Money & Practical

Reykjavík City Card: when it's a bargain and when it's a waste

The Reykjavík City Card (24h ISK 4,900, 48h ISK 6,900, 72h ISK 8,500) gives free entry to ~30 museums + free bus + free ferry to Viðey island + discounts at pools and tours. For visitors spending all their time in the city, it can save real money. For visitors doing Ring Road, it's useless. This tool tells you which side you're on.

Should you buy a Reykjavík City Card?

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What this solves

The Reykjavík City Card looks great on paper — 30+ museums, free buses, free ferry, swimming pool discounts. But it's only valuable if you'll visit 3+ museums and use buses/pools. If you're spending 1 day in Reykjavík and 5 days on the road, the card is a waste.

Cards are bought at the airport info desk, city tourist offices, or most hotels. Activate at first use (24/48/72 hours start then).

How to read the result

The tool estimates what you'd spend without the card (museum entries + bus tickets + ferry + pool fees) and compares to the card price. If savings exceed the card cost, it's a win.

Limitations

Pricing changes yearly. The 2026 card rates are reference values. The list of included museums also shifts — some museums leave, some join. Verify the current list on visitreykjavik.is before buying.

Some museums (e.g. the Settlement Exhibition) are independently priced. The card covers major museums but not all attractions.

FAQ

Does the card include the Blue Lagoon?

No. Blue Lagoon is 30 km from Reykjavík, outside city transport zones. Discount not available via city card.

Does it include the National Museum?

Yes — National Museum of Iceland, Settlement Exhibition, Saga Museum, Reykjavík Maritime Museum, all included. Whales of Iceland, FlyOver Iceland are not.

Are the buses useful for getting around Reykjavík?

Yes if you're staying centrally. Strætó buses cover most of the city. If you have a rental car, you don't need them.

Sources