BSI is a main tour bus terminal in downtown Reykjavik and a starting and end point for many tours and adventures in Iceland. It's also the main stop for most airport transfer services to and from Keflavik International Airport.
The BSI Bus Terminal is the main travel hub in Reykjavik and a gateway to exploring Iceland. It's conveniently located close to the city center and connects travelers to destinations across the country, such as the famous Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.
BSI is a convenient base for your travel needs, whether you're looking for quick airport transfers to Keflavik Airport or longer bus tours around the countryside. You'll find services like luggage storage, an ATM, a casual restaurant, and the Sbarro pizza place if you need a quick bite before your tour.
You can easily reach the BSI Bus Station by taxi or by taking Straeto, the Reykjavik city bus. There's also plenty of parking on-site if you have a rental car. If your accommodation in Reykjavik is right in the city center, know that it likely only takes between 10 and 25 minutes to get there on foot. Read on for all you need to know about the BSI bus terminal.
What To Know About BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
The BSI Bus Terminal is just next to the main downtown area of Reykjavik
Many travelers stop by the BSI Bus Terminal at some point during their visit to Iceland. Whether it's for an airport transfer or a guided tour, here's what you need to know about this transportation hub in central Reykjavik.
How to Get to BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
The easiest way to go from one place to another in Iceland is by 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 get a taxi or take the Reykjavik city buses. If you plan to reach the terminal by bus, you should exit at the bus stop called "BSÍ."
The most convenient way to reach BSI from Keflavik Airport is by booking an airport transfer.
The BSI Bus Terminal building has two floors, a white exterior, and a big, red BSI logo on the top left above the entrance. In front, there's a large parking area for buses and cars.
The address of the BSI Terminal is Vatnsmyrarvegur 10, a 15-minute walk from the Tjornin pond in downtown Reykjavik. It's just next to an N1 gas station and the National University Hospital of Iceland.
Services at BSI Bus Terminal
Photo from BSÍ umferðamiðstöðin veitingar
The BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik allows easy access for many travelers in Iceland, but it also offers convenient services and amenities.
BSI Reykjavik Luggage Lockers
You'll find a luggage locker service in the BSI Terminal, where you can safely store your luggage for 24 hours or more. The locker service is open to travelers who want to go around the city or join a tour without the hassle of keeping their luggage with them.
Terminal luggage lockers can cost around 4 USD and 30 USD, depending on the size of your luggage and the length of storage time. These figures are subject to change.
Reykjavik Food Terminal and Sbarro
Reykjavik Food Terminal is an affordable restaurant in BSI Reykjavik that's open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
This restaurant offers home-style food, and they have a new menu every week. They also collaborate with the fast-food restaurant Sbarro, so you can enjoy a tasty slice of New York-style pizza during a visit.
One item that's not on the menu, but you can specially request, is the traditional "sviðakjammi" or boiled sheep's head. It's served with mashed potatoes and turnips. This peculiar Icelandic dish has a fan following, so if you're feeling brave, definitely try it out!
Alternatively, if you just want to grab a bottle of water, soda, or a quick snack, there are vending machines available in the bus terminal.
Transfers Between Reykjavik and the Keflavik Airport
Photo from Affordable Airport Transfer from Reykjavik Bus Terminal to Keflavik Airport
If you're not picking up a rental car from Keflavik Airport, booking an airport bus transfer is the easiest way to cover the 45-minute drive between Keflavik and Reykjavik. Many options, such as this Flybus transfer from Keflavik airport, offer drop-off at popular hotels in the Capital Region.
This usually means that the main bus will either stop along the way to BSI Bus Terminal or, if your accommodation is in downtown Reykjavik, you will board another smaller bus at BSI, which brings you to your hotel.
The same goes for your return trip. You can choose to catch the bus at the BSI Terminal, such as with this cheap airport transfer from Reykjavik, or order a transfer with pickup from your accommodation.
This generally means that you will be picked up in a smaller bus and brought to BSI before boarding a bigger bus that will take you to Keflavik Airport. Some airport transfer services also switch buses at the Reykjavik Terminal at Skogarhlid 10, a 20-minute walk from the BSI Terminal, such as this transfer with hotel pick-up.
Other Tours Available From BSI Reykjavik
Photo from One-Way Bus Transfer from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik
A popular addition to airport transfers is a visit to the Blue Lagoon. As one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, it's easy to find Blue Lagoon tours that bring you straight to the geothermal spa or include it as a stop as part of a larger day trip experience.
BSI is a common starting and end point for these tours, such as with this quick Blue Lagoon shuttle bus. You can also add a pick-up from your hotel if it's not conveniently close to the BSI Bus Terminal.
You can also embark on longer adventures from BSI, such as this South Coast day tour that brings you all the way to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Another choice is exploring Iceland's most famous travel route with this 8-hour Golden Circle tour, which stops at the popular Fridheimar greenhouse. Both of these tours also offer pick up from your accommodation for a small additional price.
If you're visiting Iceland in winter, you'll likely want to see the magnificent aurora borealis. For this, northern lights tours are a popular choice, and you can book this affordable northern lights bus tour from BSI Bus Terminal.
History of the BSI Terminal
BSI stands for "Bifreiðastöð Íslands," which roughly translates to the Automobile Station of Iceland. Its origins trace back to the 1930s, but it wasn't until 1965 that the current BSI building was built. It has always served as an important hub for bus tours, transfers, and taxi services.
Interestingly, BSI was also a go-to late-night spot for food in Reykjavik, especially after a night of partying, since it was one of the few places open late. The standout dish was "Sviðakjammi," or sheepshead, typically enjoyed with an ice-cold Coca-Cola. While this dish is no longer on the main menu, it’s still available as an off-menu item at the Reykjavik Food Terminal.
Things To Do Near BSI Bus Terminal
The BSI Bus Terminal is located close to some of Reykjavik’s top attractions. Just a 15-minute walk away, you’ll find Tjornin, the scenic city pond, perfect for a peaceful stroll while admiring the colorful Icelandic houses. It's a short walk from Laugavegur street, which is a must-visit for shopping, dining, and experiencing Reykjavik’s atmosphere.
For a cultural dive, the National Museum of Iceland is an 18-minute walk away and offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s history, from Viking age relics to modern-day artifacts.
The famous Perlan is home to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, and it's a 20-minute walk away from BSI. During a visit, you can explore interactive exhibits on Icelandic nature and even experience an indoor ice cave!
For a touch of modern Icelandic culture, head to Harpa concert hall by the Reykjavik harbor, where you can marvel at its stunning architecture or check out a live performance, all within easy reach of the BSI Bus Terminal.
For those who are short of time and want to see the main attractions in Iceland's capital easily, you can book a ticket for the Reykjavik hop-on, hop-off bus. It includes a stop at the BSI Bus Terminal.
Accommodation Near BSI Bus Terminal
For travelers looking to stay near the BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavik offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Most hotels in the main downtown area are within a 20-30-minute walk from the BSI Station.
For a close but comfortable stay, you can book a room at the beautiful 4-star Hotel Holt. It's just a 12-minute walk away, providing easy access to BSI for those planning day trips and bus tours around Iceland.
For a more budget-friendly option, the highly rated Freyja Guesthouse is a popular choice that's ideal for those who want to stay close to Reykjavik's main attractions. It's just a 10-minute walk from the BSI Bus Terminal.
