Everything You Need to Know About Parking in Reykjavik
11 Nov 2019
When traveling to Iceland, most visitors stay, or at least shop in the downtown part of Reykjavik because of the amenities. While public transportation is available, renting a car will give you the freedom to experience Iceland to the fullest. Though, if you do plan on driving, it is helpful to understand the parking rules, schedules, and different parking zones to avoid parking violations.
Overall, parking in Iceland is free, even in the capital city of Reykjavik; however, there are certain areas in the central that do charge for parking. The parking zones are fairly well marked and depending on whether it is paid parking on the street or a spot in the car park or parking garage, prices, payment options, and hours of service are fairly straightforward.
Below, we’ve compiled the information you need to know in regards to paid parking.
Understanding the Parking Zones
The parking zones in Reykajavik are defined by P-signs, posted on lampposts. There are four parking zones designated by number, with corresponding colors on the map diagram provided below.
P-Zone 1 (red or pink)
- Payment is required on Mon-Fri: 09:00-18:00, Sat: 10:00-16:00, Sun: Free
- Cost: 370 ISK per hour
P-Zone 2 (purple or blue)
- Payment is required Mon-Fri: 09:00-18:00, Sat: 10:00-16:00, Sun: Free
- Cost: 190 ISK per hour
P-Zone 3 (green)
- Payment is required on Mon-Fri: 09:00-18:00, Sat: 10:00-16:00, Sun: Free
- Cost: 190 ISK per hour. After 2 hours, 55 ISK per hour.
P-Zone 4 (orange)
- Payment is required on Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00, Sat and Sun: Free
- Cost: 190 ISK per hour
Parking on Public Holidays
All parking is free on the following recognized holidays:
- New Years Day
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1st day of Summer
- Labour Day, May 1st
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- Independence Day, June 17th
- Commerce Day, 1st Monday of August (also known as Holiday of the Merchants)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
How to Pay for Parking
The paid parking zones will be equipped with a mobile app option, ticket machine, or parking meter. The traditional style meters that accept coins only are being phased out. However, if you do encounter them, you’ll need to have larger coins such as 10, 50, and 100 ISK available.
The ticket machines accept credit cards as well as larger coins (10, 50, 100 ISK), but it doesn’t provide change. At these locations, you’ll need to input your license plate number and the length of time you’ll remain parked and the machine will charge you accordingly. No ticket will be provided, rather when a parking attendant scans the license plate, the data will confirm whether you paid or not.
Finally, paying via mobile app is possible. The app is named Leggja and is available in Google Play store and Apple App store.
Car Parks
If you want to avoid street parking or prefer more secure or overnight parking in Reykjavic, there are several car parks, or parking houses to choose from. These are not typically full unless it’s during a major event, or if you searching for parking near Vesturgata or City Hall.
Also, be forewarned that the car parks are only open between 07:00-24:00, so make sure that won’t hinder your schedule. Another important note is the car parks are designed very compact and tight, so drive through with caution.
Most car parks charge 240 ISK for the first hour and 120 ISK thereafter, with the exception Stjörnuport and Vitatorg, which charge 150 ISK for the first hour and 100 ISK for each additional.
Free Parking
In addition to the standard free parking areas, the different parking zones offer complimentary parking to eco-friendly cars. These spaces are marked by a blue parking meter symbol and can be used free of charge for 90 minutes. The car must be equipped with a parking clock in the front window issued by Reykjavik city. If you’re driving a car with studded tires, you must pay normal fees.
For the most part, Reykjavic offers ample parking and even when you do find yourself paying for parking, the rates are reasonable. Just be sure to pay for parking when it is required to avoid fines.
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