Learning a new language opens the door to new cultures, experiences, and enables us to navigate through a foreign country with ease. One aspect of daily life where language plays a crucial role is transportation. Grasping the basic transportation terms can be immensely helpful when traveling. Icelandic, the official language of Iceland, is no exception, and here’s a guide to some of the essential transportation terms you might need.

Flugvél – Airplane
An aircraft used for traveling through the air.
Það er flugvél í loftinu.
There is an airplane in the sky.

Strætó – Bus
The public transport vehicle that runs on roads and carries multiple passengers.
Strætóinn kemur á tíu mínútna fresti.
The bus comes every ten minutes.

Neðanjarðarlest – Subway/Underground train
A train system that runs below the ground, often found in cities.
Neðanjarðarlestarnar eru mjög nákvæmar í Reykjavík.
The subway trains are very punctual in Reykjavik.

Leigubíll – Taxi
A vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers.
Getur þú pantað mér leigubíl til flugvallarins?
Can you order me a taxi to the airport?

Skip – Ship
A large watercraft that travels on seas and oceans.
Skipið lagði af stað frá höfninni í morgun.
The ship set sail from the harbor this morning.

Reiðhjól – Bicycle
A human-powered, pedal-driven vehicle with two wheels.
Ég fer oft í vinnuna á reiðhjóli.
I often go to work by bicycle.

Lestarstöð – Train station
A facility where trains regularly stop to load or unload passengers or goods.
Hún er að bíða eftir mér á lestarstöðinni.
She is waiting for me at the train station.

Umferð – Traffic
The movement of vehicles along roads.
Umferðin er þung á þjóðvegi eitt í morgun.
The traffic is heavy on highway one this morning.

Bílastæði – Parking lot
An area or building where cars or other vehicles can be parked.
Bílastæðið við verslunarmiðstöðina er næstum fullt.
The parking lot at the shopping center is almost full.

Útflutningur – Export
Sending goods or transport vehicles out of a country.
Útflutningur bíla frá Íslandi er aukinn.
The export of cars from Iceland has increased.

Innflutningur – Import
Bringing goods or transport vehicles into a country from abroad.
Hversu mikið af bílum eru innfluttir til Íslands á hverju ári?
How many cars are imported to Iceland every year?

Hjólreiðarstígur – Bike path
A path designated for cyclists to use, separate from motor vehicle traffic.
Hjólreiðarstígurinn liggur í gegnum borgina.
The bike path runs through the city.

Knowing these Icelandic transportation terms can be handy for navigating the country, asking for directions, or even just engaging in a conversation with locals. Keep practicing and you’ll be on your way to mastering the Icelandic language!