BSI Reykjavik Bus Terminal Travel Guide

 

Photo from Iceland Departure Procedures | Iceland Travel Guide 1

BSI Reykjavik, spelled BSÍ Reykjavík in Icelandic, is a main tour bus terminal in downtown Reykjavik and a popular starting and end point for many tours and adventures in Iceland.

Due to the terminal's location, countless tours use it as a starting point for travelers. These sightseeing tours of the Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Husafell's canyon baths, for example, begin at BSI Reykjavik.

The bus terminal is one of the first places you will visit if you want to explore other parts of Iceland, especially the West and the South. If you choose to ride from there, there are options for buses and coaches. Also, many tour operators list it as a pick-up point for travelers who want to join their tours and a drop-off point once the tour is over.

About BSI Reykjavik

Location of BSI Reykjavik

BSI Reykjavik is a primary bus terminal in Reykjavik, located just over half a mile (around a kilometer) from the city center. The terminal's building has two floors, a white exterior, and a big, red BSI logo embossed on it. It also has vast parking spaces for buses, cars, and coaches.

BSI Reykjavik is easy to find, located a major ring road in the city and connected to many bus routes. The bus terminal is 0.9 miles (1.6 kilometers) from the Reykjavik Domestic Airport and the Keflavik International Airport is only 29.8 miles (48 kilometers) away

In the immediate area, you'll find the Landspitali University Hospital, which is only an 8-minute walk away from the terminal. The hospital provides patients with general and specialized care.  

Affordable Option to Travel

Riding a bus or coach from BSI Reykjavik is more affordable than renting a car. Public buses pass by near the terminal, allowing backpackers and solo travelers to explore the country without a car. Also, two bus companies are available inside the bus terminal, offering rides and tours to specific locations. 

Bus Companies Available in BSI Reykjavik

There are two bus and coach companies travelers can access at the bus terminal, Flybus, and Reykjavik Excursions.

All transportation offered by the two has free Wi-Fi and both allow travelers to book their rides online before their trip.

Reykjavik Excursions

Reykjavik Excursions has been around for decades and operates one of the biggest coach fleets in the country.

Reykjavik Excursions' coaches allow travelers to visit stunning spots in Iceland, such as Reykjanes, Snaefellsnes, the Highlands, and many more. Also, it has vehicles of different sizes, allowing travelers to choose the best one for them, depending on their size or preference. 

Flybus

Reykjavik Excursions is also in charge of operating Flybus. In fact, it has been doing that since 1979.

Flybus provides travelers with an airport transfer between Keflavik and Reykjavik, with optional stops at the Blue Lagoon. It is also connected to the airport's flight operations allowing a more effortless transfer. Travelers coming to Iceland or leaving it have a significant chance of using this service.

Nearby Points of Interests and Activities Near BSI Reykjavik

BSI Reykjavik is surrounded by incredible sites and activities located inside the city. 

Those who want to relax can visit Nautholsvik geothermal beach, 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) south of the bus terminal. Its naturally heated water is good for releasing stress. Also, admission to the place is free during the summer.

Another place to visit is the Sundhollin, 0.6 miles ( 0.9 kilometers) north of BSI Reykjavík. Sundhöllin is the oldest public bath in Reykjavik, which has been around since the 1930s. This public bath offers guests an indoor and outdoor pool, three hot tubs, two saunas, a cold tub, and a pool for the kids.  

For some traditional Icelandic meals or pastries, travelers can visit Cafe Loki, 0.6 miles (0.9 kilometers) north of BSI Reykjavik. Besides its traditional meaty food, which may include lamb or fish, the cafe also offers vegetarian meals. 

Travelers can also check out the Harpa Concert and Conference Hall, which is 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) from the terminal near the old harbor. Those who love music may have the chance to see the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra rehearsal during their visit. Also, this impressive structure, made up of glass, has won numerous awards because of its architecture. 

Nearby Harpa is a famous sculpture called the Sun Voyager. The artwork is made of steel and shows a figure of a ship. On a clear day, visitors can also see Esja mountain on the horizon while visiting the sculpture.

The activities near BSI Reykjavik do not stop during the daytime. While in Reykjavik, visitors can also enjoy its nightlife which is perfect for night owls and party-goers. Moreover, since Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, visitors can expect a more secure and fun experience. 

The nightlife in Reykjavik happens at Laugavegur street, just an 18-minute walk from the bus terminal. The street north of BSI Reykjavik is also the city's main shopping street during the day. Bars and pubs that line Laugavegur street start opening in the afternoon.

Nearby Attractions from BSI Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a great starting point for travelers who want to explore Iceland. Aside from being the country's capital, the city is also surrounded by the country's main attractions.

Thingvellir National Park, a part of the famous Golden Circle in Iceland, is only 28.7 miles (46.2 kilometers) away from the bus terminal. From here, travelers can jumpstart their Golden Circle tour. 

Another attraction is located south of Reykjavik, on the Reykjanes peninsula. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where travelers can relax, is only 29.8 miles (48 kilometers) away.

For travelers going north, there's the Snaefellsness Peninsula to explore. The peninsula, which is home to the famous Snaefelsjokull stratovolcano, is only 83 miles (134 kilometers) away.

How Do You Get to BSI Reykjavik?

Photo from Reykjavik City Buses | The Ultimate Guide

The easiest way to go from one place to another in Iceland is through a car. But for those who don't want to rent a car, there are other options they can use to get to the BSI Reykjavik bus terminal.

Those traveling from other parts of Reykjavik to BSI Reykjavik can ride a taxi or a bus.

International travelers arriving at Keflavik airport via plane can ride the Flybus airport transfer. The airport transfer is the most convenient way to travel to BSI Reykjavik due to its connection with all the airport's flights. Also, its buses pick you up and drop you off right outside the doors of the airport.

Travelers can buy their tickets for Flybus right inside the airport or by booking online. 

For a more comfortable experience, travelers can also opt for a private taxi airport transfer. 

Other BSI Reykjavik Amenities and Services

The BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik allows easy access for many travelers in Iceland. But besides bus and taxi transportation, other services and amenities are available here.

Car Rental

Renting a car is arguably the best way to explore the different sites of Iceland. Fortunately, some car rental companies are present in BSI Reykjavik for those who want to rent one.

The rental price of a car depends on its size and car model. For example, a compact that can fit around five people can cost around 127 USD per day, while a Luxury SUV may cost about 445 USD.  These figures are subject to change.

You can also rent a car online.

BSI Reykjavik Terminal Locker

Several luggage locker services in the terminal offer to store people's luggage for 24 hours or more. The locker service is open to travelers who want to go around the city or join a tour near it without the hassle of their luggage. 

Terminal locker prices can cost between two USD to 18 USD, depending on the size. These figures are subject to change. 

Myrin Mathus

Mýrin Mathús is an affordable restaurant in BSI Reykjavík that's open from 06:00 to 23:00. 

This restaurant is already 50 years old and offers a variety of food for different types of appetites. For a simple meal, the restaurant has its burger with fries. It also has delicious Icelandic dishes, such as a singed sheep's head with mashed potato.

Vending Machine

Those who want to grab a bottle of water, soda, or just a quick snack can access a vending machine while in the bus terminal.