Private cars continue to dominate daily travel in Iceland, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all journeys, according to a nationwide travel habits survey commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The 2025 survey found that 73% of all trips made by Icelanders are by private car, with respondents citing speed, convenience and accessibility as the main reasons for choosing to drive. On average, people in Iceland make 3.3 trips per day.
What’s the Story?
Original source: RÚV
- Private cars account for 73% of all daily journeys in Iceland.
- Walking and cycling are gradually becoming more common, particularly in the Capital Region.
- Public transport use remains low, especially outside the Reykjavík area.
Walking on the rise
The survey found notable differences in travel behaviour by age and location. People aged 18 to 24 make the highest number of daily journeys, averaging around five trips per day.
While driving remains the preferred option for commuting to work or school, walking and cycling are becoming increasingly popular for shorter journeys within local neighbourhoods. The shift towards these active forms of transport is particularly evident in the Capital Region.
Public transport use remains limited across the country, especially outside the Reykjavík metropolitan area. The survey attributes this to longer travel distances and fewer public transport options in rural areas, where residents rely much more heavily on private vehicles than those living in urban centres.
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