Planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how taxis work here? Whether you’re landing late at Keflavík, chasing the northern lights, or heading out from one of our west Iceland locations, understanding taxi travel can make your journey smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable.
Below are practical taxi tips tailored to travelers exploring the west, with Ourhotels.is as your comfortable base between adventures.
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Iceland Taxi Basics: What to Expect
Taxis in Iceland are safe, regulated, and metered. You’ll find them mainly in and around Reykjavík, larger towns, and at major transport hubs. In rural areas, including much of west Iceland, taxis are available but must often be pre-booked.
Key points to know:
– Taxis are metered with fixed starting fees and per‑kilometer rates.
– Prices are higher at night, on weekends, and during holidays.
– Most drivers speak good English.
– Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is rarely necessary.
If you’re staying at one of our west Iceland properties—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—our staff can help you estimate taxi costs for your planned routes and suggest when a taxi makes sense versus a rental car or bus.
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Airport & Long-Distance Taxi Tips
Many visitors first encounter Icelandic taxis at Keflavík International Airport. While airport buses and private transfers are common, taxis are a flexible option if you:
– Arrive very late or very early
– Have lots of luggage or ski/photography gear
– Prefer a direct, private ride to your hotel
From Keflavík to Reykjavík, taxis are straightforward. For west Iceland destinations like Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, or Ísafjörður, a taxi all the way from the airport can be expensive. A smart strategy is to:
1. Take a bus or taxi to Reykjavík first.
2. From Reykjavík, consider a rental car, bus, or pre‑arranged transfer to your Ourhotels.is location.
3. Use local taxis for shorter trips, evening outings, or when weather makes driving stressful.
If you’d like help planning the best combination of transport, you can contact Ourhotels.is in advance; we’re happy to advise based on your itinerary and season.
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Using Taxis Around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður
Hvítá Inn, close to Borgarnes, is a great base for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and the scenic Borgarfjörður region. This area is more rural, so taxis are less frequent than in Reykjavík, but still accessible with a bit of planning.
Tips for taxi use around Hvítá Inn:
– Pre‑book: Ask reception at Hvítá Inn to call a local taxi for you, especially in the evening or early morning.
– Combine stops: If you’re visiting nearby attractions like Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, or Barnafoss, group them into one taxi outing to save on multiple pick‑up fees.
– Weather backup: In winter, if you’re not comfortable driving icy roads, a taxi can be a safer option for shorter distances. Our team can help you decide based on current conditions.
Staying at Hvítá Inn gives you the flexibility to mix self‑drive days with taxi-supported excursions, so you can relax when the weather turns or when you simply want a break from driving.
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Taxi Tips for Stykkishólmur Inn and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur Inn sits in one of Iceland’s most picturesque coastal towns, a perfect gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Taxis here are available but limited, so planning ahead is essential.
How to use taxis smartly in Stykkishólmur:
– Short town rides: Taxis are ideal for quick trips within town—harbor, restaurants, or the ferry terminal—especially in bad weather or if you’re carrying luggage.
– Ferry connections: If you’re catching the Baldur ferry, a taxi can be a reliable way to get to and from the harbor on time.
– Evening outings: Enjoy local seafood and a glass of wine without worrying about driving back to Stykkishólmur Inn; ask our staff to arrange a taxi pick‑up and return.
For full-day exploration of Snæfellsnes (like Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, or Snæfellsjökull National Park), a rental car or guided tour is usually more economical than a taxi. Ourhotels.is staff at Stykkishólmur Inn can help you compare options and book what suits you best.
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Taxis in Ísafjörður and the Westfjords: Ísafjörður Inn
The Westfjords feel wonderfully remote, and Ísafjörður Inn places you right in the heart of this dramatic region. Taxis here are fewer than in the south, but they’re a valuable resource when you need flexibility.
Taxi tips for Ísafjörður:
– Book ahead: Especially in winter or outside peak hours, arrange taxis in advance through Ísafjörður Inn’s reception.
– Use taxis as connectors: Combine buses or tours with short taxi rides to trailheads, viewpoints, or nearby villages.
– Safety in winter: If you’re unsure about driving mountain roads or tunnels in snow and wind, a local taxi driver’s experience can be invaluable for short essential trips.
Because distances in the Westfjords can be long, taxis are best for targeted journeys rather than full-day touring. Our team at Ísafjörður Inn can help you design a realistic plan that balances cost, comfort, and safety.
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Money-Saving Taxi Tips Across Iceland
No matter where you stay, these tips help keep taxi costs under control:
– Travel in groups: Splitting a taxi between 3–4 people often rivals or beats bus prices per person.
– Ask for estimates: Before a longer ride, ask the driver for a rough cost based on distance and time.
– Avoid unnecessary waiting time: Be ready at your pick‑up point so the meter isn’t running while the taxi waits.
– Use taxis strategically: Combine them with buses, rental cars, and walking to cover only the legs where a taxi adds real value.
If you’re unsure what a fair price looks like for a particular route near Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, just ask at reception—we’re used to helping guests compare options.
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Practical Etiquette & Safety
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, and that extends to taxi travel. Still, a few simple habits make everything smoother:
– Check the taxi sign and company name; use official taxis only.
– Confirm the destination and approximate route with the driver.
– Tipping is not required, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
– If you’re traveling late at night, let someone at your hotel know your plans and expected return time.
At Ourhotels.is properties, including Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, our staff can call trusted local taxi companies for you, so you don’t have to worry about finding numbers or language barriers.
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How Ourhotels.is Helps You Navigate West Iceland
Staying with Ourhotels.is means you don’t have to figure out Icelandic transport alone. At each of our locations, we can:
– Arrange taxi pick‑ups and drop‑offs
– Help you choose between taxi, bus, rental car, or guided tour
– Check weather and road conditions before you set out
– Suggest realistic travel times between sights in west Iceland
Whether you’re based at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes coast, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll have local support to make smart, safe, and cost‑effective taxi choices.
Plan your stay with Ourhotels.is, and let us help you combine the freedom of Iceland’s open roads with the convenience of taxis—so you can focus on the landscapes, not the logistics.
