Exploring Iceland by bus is one of the most relaxing and budget‑friendly ways to see the country, especially in the wild and beautiful west. Instead of focusing on driving, you can sit back, watch the lava fields and fjords roll by, and hop off at charming towns where nature is right on your doorstep. With a little planning—and the right places to stay—bus travel in Iceland can be smooth, comfortable, and surprisingly flexible.
Ourhotels.is offers convenient accommodation options that fit perfectly with bus routes in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Together, they make an ideal base network for a bus‑based Iceland itinerary.
**1. Plan your route around bus schedules**
Iceland’s bus system is reliable but less frequent than in big cities, especially in rural areas. Before you travel, check the latest timetables for West Iceland and the Westfjords, and build your itinerary around those departure times. It’s smart to allow extra time between connections and to avoid very tight transfers.
When you stay at properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’re already close to key bus stops and main roads, which makes catching early morning or late afternoon buses much easier. Ourhotels.is staff can help you understand local schedules and suggest realistic day trips by bus.
**2. Use regional hubs as your base**
Instead of changing hotels every night, choose a few strategic bases and explore from there. This works especially well in West Iceland:
– **Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)**
Located in one of Iceland’s most historic and geologically rich regions, Hvítá Inn is a great base for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields by bus. From the Borgarnes area, you can reach Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and other West Iceland highlights. After a day of sightseeing, you can return to a peaceful riverside setting and recharge for the next leg of your journey.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn – Snæfellsnes Peninsula**
Stykkishólmur is a picturesque harbor town and a key transport point for the peninsula. Buses connect it with other parts of West Iceland, and from here you can explore dramatic coastlines, black beaches, and the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn means you’re within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, and bus stops, making it easy to enjoy the town without a car.
– **Ísafjörður Inn – Westfjords**
Ísafjörður is the main hub of the Westfjords, and many regional buses start or end here. Ísafjörður Inn gives you a comfortable base in the heart of this remote region, with easy access to local services and tour operators. From here, you can use buses and organized excursions to reach nearby villages, hiking areas, and fjords without needing your own vehicle.
By linking these three locations, you can create a scenic bus route through West Iceland and the Westfjords, staying within the Ourhotels.is family the whole way.
**3. Travel light and pack smart for bus journeys**
Space on buses is limited, and you’ll enjoy your trip more if you’re not wrestling with oversized luggage. Aim for one main bag and a small daypack. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes—weather in Iceland can change quickly, even between bus stops.
When you stay at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll have cozy, well‑equipped rooms where you can reorganize your gear, dry clothes after a rainy day, and prepare for the next stage of your journey.
**4. Buy tickets in advance when possible**
In high season, some routes can be busy, especially those connecting popular areas like Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, and Ísafjörður. Whenever possible, buy your tickets in advance or confirm your seat online. This is particularly important for longer routes and for buses that connect with ferries or domestic flights.
If you’re unsure which ticket option suits your itinerary, the staff at Ourhotels.is properties can help you understand the choices and point you toward the best value for your travel style.
**5. Make the most of stops and layovers**
Bus travel in Iceland often includes stops in small towns or scenic viewpoints. Instead of seeing these as delays, treat them as part of the adventure. Stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
– Around **Hvítá Inn**, you can plan stops to visit nearby waterfalls, hot springs, and viewpoints over Borgarfjörður.
– From **Stykkishólmur Inn**, you can walk the harbor, visit local museums, or take short walks with views over Breiðafjörður’s islands between bus rides.
– Near **Ísafjörður Inn**, even a short break can turn into a stroll along the fjord, a café visit, or a quick detour to a viewpoint above town.
Because these inns are close to the action, you can easily fill any gaps between bus times with meaningful experiences instead of just waiting.
**6. Combine buses with local tours**
Buses are excellent for getting between towns, but some natural attractions are best reached with local tours. Many operators offer pick‑up from central locations in towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður, which are all within easy reach of Ourhotels.is accommodations.
For example, you might take a bus to Stykkishólmur, check in at Stykkishólmur Inn, and then join a boat tour of Breiðafjörður’s islands. Or you could base yourself at Ísafjörður Inn and join guided hikes or fjord excursions that start right in town. This combination of public transport and local tours lets you see remote places without renting a car.
**7. Respect the weather and be flexible**
Weather in Iceland can affect bus schedules, especially in winter or in the Westfjords. Always check for updates on the day of travel and build some flexibility into your plans. If a bus is delayed or a route changes, having a comfortable, welcoming place to stay makes a big difference.
Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are used to helping guests adapt their plans around weather and transport changes. Staff can help you check conditions, suggest alternative activities, or adjust your day so you still make the most of your time.
**8. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination**
One of the best things about bus travel in Iceland is the scenery between stops: glacial rivers, moss‑covered lava fields, mountains, and endless coastline. Choose a window seat when you can, keep your camera handy, and let the landscape unfold.
Staying with Ourhotels.is along the way means that when the bus ride ends, the experience doesn’t. At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can continue to enjoy Iceland’s nature right outside your door, with comfortable rooms and friendly service to welcome you after a day on the road.
If you’re planning a car‑free trip through West Iceland and the Westfjords, combining Iceland’s bus network with stays at Ourhotels.is is a practical, sustainable, and memorable way to travel.
