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Getting around Reykjavik

Public transport: 

The main provider of buses is the Reykjavik Bus Service (Strætó) (tel: 540 2700; www.straeto.is). The main bus stations are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. Correct fares must be paid to the driver. The driver can provide transfer tickets, valid for 45-60 minutes from the time of issue.

A number of passes are available. You can also purchase a book of 10 tickets. The Reykjavik Card offers unlimited transport on buses.

Taxis: 

Taxis are metered and charge standard fares. Tipping is not expected. Taxis can be hailed or telephoned. Recommended taxi firms include Borgarbíll (tel: 552 2440), BSR (tel: 561 0000), BSH (tel: 555 0888) and Hréyfill (tel: 588 5522).

Driving: 

With a small city centre and a very efficient bus service, it is not really necessary to use a car to get around Reykjavik. Furthermore, the cost of car hire is enough to put most people off. Those that do drive, however, will find it a pleasurable experience. Traffic is not heavy, there is little congestion (the heaviest build-up of traffic is around 2300 in the centre of the city, when the locals head out for a night on the town) and Icelandic drivers are considerate towards other road users.

Parking in the city is easy, with metered spaces. Alternatively, there are six multi-storey car parks and plenty of larger car parks.

Car hire: 

Hiring a car in Reykjavik is prohibitively expensive. In addition to the hire price, VAT is charged at 24.5% and there are compulsory charges for insurance and petrol. Most car hire companies have a minimum age limit of 23 years and a foreign driver's licence is accepted.

Car hire companies include Avis (tel: 591 4000; www.avis.is), Budget (tel: 562 6060; www.budget.is), Europcar (tel: 565 3800; www.europcar.is), Herz (tel: 522 4420; www.hertz.is) and Sixt (tel: 540 2222; www.sixt.is).

Bicycle hire: 

Reykjavik's flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (tel: 562 0099; www.fjallahjolaklubburinn.is), based in Reykjavik, offers advice on cycling around the country, which is a tough and gruelling experience. Bikes can be hired from Borgarhjol Bike Rental, Hverfisgata 50 (tel: 551 5653; http://borgarhjol.net).

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