depending on the violation) will range between 4000 ISK (€30) and 20,000 ISK (€150).
If you pay within 2 weeks of the ticket being issued, you can expect to pay between 6000 ISK (€40) and 30,000 ISK (€220).
Waiting to pay your fine after 29 days will incur a late fee, and you can expect to have to pay somewhere between 9000 ISK (€65) and 40,000 ISK (€300).
How to Pay Parking Fines in Iceland
If you do get issued a parking ticket in Iceland, you'll want to pay it as soon as possible, and you can do so by going to the nearest bank, where they will let you pay the fine.
If you leave Iceland without paying a fine received in a hire car, the rental car company will be issued the ticket. They will then track you down, and you will need to reimburse them. Note that Reykjavík Rent a Car also charges a 5,000 ISK (€34) handling fee on top of your parking fine, so it’s in your best interest to deal with your charges before you leave Iceland.
If you have any questions about tickets and fines in Iceland ahead of your trip, please contact us.
Parking in Reykjavík FAQs
Is it easy to park in Reykjavík?
Parking in Reykjavík can be easily managed if you follow the regulations. Using local apps like Parka and Easypark can make paying and timing your stay very simple.
Where can I park a campervan in Reykjavík?
Due to the size of the vehicle, parking a campervan or caravan in the capital of Iceland can be a little trickier. If you are keen to stay in the city, there is a parking garage under Harpa concert hall, which is wide and tall enough for motorhomes like yours.
If you’re happy to park a little further away from the city, there is a camping ground in nearby Laugardalur. It’s not far from the city center, and the campsite offers bike hire to get to Reykjavik in less than 30 minutes. This is actually a great way to explore the capital without the higher accommodation costs of the city itself.
Do you need a car in Reykjavík?
It is, of course, possible to explore the city without hiring a car in Reykjavík. It is a compact and walkable area, but the true beauty of Iceland lies outside the city perimeter. To explore further afield, we think renting a car is the best option!