Iceland at Christmas and New Year 2026: Getting There and Around

Getting There: Flights and Arrival

Most international visitors fly into Keflavík Airport (KEF), about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík. In late December, direct flights operate from major European cities like London, Copenhagen, and Paris, plus several North American hubs. Book early—seats fill quickly for the holidays. From KEF, the Flybus and Airport Direct coaches run to Reykjavík's BSÍ bus terminal, taking 45–50 minutes. Taxis are available but costly; a rental car gives flexibility but requires winter driving confidence. Expect fares to be higher than off-peak; check airline websites for exact schedules.

Once in Reykjavík, the city centre is compact and walkable. Many hotels cluster around Laugavegur shopping street and the old harbour area, putting you near restaurants and Christmas markets. If you're heading straight to the countryside, consider an overnight near the airport or in Reykjavík before driving. Public holidays like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day mean limited services, so plan arrivals a day or two before 24 December. For accommodation, booking a hotel in Reykjavík with parking or near bus stops simplifies festive travel.

Getting Around: Roads and Public Transport

Driving in Iceland in winter demands caution. The Ring Road (Route 1) is usually passable, but mountain passes and the Westfjords may close due to snow. Check road.is and vedur.is for conditions. A 4x4 is advisable for rural areas, though a 2WD with winter tyres can suffice for the Golden Circle and South Coast. Distances are long: Reykjavík to Vík is 186 km (2.5–3 hours), and to Jökulsárlón about 380 km (5 hours). Daylight is scarce—sunrise around 11:00 and sunset near 15:30—so limit driving to daylight hours.

Public buses are limited during the holidays. Strætó operates in the capital area, but schedules are reduced on 24, 25, 26, and 31 December and 1 January. Intercity buses to Akureyri and other towns may not run daily. Organised tours are a stress-free alternative: many companies offer Golden Circle, South Coast, and Northern Lights excursions even in winter, with hotel pick-up. For flexibility, rent a car, but book well ahead; availability is tight. If you're based in Reykjavík, walking and taxis cover most needs, and tours handle longer journeys.

Festive Timing and Where to Stay

Christmas and New Year in Iceland are magical but busy. Expect most shops and restaurants to close on 24, 25, and 26 December, and again on 1 January. Some reopen on 27 December. New Year's Eve is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks, especially in Reykjavík. Book accommodation early—Reykjavík hotels near Hallgrímskirkja or the Harpa concert hall sell out months in advance. For a quieter experience, consider towns like Akureyri or Ísafjörður, but check that facilities are open. Prices for hotels and tours are at a premium; budget accordingly.

If you want a balance of city comfort and access to nature, stay in Reykjavík and take day tours. For a road trip, plan shorter stages and have backup plans. I would book a hotel in central Reykjavík for the holiday period, as it offers the most services and tour pick-ups. Use the booking site to compare options and secure a place near transport links. Regardless of choice, confirm opening hours and tour availability directly with providers, as holiday schedules vary.