Reykjavík Parking Guide: Zones, Rates & How to Pay

Parking in Reykjavík is relatively straightforward once you understand the city's four parking zones, payment periods and local signs. For visitors driving a rental car or a campervan, the main thing to remember is that parking is paid in much of central Reykjavík, with prices depending on the tariff zone.

The city currently has four main paid parking zones: P1, P2, P3 and P4. Rates range from ISK 240 to ISK 660 per hour, and the hours when payment is required vary between zones. 

If you're exploring Reykjavík with a rental vehicle, checking the parking zone before parking can save you both money and the hassle of a parking citation.

Reykjavík Parking Zones (P1, P2, P3 & P4)

Reykjavík's parking zones are designed around the city's center and surrounding neighbourhoods. The closer you get to the busiest central streets, the more expensive parking generally becomes.

The exact signs and markings at your parking space always take priority over a general zone map, particularly where temporary restrictions, construction or special parking arrangements are in place.

P1 (Red Zone)

P1 is Reykjavík's most expensive street-parking zone at ISK 660 per hour. It covers parts of the busiest central area, making it convenient for visiting attractions, shops, restaurants and Reykjavík's main shopping streets.

Payment is required from 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 21:00 on weekends. P1 also has a maximum parking time of three hours, so it is better suited to shorter visits than leaving your car all day.

If you're staying in central Reykjavík for several hours, consider a cheaper P2/P3 space or a parking garage instead.

P2 (Blue Zone)

P2 costs ISK 240 per hour, making it considerably cheaper than P1 while still offering convenient access to central Reykjavík.

Payment is required from 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 21:00 on weekends. 

One useful feature of Reykjavík's system is that payment made in P1 is valid in P1, P2, P3 and P4, while payment made in P2 is valid in P2, P3 and P4. This does not mean you can move between spaces without checking their individual restrictions, but it can make the system more flexible when you need to extend or change your parking plans.

P3 (Green Zone)

P3 is often a good compromise for visitors who don't need to park directly in the busiest part of downtown.

The rate is ISK 240 per hour for the first two hours, after which it drops to ISK 70 per hour. Payment is required on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00.

Because the charging period ends earlier than in P1 and P2, P3 can be particularly useful if you're spending an afternoon or evening exploring Reykjavík. Always check the sign at your specific parking space before leaving the car.

P4 (Orange Zone)

P4 parking costs ISK 240 per hour, with payment required on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00. 

Because the charging period is limited to weekday daytime hours, P4 can be a useful option for visitors who want to park outside the busiest central area.

Remember that local signs always take precedence over a general map, so check the markings when you arrive.

Where to Park a Campervan in Reykjavík

Parking a campervan in Reykjavík requires a little more planning than parking an ordinary rental car. A campervan may be able to use a suitable designated parking space for a daytime visit, but parking and camping are not the same thing.

Iceland's environmental authorities state that sleeping overnight in a campervan, motorhome, caravan or similar vehicle outside organised campsites or urban areas generally requires permission from the landowner or rights holder.

For a motorhome or campervan road trip, the safest option is to use an organised campsite for overnight stays rather than assuming a city car park is also a camping area.

For more information, see our complete guide to parking a campervan in Iceland.

How to Pay for Parking in Reykjavík

Reykjavík makes paying for street parking relatively easy. You can use a mobile parking app, a physical parking meter or Reykjavík City's online payment service.

When paying, make sure you enter the correct vehicle registration number and select the correct parking zone. The city's parking meters no longer require you to display a paper ticket on the dashboard because your registration number is recorded electronically.

Mobile Parking Apps (Parka & EasyPark)

For many visitors, a parking app is the easiest option.

Parka and EasyPark both work in Reykjavík's P1–P4 tariff zones and in the city's parking garages. You select your vehicle, choose the appropriate parking zone and start your parking session. When you leave, you can stop the session in the app rather than paying for more time than you need.

Other payment options are also available, including SíminnPay.

Before using an app, check that the vehicle's licence plate is entered correctly, particularly when driving a rental car.

Paying at Physical Street Meters

Parking meters accept major payment cards and coins, with contactless card readers available on the city's meters. You enter your vehicle registration number, select the amount of parking you need and pay. 

You no longer need to leave the printed ticket on your dashboard. If you want a receipt or a reminder showing when your parking expires, you can choose to print one.

The city also allows parking to be paid online through its parking service.

Indoor Parking Garages in Downtown Reykjavík

A parking garage can be a convenient alternative if you're spending several hours in central Reykjavík, especially when street parking is busy.

Reykjavík City operates garages including Stjörnuport, Vitatorg, Kolaport, Vesturgata, City Hall, Traðarkot and Bergstaðir. City-operated garages are generally open from 07:00 to midnight.

Current short-term rates vary by garage. Stjörnuport and Vitatorg charge ISK 190 for the first hour and ISK 140 for each additional hour, while Kolaport, City Hall, Traðarkot and Vesturgata charge ISK 280 for the first hour and ISK 150 for each additional hour. Garage parking is charged 24 hours a day. 

One important point for campervan travelers: Reykjavík's city garages are intended for ordinary cars and are not suitable for storing caravans, campers or trailers. Check vehicle dimensions and restrictions before attempting to enter a garage.

How to Find Free Parking in Reykjavík

Free parking is possible in Reykjavík, but you should never assume that a space is free simply because there is no parking meter immediately beside it.

Check the tariff-zone signs and the stated charging hours. Outside those hours, parking in a paid zone may be free, provided there are no additional restrictions.

Reykjavík's parking rules are also currently under review, so charging hours and zone boundaries can change. The city announced in 2026 that it was reviewing tariff zones, pricing and Sunday enforcement.

Evening and Overnight Free Parking Hours

There is no single city-wide time when all Reykjavík parking becomes free.

For example:

• P1: Paid until 21:00 on weekdays and weekends.
• P2: Paid until 21:00 on weekdays and weekends.
• P3: Paid until 18:00 on weekdays.
• P4: Paid until 16:00 on weekdays.

Therefore, P3 and P4 are generally free outside their listed charging periods, while P1 and P2 remain paid later into the evening. 

Always check the parking sign at your exact location because individual spaces can have additional restrictions.

Weekend Free Parking Rules

Weekend parking depends on the zone.

P1 and P2 currently require payment on weekends from 10:00 to 21:00. P3 and P4 do not list regular weekend charging periods on Reykjavík City's current tariff page, meaning these zones are generally free on weekends unless signs indicate otherwise.

The city is reviewing its parking structure, including possible changes to Sunday enforcement, so check the latest information before relying on weekend parking being free.

Free Parking Outside the Tariff Zone Map

Outside Reykjavík's paid parking zones, you may find free public parking, but free does not mean unrestricted.

Look for no-parking and no-stopping signs, residential restrictions, loading zones, disabled spaces and other road markings. You must also avoid blocking driveways, pedestrian crossings, junctions and access routes.

If you're unsure, look for the nearest parking sign and follow its instructions rather than relying on assumptions.

Parking Fines in Iceland

Reykjavík distinguishes between an extra parking tariff for unpaid or insufficiently paid parking and a parking violation charge for parking where it is prohibited.

At present, an extra parking tariff for unpaid or insufficiently paid parking is ISK 4,500. A parking violation charge for illegal parking is generally ISK 10,000, with higher charges applying in certain cases such as parking in a designated space for people with reduced mobility without a valid permit.

Unpaid Ticket Tariffs & Early Payment Discounts

Paying promptly can save you money.

For an unpaid-parking citation, the current extra parking tariff is ISK 4,500. If you pay it in full within three business days, you receive a cash discount of ISK 1,100, reducing the amount to ISK 3,400.

If the charge remains unpaid for more than 14 days, it increases to ISK 6,750. After 28 days, it increases to ISK 9,000. 

For parking violations, the standard ISK 10,000 charge is reduced by ISK 1,100 when paid within three business days. It increases to ISK 15,000 after 14 days and ISK 20,000 after 28 days. 

Illegal Parking

A parking citation can be issued for more than simply forgetting to pay.

Examples of prohibited parking include blocking a driveway, parking on a pedestrian crossing or sidewalk, stopping where signs prohibit it, obstructing access or using a reserved space without the required permission.

Particular care is needed around pedestrian crossings, junctions and narrow streets. A vehicle that is only stopped briefly can still be subject to restrictions depending on the circumstances.

Parking Tickets & Car Rental Processing Fees

If you're driving a rental vehicle, a parking citation can involve more than the municipal charge itself.

Because the rental vehicle is registered to the rental company, the company may receive or process parking-related correspondence and identify the renter under the terms of the rental agreement. Rental companies may also charge an administration or processing fee for handling fines and parking citations.

The exact amount and procedure vary between rental companies, so check your rental agreement for details.

If you receive a parking citation, deal with it promptly rather than assuming the rental company will take care of it automatically.

Parking Outside of the City of Reykjavik

Parking rules do not stop at Reykjavík's city limits. Across Iceland, popular attractions often use designated parking areas and some charge a parking or service fee.

Never assume that a spectacular roadside viewpoint is somewhere you can simply pull over. Use marked parking areas and follow local signs.

National Parks

Some national parks charge a parking or service fee at designated visitor parking areas.

For example, Þingvellir National Park currently charges ISK 1,000 for a passenger car with five seats or fewer and ISK 1,200 for a passenger vehicle with 6–9 seats. The payment covers parking for the day in the park's designated P1, P2 and P5 areas. 

The important thing is to check the rules for each protected area before arriving, as parking arrangements and fees differ between destinations.

Natural Attractions Parking Lots

Popular natural attractions increasingly use designated parking areas, and some charge a fee to help cover the cost of maintaining facilities and managing visitor numbers.

Always look for payment instructions when you arrive. Some locations use parking machines, while others use online or app-based payment systems.

Do not park on grass, private land, road shoulders or outside designated areas simply to avoid a parking fee. Apart from potentially receiving a ticket, doing so can damage Iceland's fragile vegetation and create hazards for other road users.

Akureyri

If your Iceland road trip takes you to North Iceland, Akureyri also has paid parking in the town center.

The city currently operates two main paid zones, P1 and P2. The published rates are ISK 218 per hour in P1 and ISK 109 per hour in P2, with charging currently applying Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00.

As in Reykjavík, check local signs because temporary restrictions and maximum parking times can apply in specific spaces.

Ready to Explore Reykjavik?

Once you understand the parking zones, Reykjavík is easy to explore with your car or camper rental. For the simplest experience, check the zone before parking, use Parka or EasyPark when convenient, and remember that free parking hours vary by zone.

For a short downtown visit, a P2, P3 or P4 space can often offer better value than P1. For longer stays, compare the cost and convenience of a parking garage. And if you're traveling in a campervan, plan your overnight accommodation separately from daytime parking.

With a little preparation, you can spend less time looking for a parking space and more time enjoying Reykjavík's cafés, museums, harbour and colorful streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about parking in Iceland, we have answers.