A Guide to Parking in Reykjavík

Any Iceland parking guide will tell you that figuring out where to leave your rental car in Reykjavík can be stressful. As your home base, we believe your travel experience should be smooth and effortless, right down to parking.

As one of the valuable perks of staying at ODDSSON Midtown, we offer 16 complimentary parking spaces at the hotel. These slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so they are yours to use whenever they are free. 

Here are some tips to make your arrival at the hotel even more seamless:

• Arrive Early: Since central Reykjavík parking is constrained and our free garage is very popular, we encourage you to arrive as early as possible after our check-in opens (3pm) to maximize your chance of securing a spot.

• Be Ready for Self Check-In: ODDSSON is a self-check-in property, so you will receive a code before arrival that grants you access to both the front door and the parking garage. No delay necessary!

• Know Your Backup Parking: If you’re arriving after hours or late in the evening, our on-site slots might already be full. Don’t worry; there’s overnight street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. It’s good to be aware of other Reykjavík parking options, too. 

Mastering Reykjavík City Parking

When you leave ODDSSON Midtown and drive into the downtown area, you’ll be working within the city’s regulated parking system. Street parking in Reykjavík is divided into four color-coded Parking Zones (P1 to P4).

Each zone has its own rates and enforcement hours, which determine when you have to pay. Outside of those specific hours, on-street parking is generally free. However, double-checking on-site signage is recommended, as each location may have slightly different rules. These zones are clearly marked, and mastering them is key to driving in the city and avoiding any unexpected fines.

The Reykjavik Parking Zones

• P1 (Red/Pink): Most central and most expensive. Maximum three-hour stay. Hours are 9am to 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10am to 9pm on Sundays.

• P2 (Blue): High-demand but slightly less central. Same hours as P1.

• P3 (Green): Mid zone. Lower rate, often with reduced rates after the first two hours. Charging hours are 9am to 6pm on weekdays.

• P4 (Orange): Outer and peripheral areas of the city. Lowest charges, typically only 8am to 4pm on weekdays and free otherwise.

Paying for Reykjavik parking is simple. While machines are available (accepting credit, debit, and sometimes cash), the easiest way to pay is via mobile apps like EasyPark or Parka. These allow you to activate, extend, and check zone boundaries remotely.

Besides on-street parking, Reykjavík's multi-level parking garages (such as Stjörnuport, Vitatorg, and Kolaport) are a great option. They often offer more security and can be cheaper for longer stays. Just remember to check the operating hours. Many garages shut access outside opening hours, so if you need your car late at night, plan accordingly.

To keep your Icelandic adventure stress-free, always adhere to the parking rules. There are two main citation types: Extra Parking Tariff (unpaid or underpaid parking) and Parking Violation Charge (illegal or prohibited parking). Crucially, fines will escalate if they are not paid promptly within the set timeframes. If you receive a fine, it is payable at local banks.

Car Rentals & Driving Tips

The strategy for your car rental in a Reykjavík hotel should align with your ODDSSON itinerary. This will help you save money and avoid unnecessary hassle. For maximum convenience, you can easily book your car rental right here on our website. By booking through us, you streamline your planning.

A key decision is when to get the car. If you are heading straight to the countryside (like the Golden Circle), pick up the car immediately at Keflavík Airport (KEF). If you’re exploring the city first, consider delaying pick-up until you’re ready to leave Reykjavík to save on parking costs.

Here are more essential tips for your journey:

• Size Matters: Smaller cars are much easier to maneuver on narrow city streets and fit into tight parking spaces. If you opt for a larger vehicle, always double-check height and width limits in city garages.

• Check Insurance: Always understand your rental's insurance policy, especially coverage for gravel damage and volcanic ash.

• Fuel Up: Fuel stations are frequent around Reykjavík, but they become rarer once you leave the capital area. Top up before leaving the city.

• Watch for Fees: Be aware of extra fees, such as penalties for driving on prohibited F-roads or late returns.

Finally, the secret to staying at the best hotel with parking in Reykjavik is utilizing our space. Prioritize the free ODDSSON garage for overnight stays. For daytime trips downtown, use mid-tier parking zones (P3 or P4) and walk the rest of the way. Take advantage of free parking hours whenever possible. You can even return the car for pure city days to save on costs.