Parking in Iceland: How to Pay, Where to Park, and What to Do If You Get a Ticket
If you're planning to drive in Iceland, understanding how parking works can save you time, money, and stress. While parking in cities like Reykjavík is generally straightforward, it's important to know about the different zones, when payments are required, and how to avoid fines.
🚗 Parking in Reykjavík: Simple Tips for Visitors
Parking in Reykjavík is easy once you know how it works. The city is divided into four zones:
- P1 – Downtown, most expensive and busiest
- P2 & P3 – Just outside downtown, cheaper and usually easier to find a spot
- P4 – Farther out, often free after work hours
🕒 When do you have to pay?
- Monday–Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM (only in P1–P3)
- Sundays & holidays: Free in most areas
💳 How to pay:
Use coins, cards, or better yet—download apps like Parka or EasyPark. You can start, stop, or extend your parking from your phone, and no paper ticket is needed.
🚫 Watch out for signs! Don’t park in bus stops, loading zones, or residential-only areas—these are closely watched and tickets are common.
🧾 What to Do If You Get a Parking Ticket in Reykjavík
Got a yellow ticket on your windshield? Don’t worry—it happens, especially if you're not familiar with the local rules.
The ticket will show how much you owe and how to pay it. You can usually pay online using the link on the ticket, or by going to a local bank. Some tourist info centers also accept payments.
If you don’t pay it, your car rental company might pay it for you—and charge you extra for handling it.
🅿️ Parking at Tourist Spots & National Parks in Iceland
Most tourist attractions in Iceland have designated parking areas, and many now charge small parking fees to help maintain the sites. Here's what to expect at some popular spots:
- Þingvellir National Park – Paid parking with machines
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – Paid parking (pay by card or online)
- Geysir & Gullfoss – Free parking, but some areas are monitored
- Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach – Paid parking (machines or online)