The University is extremely conveniently located in the centre of Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. There are bus stops close to a number of University buildings and it is also easy to get around on foot or by bike.
Parking is available at most buildings on campus.
The easiest way to travel from the international airport in Keflavik is by bus.
There are several companies offering bus services. Tickets can be bought online, at the airport arrival terminal or on the bus.
Buses leave about 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
The end terminal BSÍ in Reykjavík is about a 7-10 minute walk from the UI Main Building. The path is suitable for wheelchairs.
The end terminal Skógarhlíð 10 in Reykjavík is about a 20-25 minute walk from the UI Main Building. The path is suitable for wheelchairs.
Reykjavik is a compact city and many of the popular attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is an excellent way to explore the city and take in the sights at your leisure.
Surveys indicate that one third of all trips by Reykjavík residents are shorter than 1 km, a distance that can easily be covered on foot in about 15 minutes.
Walking and running paths can be found near the UI campus.
Bike racks are available outside every building on the UI campus. There are also bicycle shelters at Lögberg and VR-II.
At the University Centre, VR-II and Stakkahlíð, you can find bicycle repair stands with the tools you need to fix minor problems with your bike.
Cycling has numerous benefits, both for you and the environment. Not only is it more environmentally friendly to cycle than drive, you can also save money and often time by avoiding traffic congestion.
E-scooters are becoming a popular choice for transportation over shorter distances. Hopp and Zolo are two companies that rent out e-scooters throughout the greater capital region.
E-scooter drop-off zones are located at the University Centre, Askja, the University Cinema, VR-II and Læknagarður.
Students at the University can purchase a student bus card through Ugla, which is valid throughout the capital region.
The city has a comprehensive bus network called Strætó, which connects all parts of Reykjavik and the neighboring areas.
Information on bus stops can be found on building information pages, as well as the Strætó website.
The Strætó website offers a route planner, which will give you directions on how to get from from A to B. You will need to pay the bus fare using a smart card payment system called Klapp. See here for pricing and payment options.
Staff members with an FTE of 50% or higher can sign a travel contract. By signing the contract, you agree to travel to and from the University by bus, bicycle or on foot at least three times a week. In return, you will receive a subsidised twelve-month bus pass or a free pass for the UI Gym at Sæmundargata.
Parking is available at:
Vatnsmýri
- Hringbraut for Stapi
- Skeifan (the horseshoe) by the Main Building
- Behind the Main Building at Suðurgata
- Sæmundargata
- Lögberg and Nýi Garður
- Sturlugata for Oddi
- The Natural Sciences Building
- Suðurgata for Árnagarður
West Reykjavík (Vesturbær)
- The National and University Library
- The University Cinema
- VR and the Centre for Technical Innovation
- Hagi at Hofsvallagata
School of Education
- Stakkahlíð, Háteigsvegur and Bólstaðarhlíð.
Designated disabled parking is available for all buildings.
Orka Náttúrunnar (ON) has charging stations at two locations on the UI campus:
- At Stakkahlíð there are two charging stations (22.1 kWh)
- At the Centre for Technical Innovation there are three charging stations (22.1 kWh)
The parking spaces by the charging stations are not intended for general use, only for those who need to charge an EV.
The University of Iceland aims to promote sustainable mobility among staff and students. The majority of emissions attributable to UI operations are due to commuting and by choosing sustainable modes of transportation, you can take a big step in the right direction! See below for various information related to sustainable transportation.
Hopp offers electric cars for short-term hire in Reykjavík. There are designated parking spots for Hopp e-cars y Lögberg and the Centre for Technical Innovation.
UI staff can book electric cars for work-related purposes. The EVs are located at the Main Building, the Centre for Technical Innovation, Askja, Læknagarður and Stakkahlíð. You can book an EV in Ugla.
In Ugla you can advertise for carpooling arrangements for travel to and from the UI campus under Samnýting ferða/Carpooling.
We encourage staff and students at the University of Iceland to consider whether a flight is really necessary. Here is a decision tree to help you answer the question "Should I fly?"
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges currently facing humanity and when it comes to individual carbon footprints, air travel is one of the most significant factors. Iceland is an island, so it's not always possible to avoid flying, but the question is whether all flights are equally important.
Consider whether it is possible to skip a trip, combine it with another errand, or use alternative transportation such as walking or cycling.
Here are few tips on how to reduce car trips!
Use public transport
Check if Strætó (the bus network) can take you to your destination in a fast and convenient way. You can check out routes and timetables on the Strætó website.
Walk instead of drive
Surveys show that about a third of all trips by Reykjavík residents are shorter than 1 km and can be walked in about 15 minutes. Walking for 30 minutes a day can greatly improve your health as well!
Cycling
Cycling is an environmentally friendly, low-cost and healthy mode of transport. Cycling offers many benefits, both for yourself and others. It not only good for the environment by reducing car usage, but it also saves money and often time by avoiding traffic congestion. Cycling is also a enjoyable way to commute! Familiarise yourself with cycling routes to and from the University of Iceland.
Electric bicycles
UI staff have access to electric bicycles for work-related errands during working hours. The bicycles are stored in the Main Building and at Stakkahlíð. You can book an e-bike in Ugla.
Electric cars
UI staff have access to electric vehicles for work-related purposes. The cars are located at the Main Building, the Centre for Technical Innovation, Askja, Læknagarður and Stakkahlíð. You can book an EV in Ugla.
Minimise unnecessary trips
You can reduce unnecessary travel and save time and money by using conference calls, remote meeting technology or emails.
Use eco-friendly cars
It is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective to drive eco-friendly cars. For example, it is free to park in many spaces downtown if you have an eco-friendly car.
Carpooling
Travelling with others in a car is often more enjoyable and enables you to share the cost of the journey. You can check if your colleagues live nearby and suggest carpooling to work and/or meetings. There is a section in Ugla called
Samnýting ferða - carpooling where you can arrange carpooling groups.
You can reduce unnecessary trips, saving time and money, by using conference calls, remote meeting technology or email.
The Division of Information Technology (DIT) website offers useful guidelines for using remote meeting technology.