Wondering where to park in Reykjavik? Our guide has got you covered. Learn more about parking zones, tickets, and fines on our blog.
Exploring the scenic vistas of Iceland in a car is an unforgettable experience. Driving a rental car is one of the best ways to explore Iceland. You get to experience the country’s stunning landscapes, all at your own pace. However, the issue of parking in Reykjavík can be an uncertainty for many travellers, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
If you’re wondering where to park in Reykjavík, we’ve prepared this guide covering all the parking zones in the city, how to pay for parking, and more. Keep reading.
Parking Zones in Reykjavík
There are four different parking zones in central Reykjavík, each with a different hourly rate. Each zone is colour-coded and works as explained below:
P1 (Red and Pink): The P1 parking zone is right in the city centre and is the most expensive as it offers the best access to town. These zones are charged 600 ISK (4.30 US $)* per hour and are chargeable between 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays.
P2 (Blue): P2 parking zones are significantly cheaper than P1 with an hourly rate of 220 ISK (1.60 US $)*. The hours are the same as P1, however, with parking fees applying from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 9 pm on weekends.
P3 (Green): P3 parking zones are charged 220 ISK (1.60 US $)* for the first two hours, and then 65 ISK (0.50 US $)* each hour. These rates are applicable on both weekdays and Saturdays.
P4 (Orange): Parking fees in Orange zones apply from 8 am to 4 pm on weekdays, with the hourly rate being 220 ISK (1.60 US $)*
Apart from these parking zones, Reykjavík also has several multi-storey car parks. Typically, multi-storeys in Reykjavík charge 240 ISK (1.75 US $)* for the first hour, and then 120 ISK (0.90 US $)* every hour onwards. This makes them considerably cheaper than parking zones, and you can also park your car overnight.
How to Pay for Parking in Reykjavík
Traditionally, parking in Reykjavík is paid for using parking machines. They are found throughout the city, typically, on every corner of a street within the parking zones. You can pay with either a card or coins, simply follow the instructions on the machine. Another convenient way of paying for parking is through apps such as Parka and Easy Park as they allow you to extend your parking hours remotely.
If you need to pay a parking fine, you’ll have to take your ticket to a bank and pay it there. Parking fines increase quickly if not paid in time, so it’s best to get them done with as soon as possible if you do incur one.
Free Parking in Reykjavík
Parking zones in Reykjavík are only chargeable during their set hours, which means that you can park for free here outside these hours. There are also free car parks surrounding landmarks such as the Gròtta Lighthouse. Furthermore, parking is free on all public holidays in Iceland. These are some of the most popular holidays if you want to plan your visit around them:
- New Year’s Day
- Maundy Thursday
- Easter
- Labour Day
- Ascension Day
- Whit Sunday
- Whit Monday
- National Day
- Christmas
- Boxing Day
Renting a car is one of the best ways to see Iceland, so the issue of parking shouldn’t deter you. Remember, Reykjavík is divided into parking zones, each with its own rules and pricing, so always check the signs. And when it comes to paying for parking, technology is on your side; with easy-to-use apps and kiosks.
Now you can navigate through Reykjavík’s parking zones with confidence. So start your Icelandic adventure today in your rental car.
(*All prices are approx. as of March 2024)