Starting June 1, cash payments will no longer be accepted for fares on Strætó buses in the capital area. This change does not apply to rural buses in the countryside, where customers will still be able to pay with cash or by card (POS system).
Customers will still be able to pay with cash at Strætó’s reception, located at Hestháls 14.
Many payment options available
A wider range of payment options is now available and for example, customers can now pay contactless on board all buses in the capital area. Currently, only 2.3% of passengers pay with cash on board the buses.
Klapp ten and Klapp cards can still be purchased with cash at Strætó’s sales locations. Parallel with this change, the number of sales locations will be increased.
Available Payment Options for Customers:
- Contactless payments
- Klapp card
- Klappið app
- Klapp ten
If customers need assistance regarding this change, they can contact Strætó’s customer service at 540 2700.
Q&A
Is this legal? / Can Strætó refuse to accept cash?
Yes. According to the Central Bank of Iceland, it is permitted to refuse cash payments if alternative payment methods are available.
Isn’t this a violation of the Icelandic Currency Act or the Central Bank Act?
No. These laws only state that banknotes (paper money) and coins issued by the Central Bank are legal tender for all payments in Iceland. However, they do not prohibit a seller from choosing other forms of payment. The status of legal tender simply means it is the final measure of value in transactions between parties.
Why is this being done?
Only about 2.3% of passengers currently pay with cash, and managing cash involves significant costs. The aim is to simplify the payment process, and more payment options are now available than before.
What if there’s a power outage or no internet connection?
If there is a serious or prolonged power or network outage that prevents payment by card or other electronic methods on Strætó buses, the board of Strætó may temporarily allow cash payments depending on the situation. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I remain anonymous? I don’t want to leave a trace.
Yes. If a passenger uses Klapp ten purchased with cash, the use cannot be traced back to the individual. You can also sign in anonymously in the Klappið app. Otherwise, Strætó does not track passengers’ trips through contactless payments or use of period passes/single tickets, and no credit card information is stored in Strætó’s systems.
Where can I buy Klapp tickets with cash?
- At the Strætó reception, Hestháls 14
- At Strætó sales locations: see here.
- At most swimming pools in Reykjavík (starting June 1, 2025)