Strætó services will operate according to the regular timetable on 12 August. However, due to significantly increased traffic related to the solar eclipse, passengers should expect longer journey times, delays, and missed connections on some routes. Please check Route alerts before travelling.
On 12 August, a total solar eclipse will be visible from several locations in Iceland. Large numbers of people are expected to travel to the path of totality to experience this unique natural event, and increased traffic is therefore expected across many parts of the country.
Although Strætó services will operate as scheduled, heavy traffic may affect journey times. Passengers are encouraged to monitor Route alerts throughout the day and allow extra time for their journeys.
You can pay your fare on board all buses – using contactless payment in the Capital Area and a payment card on regional services.
Capital Area
Strætó services will operate according to the regular timetable. However, several routes will be diverted due to road closures, and longer journey times are expected, particularly on routes serving western Reykjavík and Seltjarnarnes.
- Route 11 will not operate to Seltjarnarnes due to road closures and will terminate at the University of Iceland (HÍ).
- Routes 12 and 15 will not be able to use Suðurgata in Reykjavík due to road closures.
- Route 12 will terminate at the University of Iceland (HÍ).
- Route 15 will operate directly along Hringbraut from the Gamla Hringbraut stop to the next available stop, Ægisborg.
- Route 23 will operate the Álftanes loop in the opposite direction due to temporary one-way traffic.
- Route 19 may be diverted in Hafnarfjörður due to a concert at Vífilstaðatún.
Information about de-tours will be available under Route alerts.
In buses in the Capital Area, you can pay with:
- Contactless payments
- The app Klappið in your phone
- Refillable Klapp card or keychain
- Klapp ten
Regional buses in the countryside
Regional buses will operate according to the regular timetable, with the exception of Route 59, where the Wednesday service has been moved to Tuesday, 11 August.
Heavy traffic may cause delays and affect connections between routes. Information about delays and service disruptions will be updated throughout the day under Route alerts whenever possible.
Please note that connections between regional bus services and the Herjólfur and Baldur ferry services may be affected.
- For Herjólfur, passengers are asked to monitor Route alerts for updates.
- For Baldur, passengers should contact Westfjords Adventures on +354 456 5006.
The following regional routes are expected to be most affected:
Reykjanes
- Route 55
- Route 87
- Route 89
Snæfellsnes
- Route 58
- Route 82
West and North Iceland
- Route 50
- Route 57 – Passenger waiting times at Staðarskáli may be longer or shorter than usual, depending on traffic, as buses connect there.
- Route 59 – Wednesday service moved to Tuesday, 11 August.
Westfjords
- Route 62
South Iceland
- Route 51
- Route 53
Passengers are encouraged to follow updates on the Strætó website under Route alerts and on Strætó’s social media channels throughout the day.
Children should not travel alone on regional buses
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration advises that children under the age of 15 should not travel alone on regional bus services on 12 August.
Heavy traffic and delays may affect journey times and route connections. Increased demand on mobile and communication networks is also expected.
Be prepared
Please plan your journey carefully and familiarise yourself with your route and destination before travelling. Bring any necessary medication, food, water, and suitable clothing, and allow extra time for your journey.
The Icelandic authorities encourage people who live within the path of totality to enjoy the eclipse close to home, helping to reduce pressure on the road network and other infrastructure. Those planning to travel should prepare well, depart early, and expect longer journey times than usual.
You can pay for regional buses using:
- Debit or credit cards
- Regional travel cards
- Cash – change is provided on regional buses
All fares are paid on board the bus.
Please note that regional buses are not part of the Klapp payment system.