Your Guide To Parking in Reykjavík

Welcome to Reykjavík, the charming capital city of Iceland. Offering a brilliant blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder the city attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe every year.

Driving in Iceland is a popular choice for both locals and visitors due to the flexibility and convenience that public transport can’t always match. However, navigating its parking system can be a challenge, especially for first-timers. Our guide will help you understand the parking options available, as well as the tips and regulations you need to know to ensure a smooth experience while in the capital.

Reykjavík Parking Zones

Reykjavík has four distinct on-street parking zones, each with different rates depending on their location. The zones are indicated by “P” parking signs, followed by a number from 1-4, representing their distance from the center and how expensive the parking rate is. Below is a guide to the on-street parking zones in Reykjavík.

  • P1 – Red Zone: This is the most expensive and busiest area to park in, spanning the city center. 
  • P2 – Blue Zone: Slightly cheaper than the Red Zone, offering more flexibility on parking duration. 
  • P3 – Green Zone: An affordable option, located further out of the city center. 
  • P4 – Orange Zone: The cheapest and least restrictive, found on the outskirts of Reykjavík.
Map of on-street parking zones in Reykjavík

Multi-Story Car Parks

The multi-story car parks in Reykjavík offer a secure option for parking, especially in the busy city center. The car parks are strategically located near major attractions and shopping areas to provide easy access to key destinations. They are designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles with several levels of parking spaces and are often equipped with elevators, clear signage, and surveillance cameras. 

The multi-story car parks are typically open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, meaning you cannot access your car after these hours. The typical charges for these car parks are 240 ISK for the first hour and 120 ISK for each subsequent hour. 

Here are some recommended multi-story car parks in Reykjavík:

Hafnartorg Car Park

  • Location: Centrally located near the harbor and within walking distance of the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
  • Features: Offers ample parking space, a secure environment with surveillance cameras, and convenient access to the downtown area.

Vesturgata Car Park

  • Location: Situated close to the Old Harbor, making it ideal for visitors exploring the waterfront and nearby attractions.
  • Features: Provides multiple levels of parking, clear signage, and easy access to popular sites like the Maritime Museum and various restaurants.

Kolaportið Car Park

  • Location: Located near the famous Kolaportið Flea Market and a short walk from Reykjavík’s main shopping streets.
  • Features: Offers secure parking, competitive rates, and accessibility to many local shops and eateries.

Laugavegur Car Park

  • Location: Positioned close to Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s primary shopping street.
  • Features: Multi-level parking, well-lit and secure, perfect for those looking to spend the day shopping and dining in the city’s most vibrant area.

City Hall Car Park

  • Location: Adjacent to Reykjavík City Hall, near the scenic Tjörnin pond.
  • Features: Offers a central location with easy access to cultural landmarks, administrative buildings, and scenic walks around the pond area.
City view of a road and surrounding buildings in Reykjavík

Reykjavík Parking Fees & Hours

Parking fees vary by zone and time of day. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • P1 – Red Zone: 600 ISK per hour (9:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday)
  • P2 – Blue Zone: 200 ISK per hour (9:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday)
  • P3 – Green Zone: 200 ISK per hour for the first two, then 55 ISK per hour afterward (9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday)
  • P4 – Orange Zone: 200 ISK per hour, but only on weekdays (8:00 am 0 4:00 pm Monday – Friday)

Outside of the specified hours, parking in Reykjavík is free. If there is no “P” parking sign or any indication of parking charges, you generally do not need to pay for parking. As in other European countries, parking is usually free on public holidays. However, this is not always guaranteed, so always check the signs to be sure. A list of Icelandic public holidays includes: 

  • New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur)
  • Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur)
  • Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi)
  • Easter Sunday (Páskadagur)
  • Easter Monday (Annar í páskum)
  • First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti)
  • May Day (Verkalýðsdagurinn)
  • Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur)
  • Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu)
  • Icelandic National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn)
  • Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna)
  • Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur)
  • Christmas Day (Jóladagur)
  • Boxing Day (Annar í jólum)
  • New Year’s Eve (Gamlársdagur)

Parking Payment Options

Reykjavík offers multiple payment options for parking to make the car parks more accessible for drivers. These include:

Ticket Machines

Located throughout the city, the ticket machines in Reykjavík accept coins and credit cards. However, since cash options are being phased out, it’s always best to carry both coins and a card. Be sure to know your vehicle’s number plate, as most machines require this information for scanning. Some machines will print a ticket, while others will not. In multi-story car parks, a ticket is printed upon entry. When you are ready to leave, you will enter the ticket and pay the required amount.

Parking Apps

The most convenient option is the Leggja app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows drivers to pay and extend parking time remotely. This is a lifesaving option for when you’re busy exploring the city. 

If you do not pay for parking, you’re putting yourself at risk of a parking fine. Read our article on Speeding & Parking Offences in Iceland to find out more.

Navigating the parking system in Reykjavík doesn’t have to be a challenge. By understanding the various parking zones, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience while exploring the city. Whether you opt for on-street parking or use one of the multi-story car parks, always be sure to check the local signage to ensure you are staying within regulations and understand how much your parking will cost. 

For those seeking convenience and flexibility, Go Iceland has a wide range of campers available for your stay in Iceland. Enjoy the freedom of having your transport and accommodation in one, making your trip truly unforgettable. 

Safe travels!