I've travelled a fair amount and I have to say the bus service in Iceland is outstanding and easy to understand and not expensive, I live in Ireland, rural Ireland and the buses are expensive if you are on a low income. I have to say that I love Iceland though so I'm definitely biased!
One of your best. Just as a point of reference, when my car broke down in Jacksonville, Florida, in order to pick up my mail at the main post office, which is located on the far side of downtown from where I live, it took 4 full hours to get there and back. Had to wait for a bus on my side of town, which took 1 hr. and 10 minutes to get downtown. There I waited forever to get the one that took me to the post office. Had to wait forever to get the next bus back to town, where I again waited forever to catch the bus back to my side of town, which took more than an hour again. After arriving at my bus stop, I then had to walk another 10 minutes before I reached my house ! I only did this once a week until I got my Denali back from repair. I'll take the Icelandic bus service over this any day !
I've been using the busses in Reykjavik a lot lately, and it's really not that bad at all. Yes, some routes are weird and the frequency is not that high, but other than that it's perfectly fine. It will get you from A to B easily. It's also much cheaper to take the bus than to own a car in Reykjavik.
They are usable for those who live close by some of the bus stops, but as for the rest us us, it's just unacceptable but we got used to it somehow so thats why the private car is so popular here :)
@@JustIcelandic Bus stops are never far away (mostly within 5 minutes walk) in the city. That's not bad at all, even compared to other cities abroad. I've lived in several cities in Sweden/The Netherlands, and the system is very comparable. People in Reykjavik are just so focused on their cars (and I can't blame them for that). The bus system could definitely be improved, but I don't think it's as bad as the video claims it to be. Here is a map of the coverage in Reykjavik: eu.remix.com/map/36e7292e?latlng=64.12911,-21.86708,11.353&layer=satellite P.S. I'm a fan of your channel, I just think this video gives an incorrect impression.
Love it!!! Especially, "Some people need more service than others." Bus drivers have to be a special breed. That said, on a serious note, my nephew is a bus driver in the Sonoma, CA area, and in 2018, when the fast moving fire hit town (Santa Rosa), those guys performed like the most stoic first responders, dodging and outrunning flames to evacuate/rescue people. I was so impressed by their actions. And, mind you, he's doing this while his home is burning. I will never forget this. 💜✊
This sounds exactly like where I live. If I were to try and use a bus to get to work, it would take nearly 2 hours instead of the 19 minutes it takes by car. We seem to use similar route planning techniques as well. Someone complains about not being near a bus stop, so a giant loop is put into the route. The best part- only 0.9% of our population use the bus, yet our government spends 2.9% of revenue on the bus system....
Thanks for the explanation. I had to laugh with tears. I love your sense of humour. Being spoiled by public transport in Munich, I was not so happy with the Reykjavik equivalent. My first attempt ended in me taking a taxi because I did not have Icelandic money as you can pay everywhere else with card. So I tried the App for mobile tickets and did not find how to change the language. With help at the hotel reception, I could finally get bus tickets. I still don't understand why you have to press a green button every time you change busses to get the camera function when there is nothing to scan, so the first time I was so confused that the driver said "Jesus" impatiently instead of being helpful and explain things. I did get to a part of town I had not intended to just like you describe it. 😂 But the worst part was the abrupt way of driving. You have to cling to the railing for dear live not be thrown about and not only on the faster roads... Well, I finally found something about Iceland I did not like. There is not much, I so loved it there...
Amazing video as always! I love how the Icelandic horse will get you to your destination 70% faster than the civic bus. I say they make horse paths and workplaces and shoppes have stables! Better for the environment, free fertiliser on the way, and more jobs for grooms and stable keeps! Why not!
Bungee Jumping in New Zeeland? Done. Wingsuit Jump through a hole in a rock? Sorted. Ride down Niagara falls in a barrel? Just after breakfast, before wrestling with lions. Bus ride through Reykjavik? Wait, no, I'm not mad!!1!
Italian solution: as downtown there are no parking lots (and if there are they are crazy expensive) we use private cars to go to the bus stop and then the bus to go to work/school etc... Btw if you are a tourist the best way is to join three other people and get a cab. In Rome, from an interesting tourist point to another, the cost of 4 bus tickets is the same of a cab ride. Keep on Gylfi 👍 and thank you!💙🇮🇹
I've been living in Iceland for almost 20 years. About 80% of that time I've used this bus service (combined with riding my bicycle). The service is not good enough. Many routes are too short, most of the time you need to combine more than one route to reach your destination and, because of that, many times you spent waiting for buses the same time you spend on the bus... or even more! e.g. Leið 24 arrives to Ásgarður við Garðabær, after 25min trip. Then I wait 15min (or more, after rush hour this bus, as most of them, rides every 30min) for route 1, then it takes 10 min to arrive home. So, 25min + 15min (or more) + 10 min = 50min to cover 13km.
A universal problem to be sure but each with it's local flavor. Reno, NV... 6km 45min bus ride time extended by the daily argument of breaking a $20 bill for a $1 senior ride with a convenience store casino only 10 steps away. And drunks? Well there are free rides on holidays but once you're off, you're on your own.
You are sooo lucky !..🤗 where I live, the bus goes in mostly direct lines from one side of the city, to the other, and somewhat quickly..🙁 also, the bus drivers rarely even speak to us ☹️ (as if they are concentrating on the route??).. Greetings from Florida, USA ! 🌴 🌅 🐊
That was standard, when I visited the USA, no matter where I travelled, " do not converse with driver", signs abounded. Most folks where I live, dare not talk with the driver, as the roads here, are just wide enough for buses to pass, tho, many, have to play ' nice dude' to uphill, drivers on tight corners - good for seeing the city, on a day trip ticket.
I love your humor..perhaps this is where you can go with your channel....still hoping to visit Iceland and Norway after life settles down here in Australia...if possible I'd move to Iceland and stay...thankfully I'm allergic to seafood,so no stinky shark snacks.
Like the link with Justice & convicted drunk drivers. I trust none of your buses go to a destination called NIS, which no-one can find on the map. The invite to tourists, is a good idea, to see the city - where I live there's a day trip ticket for getting about which is also a good way to see the place.
I was once told the reason Iceland doesn't have trains, apart from the terrain, population and weather, is that Icelanders prefer using car, which I honestly can't fault them. Even a small light rail route from Keflavik Airport to Kringland mall idea is not really going anywhere.
@@JustIcelandic Well true, and they do say it will mainly end up being used by tourists, but with the campaign to attract more tourism and foreign investments in a number of sectors, as the phrase goes, "watch this space", lol.
Lol. Funny video! I'll be going to Iceland in November for a week, so I will probably use the bus system to get from Keflavik to Rejkjavik. I was originally booked to go in July, but the airline changed my flights and messed everything up! So I guess it will be quite cold in mid-November 🌨🌨 I was wondering if many of the museums and other places of interest are still open at that time of the year?
What! Your's wasn't??! I had to get up at 5 to be at the stop around 6:15 for school at 8am. In the afternoon, we were the last stop so, we'd get a tour of practically every neighborhood and the outer boondocks. The pandemonium wasn't conducive to study, either. I think I did defy the odds of that community, graduating and going to college. ✌️😎
I have had the same bad experience on buses as a college student in the 1970s in California . I bought a bicycle and saved 2 hours a day getting to school and my two jobs. Luckily we didn’t get any snow there since I was always exposed to the natural elements. I did save money to buy a car 🚙 before I graduated from college. I don’t have the patience to spend 2 to 3 hours a day on a bus as a retired person now. I do think alcoholics with DUIs would benefit from the bus 🚌 as long as they are not allowed to be drunk 😵 on the bus.
So nothing about whether they are adaptive routes or on demand scheduling? Cards or cash etc? I guess ggl maps gives all the info you need to use the system. Personally I found Edinburgh busses to be one of the best systems. Just buy a day ticket from the driver and you get unlimited travel on the trams too. Easy as :)
Íslendingers and Southern Californians soul mates regarding cars. Punishment being made to have to ride a bus - major deterrent to malfeasance! More fun insight into Iceland.
The first 2:27 minutes you could be describing Americans, very much so us West Coasters- every word is totally true about us! Now to hear the absurd story of the routes- I am wondering if it is the same or worse than our illogical and badly times City systems... 😹
Ah-HAHAHAHA!!! I think ours were designed by vindictive govt agents determined that all normal users must compete in triathalons between "connecting" lines on half day marathon trips, elderly are expected to only travel between 10AM and 4PM, and the homeless are just along for the nice long climate controlled ride.
@@seaneendelong8065 So true!!! Last round of riding they were doing random ticket check stops to tackle the freeloading problem. Had one stop ride which took 20-30mins, an exercise in torture. Not to mention, when the times are off, they just bunch up, coming in a group, leaving a long wait for anyone who misses them.
These “insights” into the Icelandic way of life are so enjoyable. I look forward to the next one. Thank you
More to come :)
Give me the Icelandic horse any day! Drunk? The horse will get you home. Lost? the horse isn't. They're good company too.
Its illegal to ride a horse drunk.
@@ragnarolafsson7657 Since when did that stop anyone? Illegal in the American west too but I've known plenty of exceptions. Not me, but plenty...
@@ragnarolafsson7657 I hear it not easy to find a drunk horse. 😊
@@ragnarolafsson7657 illegal to drive drunk too, doesn’t stop a lot of people
I've travelled a fair amount and I have to say the bus service in Iceland is outstanding and easy to understand and not expensive, I live in Ireland, rural Ireland and the buses are expensive if you are on a low income. I have to say that I love Iceland though so I'm definitely biased!
Thanks for the chuckle! 🤣 You are entertaining as always and your tv clips are the best!
Fantastic... and thanks :)
That was very funny. I enjoyed that! I've not yet tried the Reykjavik bus, but when I do I'll keep this all in mind!
Welcome to Reykjavik :)
I used the bus all the time in and around Reykjavik. Still have the Strætó app on my phone for my next visit
You are a hero....should get free beer and food for daring to use this service....😂
@@JustIcelandic I approve of this message
Love your exceedingly dry humour…I’ll have to get to your town just to experience your city buses and meet the oldies, teens,and drunk drivers.
Thanks a lot and welcome to Iceland :) but make sure you have plenty of time if you try the bus service :)
I enjoyed this video with a smile on my face! Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome 😊
One of your best. Just as a point of reference, when my car broke down in Jacksonville, Florida, in order to pick up my mail at the main post office, which is located on the far side of downtown from where I live, it took 4 full hours to get there and back. Had to wait for a bus on my side of town, which took 1 hr. and 10 minutes to get downtown. There I waited forever to get the one that took me to the post office. Had to wait forever to get the next bus back to town, where I again waited forever to catch the bus back to my side of town, which took more than an hour again. After arriving at my bus stop, I then had to walk another 10 minutes before I reached my house ! I only did this once a week until I got my Denali back from repair. I'll take the Icelandic bus service over this any day !
You have such a great sense of humor! Thank you for sharing the bus transportation information. :- )
Oh thank you!
I love your videos! So funny!
Yay! Thank you!
@@JustIcelandic it’s just this kind of cultural exchange we all need to properly enjoy Iceland. :-)
Oh this is fantastic ...and I wasn't even planning on looking into your bus routes. 😅 X
I've been using the busses in Reykjavik a lot lately, and it's really not that bad at all. Yes, some routes are weird and the frequency is not that high, but other than that it's perfectly fine. It will get you from A to B easily. It's also much cheaper to take the bus than to own a car in Reykjavik.
They are usable for those who live close by some of the bus stops, but as for the rest us us, it's just unacceptable but we got used to it somehow so thats why the private car is so popular here :)
@@JustIcelandic Bus stops are never far away (mostly within 5 minutes walk) in the city. That's not bad at all, even compared to other cities abroad. I've lived in several cities in Sweden/The Netherlands, and the system is very comparable. People in Reykjavik are just so focused on their cars (and I can't blame them for that). The bus system could definitely be improved, but I don't think it's as bad as the video claims it to be.
Here is a map of the coverage in Reykjavik: eu.remix.com/map/36e7292e?latlng=64.12911,-21.86708,11.353&layer=satellite
P.S. I'm a fan of your channel, I just think this video gives an incorrect impression.
This is not less than an award winning short film. Bravo!
🇮🇸👍 thanks a ton
Love it!!! Especially, "Some people need more service than others." Bus drivers have to be a special breed.
That said, on a serious note, my nephew is a bus driver in the Sonoma, CA area, and in 2018, when the fast moving fire hit town (Santa Rosa), those guys performed like the most stoic first responders, dodging and outrunning flames to evacuate/rescue people. I was so impressed by their actions. And, mind you, he's doing this while his home is burning. I will never forget this. 💜✊
This sounds exactly like where I live. If I were to try and use a bus to get to work, it would take nearly 2 hours instead of the 19 minutes it takes by car.
We seem to use similar route planning techniques as well. Someone complains about not being near a bus stop, so a giant loop is put into the route.
The best part- only 0.9% of our population use the bus, yet our government spends 2.9% of revenue on the bus system....
This was funny. Thank you for enlightening us.
Any time!
Thanks for the explanation. I had to laugh with tears. I love your sense of humour. Being spoiled by public transport in Munich, I was not so happy with the Reykjavik equivalent. My first attempt ended in me taking a taxi because I did not have Icelandic money as you can pay everywhere else with card. So I tried the App for mobile tickets and did not find how to change the language. With help at the hotel reception, I could finally get bus tickets. I still don't understand why you have to press a green button every time you change busses to get the camera function when there is nothing to scan, so the first time I was so confused that the driver said "Jesus" impatiently instead of being helpful and explain things. I did get to a part of town I had not intended to just like you describe it. 😂 But the worst part was the abrupt way of driving. You have to cling to the railing for dear live not be thrown about and not only on the faster roads... Well, I finally found something about Iceland I did not like. There is not much, I so loved it there...
Thank you so much for this wonderful story 😂 but the Germans do many things better than us and public transport is for sure one of them :)
Amazing video as always! I love how the Icelandic horse will get you to your destination 70% faster than the civic bus.
I say they make horse paths and workplaces and shoppes have stables! Better for the environment, free fertiliser on the way, and more jobs for grooms and stable keeps! Why not!
Good point :) thanks
Bungee Jumping in New Zeeland? Done. Wingsuit Jump through a hole in a rock? Sorted. Ride down Niagara falls in a barrel? Just after breakfast, before wrestling with lions.
Bus ride through Reykjavik? Wait, no, I'm not mad!!1!
At lest try to east some traditional sheep heads first 😂
@@JustIcelandic Will they be served with dried fermented sharks? O.0
Italian solution: as downtown there are no parking lots (and if there are they are crazy expensive) we use private cars to go to the bus stop and then the bus to go to work/school etc... Btw if you are a tourist the best way is to join three other people and get a cab. In Rome, from an interesting tourist point to another, the cost of 4 bus tickets is the same of a cab ride. Keep on Gylfi 👍 and thank you!💙🇮🇹
You also have trams in cities like Rome, Milan, Turin and Naples.
I've been living in Iceland for almost 20 years. About 80% of that time I've used this bus service (combined with riding my bicycle).
The service is not good enough. Many routes are too short, most of the time you need to combine more than one route to reach your destination and, because of that, many times you spent waiting for buses the same time you spend on the bus... or even more!
e.g. Leið 24 arrives to Ásgarður við Garðabær, after 25min trip. Then I wait 15min (or more, after rush hour this bus, as most of them, rides every 30min) for route 1, then it takes 10 min to arrive home. So, 25min + 15min (or more) + 10 min = 50min to cover 13km.
I live 45 km from Rkv. To go to Rkv the fare is more expensive than the petrol you use in a small car.
A universal problem to be sure but each with it's local flavor.
Reno, NV... 6km 45min bus ride time extended by the daily argument of breaking a $20 bill for a $1 senior ride with a convenience store casino only 10 steps away. And drunks? Well there are free rides on holidays but once you're off, you're on your own.
You are sooo lucky !..🤗 where I live, the bus goes in mostly direct lines from one side of the city, to the other, and somewhat quickly..🙁 also, the bus drivers rarely even speak to us ☹️ (as if they are concentrating on the route??)..
Greetings from Florida, USA ! 🌴 🌅 🐊
That was standard, when I visited the USA, no matter where I travelled, " do not converse with driver", signs abounded.
Most folks where I live, dare not talk with the driver, as the roads here, are just wide enough for buses to pass, tho, many, have to play ' nice dude' to uphill, drivers on tight corners - good for seeing the city, on a day trip ticket.
Very amusing! Where do those clips come from?
You can find many of them here on this playlist... with subtitles :) ua-cam.com/video/BwK-ameBHZ4/v-deo.html
I love your humor..perhaps this is where you can go with your channel....still hoping to visit Iceland and Norway after life settles down here in Australia...if possible I'd move to Iceland and stay...thankfully I'm allergic to seafood,so no stinky shark snacks.
Thanks a lot :) and welcome to Iceland :)
Like the link with Justice & convicted drunk drivers.
I trust none of your buses go to a destination called NIS, which no-one can find on the map.
The invite to tourists, is a good idea, to see the city - where I live there's a day trip ticket for getting about which is also a good way to see the place.
I was once told the reason Iceland doesn't have trains, apart from the terrain, population and weather, is that Icelanders prefer using car, which I honestly can't fault them. Even a small light rail route from Keflavik Airport to Kringland mall idea is not really going anywhere.
It's correct, it's a big investment and we are to few to make it work for us, and we are a car-nation :)
@@JustIcelandic Well true, and they do say it will mainly end up being used by tourists, but with the campaign to attract more tourism and foreign investments in a number of sectors, as the phrase goes, "watch this space", lol.
Þetta eru svo frábær myndbönd hjá þér. Vel gert!!
Takk kærlega :)
Love your humour, thanks.
Oh thank you :)
You forgot to explain why you can only buy bus tickets at swimming pools.
😂
Lol. Funny video! I'll be going to Iceland in November for a week, so I will probably use the bus system to get from Keflavik to Rejkjavik. I was originally booked to go in July, but the airline changed my flights and messed everything up! So I guess it will be quite cold in mid-November 🌨🌨 I was wondering if many of the museums and other places of interest are still open at that time of the year?
How to get to Hafnargata from Reykjavik by bus?
That's the first time I've ever heard of a bus service as being a great motivator! WHAT will these Icelanders think up next? 😲 😁
Lol, I am that tourist! It's not so bad if you know where to hop off, walk a few yards then hop on the earlier bus as it comes round that loop.
to think... that if only the bus to school was horrible, I would've applied my self at school and cured cancer.
What! Your's wasn't??! I had to get up at 5 to be at the stop around 6:15 for school at 8am. In the afternoon, we were the last stop so, we'd get a tour of practically every neighborhood and the outer boondocks. The pandemonium wasn't conducive to study, either. I think I did defy the odds of that community, graduating and going to college. ✌️😎
I indeed used the bus for sightseeing!
Good idea :) If we use it with the right attitude, it can work for us :)
Þetta er svaðalegt. Takk fyrir.
Velkominn :)
Only in Iceland can you have a bus stop at a *highway interchange*. That's how weird your bus system is :D
I have had the same bad experience on buses as a college student in the 1970s in California . I bought a bicycle and saved 2 hours a day getting to school and my two jobs. Luckily we didn’t get any snow there since I was always exposed to the natural elements. I did save money to buy a car 🚙 before I graduated from college. I don’t have the patience to spend 2 to 3 hours a day on a bus as a retired person now. I do think alcoholics with DUIs would benefit from the bus 🚌 as long as they are not allowed to be drunk 😵 on the bus.
So nothing about whether they are adaptive routes or on demand scheduling? Cards or cash etc? I guess ggl maps gives all the info you need to use the system.
Personally I found Edinburgh busses to be one of the best systems. Just buy a day ticket from the driver and you get unlimited travel on the trams too. Easy as :)
Íslendingers and Southern Californians soul mates regarding cars. Punishment being made to have to ride a bus - major deterrent to malfeasance! More fun insight into Iceland.
You sure are right :)
:)) Icelanders are the most intelligent people on planet. Bless you all,stay safe.
I don't feel so all the time :) but thanks :)
@@JustIcelandic We have all been under lot stress,hopefully better days ahead :)
Very funny video. Thank you for the enlightenment.
My pleasure!
I guess I will have to “”thumb a ride” if I ever go to Iceland....(that should be quite the adventure,don’t you think?)😂.
Way faster then the Reykjavik bus service :)
great day my friend
You too :)
I usually leave a comment but I’m without words 🤣🤣👍🏽
🤣👍🏽 :)
Definitely don't get that level of service in Wales ;)
Really good
Thanks :)
I wish if I can go iceland ever
Welcome to Iceland :)
The first 2:27 minutes you could be describing Americans, very much so us West Coasters- every word is totally true about us!
Now to hear the absurd story of the routes- I am wondering if it is the same or worse than our illogical and badly times City systems... 😹
Ah-HAHAHAHA!!!
I think ours were designed by vindictive govt agents determined that all normal users must compete in triathalons between "connecting" lines on half day marathon trips, elderly are expected to only travel between 10AM and 4PM, and the homeless are just along for the nice long climate controlled ride.
@@seaneendelong8065 So true!!! Last round of riding they were doing random ticket check stops to tackle the freeloading problem. Had one stop ride which took 20-30mins, an exercise in torture. Not to mention, when the times are off, they just bunch up, coming in a group, leaving a long wait for anyone who misses them.
The best ending ever !!! Tchshhhhhh. Tshhhhhhhh.
Thanks and welcome :)
(staring in American)
Бога с императорами на автобусы пересели! 😂
The bus is very popular with working class immigrants.
Actually yes :)
Там бумажечку суёшь им и едешь! 😂
😂😂😂
Welcome 👍🏽
LOL!!!
Welcome :)
Lol
Welcome :)
How interesting. A tour bus that doubles as a mobile torture chamber for the locals. Very novel I must say. 😁
JustIcelandic 🤣
.🤎.
🤎