Exploring Iceland: Paying For Bus Travel

how to pay for buses in iceland

If you're planning to use public transport in Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, you'll need to get to grips with the city's bus system. Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in the city, with no metro, train or ferry services available. Luckily, the bus service is both accessible and affordable, with extensive coverage of the city and frequent schedules. The bus company, Strætó BS, operates 27 routes in the capital, with distinctive yellow buses that are easy to spot.

There are several ways to pay for buses in Reykjavík. You can pay in cash on the bus, but you'll need to have the exact amount as drivers don't give change. Alternatively, you can use the KLAPP payment system, which offers three options: a top-up KLAPP card, the KLAPP app, or a KLAPP ten-ticket cardboard bus pass. You can also purchase the Reykjavík City Card, which offers unlimited bus travel in the capital area, along with free entry to museums, galleries and thermal pools.

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Cash payments: Exact change needed, no change given

If you're planning to pay for your bus fare in Iceland with cash, make sure you have the exact change ready. Bus drivers in Iceland don't give change to passengers, so you'll need to have the exact amount needed for the fare. This is an important point to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip to Iceland.

When boarding the bus, have your cash payment ready before getting on. It's also a good idea to signal to the driver that you want to board, as the bus might not stop otherwise. You can do this by sticking your hand out to flag down the bus.

The cost of a bus ticket in Iceland varies depending on your age and status. At the time of writing, the fare for an adult is 490 ISK. For pensioners, disabled people, and children aged 6-17, the fare is 245 ISK. Children under the age of 6 and legally blind individuals ride for free.

It's worth noting that the accepted payment methods for buses in Iceland have been changing. While cash payments are still accepted, some buses no longer accept them, and it's expected that this option will eventually disappear. So, if you're planning to pay with cash, it's a good idea to check the latest information before your trip.

Additionally, if you're planning to transfer to another bus, make sure to ask the driver for a transfer ticket. This will allow you to switch buses without paying an additional fare. The transfer ticket is valid for 75 minutes, so you can make your connection without worry.

Overall, while cash payments are still an option for bus fares in Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the exact change and stay updated on the latest payment methods before your trip.

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KLAPP app: Requires Wi-Fi or data connection

The KLAPP app is an official public transport payment app for Strætó Iceland, the administrative body for public transportation in the capital area of Iceland. The app allows you to purchase single tickets and period passes, such as monthly or yearly passes. It is one of several ways to pay for buses in Iceland, alongside cash, bus card, or disposable paper cards.

To use the KLAPP app, you will need a Wi-Fi or data connection. The app is available for download on both the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices. It does not work on Windows Phones.

Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to register with your phone number and card details. It is important to note that the app does not accept American Express cards. After registering, you can purchase tickets, which will be saved under the 'My Tickets' section of the app. These tickets are not automatically activated and will be valid for 75 minutes once activated. You will need to scan your phone when entering the bus to verify the ticket.

While most buses in Reykjavik have free Wi-Fi, it is recommended to purchase tickets beforehand to avoid relying on the bus Wi-Fi. Additionally, you will need an internet connection to buy tickets from the app.

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KLAPP card: Top-up smart card, bought at select stores

KLAPP is an account-based ticketing system that gives you access to Strætó buses in the capital area of Reykjavik. KLAPP cards are smart cards that you can buy online at straeto.is or at select vendors in the capital area. You can add credit to your KLAPP card online through your My Pages account.

KLAPP cards are a convenient way to pay for bus fares in Iceland. You simply hold the card near a scanner on board the bus when paying the fare. This type of system is used in public transport around the world and offers a seamless way to pay for your journey.

The KLAPP card is a top-up smart card, which means you can add credit to it as needed. You can top up your card through the My Pages section of the KLAPP website. This allows you to manage your card and ensure you have enough credit for your bus journeys.

The KLAPP card can be purchased at select stores in the capital area of Reykjavik. These include the eighteen shops listed on the Strætó website, as well as the two shopping malls, Kringlan and Smáralind. By purchasing a KLAPP card at one of these locations, you can benefit from the convenience of a reusable card that you can top up as needed.

Overall, the KLAPP card is a great option for those looking for a seamless and convenient way to pay for bus fares in Iceland. With its easy top-up functionality and wide availability at select stores, it offers a simple solution for getting around Reykjavik without the hassle of cash or single-use tickets.

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KLAPP ten: 10-ticket cardboard bus pass

In Iceland, the bus company Strætó introduced the KLAPP payment system in November 2021. KLAPP ten is one of the three payment methods in the KLAPP system, the other two being the KLAPP card and the KLAPP app. KLAPP ten is a 10-ticket cardboard bus pass for adults, youth, or senior citizens. The cardboard card has a code that you scan on board the bus, and the scanner shows how many trips are left on the card.

KLAPP ten can be purchased from all Strætó vendors in the capital area of Reykjavik and on the Strætó website, straeto.is. It can also be bought at selected gas stations, convenience stores, museums, and swimming pools. The KLAPP ten costs about 4,900 ISK.

The KLAPP ten replaced the old paper bus tickets. It is more convenient and eliminates the hassle of buying a ticket for each ride. With the KLAPP ten, you can easily scan your card and go, and you don't have to worry about carrying cash or exact change. The pass is also cost-effective, especially if you plan to take multiple bus rides.

The KLAPP ten is a great option for tourists and locals who frequently use the bus service in Reykjavik. It is simple to use and can be easily purchased and recharged. This payment system makes taking the bus in Iceland a seamless and efficient experience.

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Reykjavik City Card: Unlimited bus travel, free museum entry, etc

The Reykjavik City Card is a great option for unlimited bus travel within the Reykjavik Capital Area. The card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and offers a host of other benefits, making it a very attractive option for visitors to the city.

Firstly, the card offers free entry to a wide range of museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Iceland, the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum, and the Settlement Exhibition, to name a few. Secondly, it provides access to all of Reykjavik's geothermal swimming pools, which are a favourite local pastime. Thirdly, the card gives discounts on various tours, shops, and services, such as the Perlan Museum, the Harpa concert hall, and the Icelandic Phallological Museum.

The card can be purchased online in advance and then picked up and activated at various locations in the city, including the Reykjavik Art Museum, Kjarvalsstadir, and the City Hall. The card is then valid for the number of days purchased and can be used consecutively. For example, a 48-hour card starting at 12 pm will be valid until 12 pm two days later.

The Reykjavik City Card is a very cost-effective option, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions during your time in the city. It offers convenience, as well as the opportunity to explore the city's cultural and leisure offerings at a discounted price.

Frequently asked questions

There are three ways to pay for buses in Iceland: cash, the KLAPP app, or the KLAPP card.

The KLAPP app is a payment method where you can buy individual tickets or period tickets for Strætó buses. You can download the app on your phone and scan your code upon entering the bus.

The KLAPP card is a contactless smart card that you can scan when entering the bus. You will have to purchase the card at certain stores.

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