Reykjavik City Card: Your Key to Exploring Reykjavik on a Budget

If you're planning a trip to Reykjavik, you might be wondering how to make the most of your visit without spending too much money. Reykjavik is a beautiful and vibrant city, but like the rest of Iceland, it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there is a great way to explore the city while saving money: the Reykjavik City Card.

The Reykjavik City Card is a budget-friendly travel pass that gives you access to many of Reykjavik’s top attractions, museums, and public transport. In this guide, we will explain what the card is, how it works, where to buy it, and how it can help you make the most of your trip to Iceland’s capital.

What is the Reykjavik City Card?

The Reykjavik City Card is a discount card that offers free admission to many museums, galleries, and attractions in Reykjavik. It also provides unlimited travel on the city's buses and discounts on various tours, restaurants, and shops.

The card comes in three durations:

• 24 hours
• 48 hours
• 72 hours

This means you can choose a card based on how long you plan to stay and explore Reykjavik. The longer the duration, the better the value it provides.

Why Should You Buy the Reykjavik City Card?

There are many reasons why the Reykjavik City Card is a smart investment for travelers:

• Reykjavik can be expensive, but the City Card helps you save by offering free entry to top attractions and discounts on various activities.
• The card allows free use of Reykjavik's public buses, which makes it simple to travel around the city without worrying about fares.
• If you enjoy learning about history and culture, the card gives you access to many museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum.
• Families with children can take advantage of free access to swimming pools, discounts on entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions.
• Having a City Card means you don't need to carry extra cash for entrance fees. Just show your card and enjoy free access to many places.

What is Included in the Reykjavik City Card?

1. Free Admission to Museums and Attractions

The Iceland City Card gives you free entry to many of Reykjavik’s top museums, including:

• National Museum of Iceland – Learn about Icelandic history from Viking times to the modern era.
• Reykjavik Art Museum – A collection of modern and contemporary art across three locations.
• The Settlement Exhibition – Discover Reykjavik’s earliest history through archaeological findings.
• The Maritime Museum – Explore Iceland’s rich fishing and maritime heritage.
• The Icelandic Phallological Museum – A unique museum dedicated to the study of phalluses from different species.
• Arbaer Open Air Museum – A living history museum with old Icelandic houses and costumed guides.

2. Free Access to Reykjavik’s Swimming Pools

Iceland is famous for its geothermal swimming pools, and with the City Card, you get free access to:

• Laugardalslaug – Reykjavik’s largest and most popular swimming pool.
• Vesturbaejarlaug – A cozy and relaxing neighborhood pool.
• Sundhollin – One of the oldest and most historic pools in the city.

3. Unlimited Public Bus Travel

Reykjavik’s public bus system (Strætó) is included in the Reykjavik City Card, making it easy to explore the city without paying for individual tickets.

4. Discounts on Tours and Activities

Many day tours and excursions offer discounts for City Card holders. These include:

• Whale watching tours
• Puffin watching tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Food and walking tours

5. Discounts at Restaurants and Shops

Some of Reykjavik’s best restaurants and gift shops provide special discounts to cardholders, making dining and shopping more affordable.

How Much Does the Reykjavik City Card Cost?

Prices for the Iceland City Card vary depending on the duration:

• 24-hour card: Approximately ISK 4,500
• 48-hour card: Approximately ISK 6,500
• 72-hour card: Approximately ISK 8,500

These prices may change, so it's best to check the official website or local tourism office for the most up-to-date information.

Where Can You Buy the Reykjavik City Card?

You can purchase the Reykjavik City Card at several locations in Reykjavik, including:

• Reykjavik City Hall
• Tourist Information Centers
• Hotels and Hostels
• Online (Official Websites)

Buying the card online in advance can save you time and allow you to plan your trip better.

How to Use the Reykjavik City Card

1. Activate Your Card

The Iceland City Card is activated the first time you use it. It is valid for the duration you purchased (24, 48, or 72 hours) from the moment of first use.

2. Show Your Card at Attractions

Simply present your card at participating museums, swimming pools, and attractions to gain free entry.

3. Use it for Bus Travel

Show your City Card to the bus driver when boarding Reykjavik’s public buses to enjoy unlimited travel.

4. Enjoy Discounts

Check the list of discounted services and show your card to receive savings on tours, restaurants, and shops.

Tips for Using the Reykjavik City Card

1. Plan Your Visits – To get the most value, visit multiple museums, pools, and attractions within your card’s validity period.
2. Use Public Transport – Save on taxis by using the free bus service included in the card.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts – Check the list of participating restaurants and shops for extra savings.
4. Visit a Swimming Pool – Icelandic pools are a great way to relax and experience local culture.
5. Start Early in the Day – Museums and attractions have specific opening hours, so start early to fit more into your schedule.

Is the Reykjavik City Card Worth It?

If you plan to visit multiple museums, use public transport, and take advantage of discounts, the Iceland City Card is a great deal. It allows you to see more of Reykjavik without overspending.

For travelers staying a few days in Reykjavik, this card is one of the best budget-friendly options. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Iceland City Card makes sightseeing easy, fun, and affordable.