Vehicles

1. bíll

   Car

   Usage

   The basic word for a car; useful when talking about renting, parking or a breakdown

   Grammar Note

   Masculine, definite "bíllinn". In compounds the form "bíla-" means "car", as in "bílaleiga"

2. strætó

   City bus

   Usage

   The city bus. It is also the name of the Reykjavík-area bus company

   Grammar Note

   Masculine, definite "strætóinn". It is a short form of "strætisvagn"

3. rúta

   Coach / Tour bus

   Usage

   The coach between towns or on sightseeing tours

   Grammar Note

   Feminine, definite "rútan". The city bus is "strætó"

4. leigubíll

   Taxi

   Usage

   The word for a taxi, used when calling one or giving a destination

   Grammar Note

   Masculine, definite "leigubíllinn". A compound of "leiga" (hire) and "bíll" (car)

5. mótorhjól

   Motorcycle

   Usage

   Used when renting or parking a motorcycle

   Grammar Note

   Neuter, definite "mótorhjólið". A compound of "mótor" (engine) and "hjól" (wheel)

6. skellinaðra

   Moped

   Usage

   A small-engine moped

   Grammar Note

   Feminine, definite "skellinaðran"

7. reiðhjól

   Bicycle

   Usage

   Use it to rent or repair a bicycle. In speech people often say just "hjól"

   Grammar Note

   Neuter, definite "reiðhjólið". A compound of "reið" (riding) and "hjól" (wheel)

8. flugvél

   Aeroplane

   Usage

   Use it at the airport or when talking about a flight

   Grammar Note

   Feminine, definite "flugvélin". A compound of "flug" (flight) and "vél" (machine)

9. bátur

   Boat

   Usage

   Covers boats in general, such as fishing and tour boats

   Grammar Note

   Masculine, definite "báturinn"

10. ferja

    Ferry

    Usage

    The ferry to islands and across fjords. Booking ahead is wise in summer

    Grammar Note

    Feminine, definite "ferjan"

11. hraðbátur

    Speedboat / Fast boat

    Usage

    A fast boat for short crossings

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "hraðbáturinn". A compound of "hraði" (speed) and "bátur"

12. sjúkrabíll

    Ambulance

    Usage

    In an emergency call 112 to get an ambulance

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "sjúkrabíllinn". A compound of "sjúkra" (of the sick) and "bíll"

13. bílaleigubíll

    Rental car

    Usage

    Used when picking up or returning a rental car

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "bílaleigubíllinn". A compound of "bílaleiga" (car rental firm) and "bíll"

14. vörubíll

    Lorry / Truck

    Usage

    A large vehicle for carrying goods

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "vörubíllinn". A compound of "vara" (goods) and "bíll"

15. húsbíll

    Motorhome

    Usage

    Used by travellers in motorhomes when asking about parking and campsites

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "húsbíllinn". A compound of "hús" (house) and "bíll"

16. vélsleði

    Snowmobile

    Usage

    Used on glacier and snowfield tours

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "vélsleðinn". A compound of "vél" (machine) and "sleði" (sledge)

17. skíðalyfta

    Ski lift

    Usage

    Used at a ski area to refer to the lift

    Grammar Note

    Feminine, definite "skíðalyftan". A compound of "skíði" (ski) and "lyfta" (lift)

18. hundasleði

    Dog sled

    Usage

    Used to book a dog sled ride

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "hundasleðinn". A compound of "hundur" (dog) and "sleði" (sledge)

19. jeppi

    4x4 / Jeep

    Usage

    Highland F-roads can only be driven in a 4x4. Check which you need when renting a car

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "jeppinn". The word comes from English "jeep"

20. þyrla

    Helicopter

    Usage

    Used for helicopter tours and rescue helicopters

    Grammar Note

    Feminine, definite "þyrlan"

21. hvalaskoðunarbátur

    Whale-watching boat

    Usage

    Use it to find a whale-watching tour boat. It is cold on deck, so dress warmly

    Grammar Note

    Masculine, definite "hvalaskoðunarbáturinn". A compound of "hvalaskoðun" (whale watching) and "bátur"

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