Parking in Reykjavík: Essential Tips for Campervan Travelers

Renting a campervan gives you so much freedom in your trip planning, but it also brings other important considerations, such as parking in Reykjavík. Finding parking can be one of the biggest challenges you face, especially if you have a larger vehicle like a campervan. However, once you know where to park in Reykjavík and what to expect, parking is no problem.

The Importance of Knowing Parking Rules in Reykjavík

You’re likely very familiar with the parking rules in your home country, but these rules change depending on where you go. Before you visit, it’s important to learn everything you can about parking in Reykjavík, Iceland. With a bigger vehicle, you will need to pay closer attention to limitations, but as long as you aren’t staying overnight on the side of the road, parking with a campervan is possible.

Don’t Believe These Parking Misconceptions

Many people ask, “Is there free parking in Reykjavík?” This is one of the biggest misconceptions about parking in the capital city. One would think free parking is easy to find in a major city, but Reykjavík is small, and free parking in Reykjavík is difficult to find. In fact, during the day, parking in the city is charged by zone. The closer to the center, the more it costs per hour.

Another common misconception about parking in the city is that all parking costs the same. Reykjavík uses a zoned parking setup that charges based on the proximity to the city center. It’s important to check the parking app for pricing based on the zone.

Some people mistakenly think you can’t park a campervan in the city streets at all. As long as you can find a suitable space for the van, you can park there as long as you aren’t intending to stay overnight. The regulation for parking campers in the city relates to overnight stays, not parking to enjoy the sights or go shopping.

It’s also important to note that you can’t just stop somewhere quickly and avoid paying the parking fees. Reykjavík parking regulations are strictly monitored. If you plan to stop, even for a minute, be prepared to pay for parking based on the zone.

Special Requirements for Campervan Parking in Reykjavík

When parking in Downtown Reykjavík with a campervan, you will need to make some special considerations. First and foremost, as mentioned, parking overnight is generally not allowed with a campervan unless you are spending the night in a hotel or guesthouse. 

You will also need to pay close attention to size restrictions where you intend to park. Parking garages have height limitations, and street parking may be challenging with the extended length of a campervan or RV. 

Understanding Reykjavík’s Parking Zones

Parking in Reykjavík is zone-based. There are four basic zones, each with different costs, time restrictions, and hours during which parking fees apply. Before visiting, it’s best to make yourself aware of the parking zones and understand how much you can expect to pay when parking in the city.

The Basics of Colored Parking Zones

Reykjavík’s parking zones are color-coded to make it easier for visitors to identify which zone they are in. The following is an overview of these zones:

• Red Zone (P1): This zone is in the most desirable parking areas near the city’s center. Some areas included are the main downtown streets, certain landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa, and other parts of downtown.

• Blue Zone (P2): The blue zone is just outside P1 and in areas with moderate desirability. P2 covers neighborhoods around the city center, like Hlemmur and Þingholt. 

• Green Zone (P3): The green zone is a bit further from the center and covers residential areas extending east and north of P2. 

• Orange Zone (P4): The smallest of the four zones, the orange zone is on the city outskirts near places like Vesturbær and Hlíðar.

Cost and Time Constraints for Parking in Each Zone

Each parking zone has specific costs and time restrictions. The closer to the center you park, the more you can expect to pay and for longer periods. Here is a breakdown of the costs and time restrictions by zone: 

• Red Zone (P1): The cost is 630 ISK per hour between 9 am and 9 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 9 pm on weekends. This area has a three-hour time limit.

• Blue Zone (P2): This area costs 230 ISK per hour between 9 am and 9 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 9 pm on weekends. 

• Green Zone (P3): The green zone costs 230 ISK per hour for the first two hours and 70 ISK for each additional hour. These parking fees apply between 9 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Parking is free evenings and weekends.

• Orange Zone (P4): The orange zone costs 230 ISK per hour on weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm. All other times are free.

In addition to the zoned street parking, there are several parking garages throughout the city where visitors can park. These parking garages have varying costs.

Where Can You Park for Free in Reykjavík?

While much of the prime parking in Reykjavík is paid parking, you can find free parking options within the city, especially if you are willing to park further from the city center. Any areas outside the colored zones are available for free parking, but please check for signs that may designate an area as available only for residents.

You can also find other free parking areas. Shopping centers typically have free parking. Some areas of the old harbor also have no fee. You can also sometimes park at the University of Iceland, but only during off-hours, such as weekends and evenings.

In addition to areas that are always free, the paid parking in Reykjavík is free on public holidays, including New Year's Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 1st day of summer, May 1, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, June 17, Commerce Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Finding Parking in Reykjavík for Campervans

If you have a smaller car, finding parking in Reykjavík can be a bit easier. However, when renting a campervan, you will need to find spots that are bigger and can accommodate your campervan without getting into and out of a cramped space. Here are some of the best parking spots for campervans in the city.

Which Multi-Storey Car Parks Can Accommodate Larger Vehicles?

There are several multi storey car parks that can accommodate your campervan while you check out the city and everything it offers. Here are the best parking garages for your campervan:

• Traðarkot: Located close to Laugavegur and Hallgrímskirkja, this parking garage has a clearance of 2.1 meters, and its spaces are wide enough to accommodate larger vehicles.

• Stjörnuport: This parking garage is located along Laugavegur and accessed from Hverfisgata. The structure has a clearance of 2.1 meters and large parking spaces.

• Vesturgata: This structure is close to the Old Harbour and Grandi. Its clearance is 2.05 meters with typical parking space sizes. It may not be suitable for extra-large vehicles.

• Höfðatorg: If you want to park near the business district, this parking garage with 2.1-meter clearance is a good choice.

Despite the high clearance of these multi-storey car parks, it’s important to note that they aren’t suitable for high-roof campers, 4x4 campers with roof boxes, or full-size motorhomes. Be aware of your clearance limitations before attempting to enter one of these structures.

Parking Becomes More Affordable on the City Outskirts

Some visitors don’t mind walking a little further or taking a city bus or even the electric scooters if it means free or lower-cost parking. Parking in the orange zone has fewer paid hours, and if you can find a space outside all the parking zones, you won’t have to pay for parking at all. However, please keep an eye out for parking signs that may include limitations on certain areas, especially residential areas.

When parking in these low-cost or free areas, you may need to explore bus routes or download an app to use the electric scooters to get around. You can also use taxi services to get around the city, but due to Reykjavík’s small size, this typically isn’t necessary.

How to Find Parking Near the Tourist Spots

Parking near the most popular attractions in the city can be the biggest challenge. If you want to stay close to these areas, you should aim to arrive before 10 am or after 6 pm. Daytime hours tend to be busier. Both the Parka and EasyPark apps can also help you determine parking availability before you get to the area, so you don’t waste valuable time driving around.

The Ins and Outs of Paying for Parking in Reykjavík

Now that you’re familiar with your options for parking in Reykjavík, you will need to know how to pay for parking. There are generally no parking meters like you may be used to. Instead, you will typically need to pay for parking via a mobile app or at a kiosk that can be found in the area where you are parking. 

Which Apps Should You Download?

The most common way to pay for parking throughout Iceland, including the capital, is the Parka app. This app features the various zones within Reykjavík, along with many of the popular tourist sights around the country. When using this app, you will need to check in when you park and check out again when you leave to ensure you pay the proper amount.

EasyPark is an alternative to the Parka app. This app isn’t as widely used, but it can be used to pay for parking within the various zones in Reykjavík. 

When to Use Parking Meters

If you would prefer to avoid using an app due to a lack of cellphone coverage, there are alternatives to paying for parking in Reykjavík. For those who prefer to pay on the spot, there are parking machines located throughout each parking zone. Be sure to note your license plate number, as you will need to enter it into the kiosk to pay for your parking.

Even if you pay for your parking via a machine, it can be beneficial to have either Parka or EasyPark downloaded so you can extend your time remotely if necessary. This strategy will save having to return to your vehicle if you are still shopping or exploring the city.

Tips to Avoid Parking Fines in Reykjavík

Failing to pay for your parking properly can result in hefty fines, making your trip cost more than it should. To help keep your parking costs under control, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Ignoring parking signs or being unaware of parking zones.

• Forgetting to check in or out of your parking space.

• Assuming you can use cash to pay for parking.

• Overlooking time limits.

• Entering the license plate number incorrectly – watch for common issues like zero vs. an O.

• Using the improper payment method – some parking garages require using the machines inside the garage.

After your trip is over, you should remove your payment method and the license plate number from any parking apps you used. This step ensures you won’t be accidentally charged for the next visitor’s parking fees.

Overnight Parking Rules for Campervans in Reykjavík

After the tourist boom began, Iceland passed stricter laws about wild camping, restricting camping in vehicles to designated campsites. Because of these rules, it’s essential for visitors to understand that overnight parking in Reykjavík often isn’t allowed for campervans. 

Where Can You Camp in and Around Reykjavík?

If you wish to spend the night in or near Reykjavík, the good news is that there are options for designated campgrounds without traveling far. In fact, the Reykjavík Campsite is in Laugadalur, about 3.5 kilometers from the city center. It is open from May through mid-September and has plenty of amenities. Reservations are recommended.

If you don’t want to stay so close to the city center, there are other options as well. There are also campsites in the surrounding towns, including Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, and Akranes. The campground in Hafnarfjörður is open year-round.

The Reasons Behind the Rules for Camping in Urban Areas

There are many reasons Iceland chose to eliminate free camping, especially in urban areas. The influx of tourists has made it necessary to take control of camping regulations and keep the country clean and safe for everyone. The primary reasons to prohibit free camping in urban areas include the following:

• Environmental protection

• Public health and sanitation

• Safety and liability

• Fairness to residents and businesses

Today’s legal framework does not allow for using motor vehicles for overnight camping outside designated camping areas without the explicit permission of property owners.

Fines for Camping in the City

If you fail to follow the legal requirements for staying in a designated campground with your campervan, you can expect to pay a fine for illegal overnight parking. These fines can be quite costly and are higher than paying to stay in a campground instead, so don’t get caught parking where you shouldn’t.

Parking Considerations During Public Holidays

Like many other parts of the world, when there’s a public holiday, parking rules in Iceland typically change. Being aware of when these holidays occur and what they mean for parking in Reykjavík will help you ensure you pay for parking as needed and avoid paying for it when it isn’t necessary.

Which Holidays Grant Free Parking in Reykjavík

There are a number of public holidays that eliminate the parking fees in the city. The days on which you can skip the parking fees are as follows:

• New Year's Day 

• Holy Thursday

• Good Friday

• Easter Sunday

• Easter Monday

• 1st day of summer

• May 1

• Ascension Day

• Whit Sunday

• Whit Monday

• June 17

• Commerce Day

• Christmas Day

• Boxing Day

How Do You Know If It’s a Public Holiday with Free Parking?

Some of the public holidays listed change dates each year or may be unfamiliar to visitors. Therefore, it’s important to know how to confirm whether you are parking in Reykjavík on a holiday that eliminates parking fees. Checking the city website is one way to see if you need ot pay. You can also search the holiday’s name, along with Iceland and the year, to confirm the date. The Parka and EasyPark apps should also indicate when payment isn’t required.

Tips for Avoiding Parking Fines During Your Trip

No one wants to cast a shadow over their vacation plans by getting tickets or fines, especially if they are avoidable. Learning where to park in Reykjavík, how much to pay, how to pay, and other rules can ensure you avoid parking fines that can put a damper on your vacation budget.

Why Visitors Often Get Parking Tickets

The most common reason to get a parking ticket in Reykjavík is failing to pay your parking fees or staying too long in a parking spot. You should also be mindful not to park on the incorrect side of the street, near yellow, painted curbs, in restricted zones, or in disabled parking spots without the appropriate tag. Blocking a driveway, sidewalk, or crosswalk is also forbidden.

Common Fine Amounts and When to Pay

Most parking violations in Reykjavík come with a fine of 10,000 ISK. You can typically get a 1,100 ISK discount if you pay the fine within three business days. After 14 days, the fine increases to 15,000 ISK. If you wait 28 days or more, you can expect to pay 20,000 ISK.

If you fail to pay for metered parking, you will be fined 4,500 ISK. The same 1,100 ISK discount applies if it is paid within three business days. This fine increases to 6,750 ISK after 14 days and to 9,000 ISK after 28 days.

Parking in a disabled parking spot without the proper tag carries a heavy fine of 20,000 ISK. This fine can be reduced to 18,900 ISK if it is paid within three business days. However, after 14 days, the fine increases to 30,000 ISK and then to 40,000 ISK after 28 days.

How to Pay a Parking Fine in Reykjavík

It can be tempting to ignore a parking fine when you’re in a rental campervan or any other rental vehicle, but it’s best to pay it as soon as you are aware of it. Not only will you get a discount if it is paid within three business days, but if the fine is forwarded to your rental agency, they will typically add administrative fees of their own, further increasing your costs.

If you receive a parking fine in your rental vehicle, you can pay it at any bank in Iceland. You should save your receipt to show your rental agency if they ask for payment when you return the car. If you do wait until you return your rental or even after you return home, your rental agency will charge the full amount, along with any late fees and administrative costs outlined in your rental agreement.

Important Resources to Simplify Parking in Reykjavík

Once you are aware of the ins and outs of parking in Reykjavík, the process is straightforward and will help you keep your costs low. The following are some of the best resources to keep on hand to streamline the parking process within the capital.

How to Check for Parking Availability

The Parka app is one of the most common ways to see if there is availability for parking in the zone you wish to use. You should also bookmark the Reykjavík City parking page to get the latest updates about parking availability and any closures that may occur during your stay. When there are parades or marathons in the city, some parts of the city may be closed to traffic.

Each parking garage also has a website where you can view the current availability inside the structure. 

Where Can You See the Parking Zone Boundaries?

The Reykjavík City parking map is available online, showing you which parts of the city fall under each zone. While there is no map that specifically indicates where you can park your campervan, you should have few issues with a standard campervan since they are not much bigger than a standard van. However, if you book a larger campervan or motorhome, you may be limited in which areas you can park safely. With a campervan, it’s best to stay out of the city center for better maneuverability.

Have Questions About Parking in Reykjavík?

If you need to contact the authorities regarding issues with parking in Reykjavík, there are several ways to do so. For concerns about city parking, contact the parking authorities by:

• Calling +354 411 1111

• Emailing at info@reykjavik.is

• Visiting Borgartún 12‑14, 105 Reykjavík

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am until 4 pm and Friday from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. If you wish to appeal a parking ticket, you should email bilastaedasjodur@reykjavik.is within 28 days. Processing time is about two to four weeks.

Final Thoughts on Parking in Reykjavík with Your Campervan

When you rent a campervan in Iceland, you must pay close attention to where you are allowed to park, especially in Reykjavík. However, with careful planning and an understanding of the color-coded zoning system, you can safely park in the city without worrying about extra costs due to tickets or unexpected parking fees.