Renting a car in Iceland

Many people visit Iceland on a weekend break to Reykjavik, or on a short stopover between the US and Europe. And that’s fine if you’re short of time – there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant capital city to fill a few days.

To see the best of Iceland's scenery you want to rent a car.
Pic: Steve Riot (CC)

Two thirds of Iceland’s population live in Reykjavik, and it’s a lively, fun place – but once you’ve seen the sights, hit a few bars and got the measure of this quirky town, you’ll be itching to get out of the city and explore the dramatic scenery of the rest of the island.

Is it worth renting a car in Iceland?

So, the real question is do you rent a car and head out on your own, or do you book up a few organized tours and let the guides do all the hard work?

If you’ve just got a few days, you may be better off basing yourself in the capital and booking up some trips.

There are some amazing tours you can do from Reykjavik in just a day such as this whale-watching boat trip, this half-day tour out to the Secret Lagoon geothermal pool, and this climbing trip to an ice cave. See our guide for more ideas for day tours from Reykjavik.

But, in order to get off-the-beaten-track and really explore the island, you’ll need your own wheels – and that means renting a car.

Can you tour Iceland on your own?

If you are in a group of four or more, you’ll probably find it as cheap to rent a car and head off on your own as to go on organized trips.

But, it’s important to plan carefully and consider where and when you are going.

Renting a car in Iceland means you can explore the island's beautiful remote areas.

If you’re travelling between October and April you’ll definitely need a 4WD SUV as the weather conditions can be poor. There could be fog, ice, big snowdrifts or sideways rain – and sometimes all four of those things at once.

Even in summer, an SUV is a good idea, so that you’re able to head off the main asphalt roads and explore some of the rougher gravel and dirt roads.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland?

As long you follow the rules and regulations and plan ahead, then yes it’s perfectly safe to drive in Iceland.

The roads are generally very quiet, and the main road round the island, Highway 1, is mostly tarmaced and easy to drive on, especially in summer.

In winter, however, parts of it are closed due to poor weather conditions. Even in summer you should always check the road and weather conditions before setting out on a trip.

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) website has webcams and real-time info on weather and road conditions around the country, or you can call for 1777 for information in English.

Driving in Iceland is safe if you plan ahead and take precautions
Pic: Winniepix (CC)

If you’re heading out in poor conditions, or going off the main road you should register your travel plan in advance with the Icelandic Search and Rescue team.

Bear in mind that the weather changes fast in these parts, so even if the sun is shining when you set off, there’s no guarantee that you won’t hit snow, storms and blizzards en route.

Also, make sure you fill up with fuel whenever you pass a petrol station – they are few and far between, particularly in the east of the island, and you really don’t want to run out of petrol in a remote region.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Iceland?

That depends on the time of the year and how far in advance you book.

Summer prices are always higher as there’s greater demand, and you’ll save money by booking as far ahead as possible.

But as a very rough guideline, a small car will cost between 5,000 ISK to 15,000 ISK per day ($35–110), while SUVs can range from 7,000 ISK to 35,000 ISK ($50–250) a day. 

Iceland's winding roads are fun to drive
Pic: rbg_2017 (CC)

Of course, the price per day is less the longer you hire the car for – so a weekly rate will be cheaper than hiring by the day.

And bear in mind that fuel in Iceland is pricey – expect to pay around 315 ISK a litre (that’s around $11.3 per gallon, more than double the US average), so make sure you factor that into your budget.

Where can I rent a car in Iceland?

If you’re flying into Keflavík, then heading straight out into the countryside your best bet is to rent a car at the airport.

All the main international car rental companies have desks at the airport, including Hertz, Europcar, Avis and Budget.

Our favourite place to book in advance is Discover Cars. We’ve rented cars from them in the Nordic countries and more recently on a holiday to Athens, Greece, and the experience has always been great. Be sure to read the reviews of each provider though – and always read the fine print so that you know exactly what’s included.

You may need an SUV or 4WD if renting a car in Iceland
Pic: kurtdeiner (CC)

Local company Blue Car Rental often has good deals, with offices both at the airport and in the city centre. Nordic Car Rental also has cheap prices, though you’ll need to take a short shuttle bus journey from the airport terminal to their pick-up office.

You can save a lot of money on car rental by booking in advance and going through a price comparison site, such as Rental Cars or Discover Cars (mentioned above). They both search hundreds of deals to help you find the best prices on car hire. 

See also:
The weather in Iceland (and when to visit)
10 of the best Airbnbs in Iceland
Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

 

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN REYKJAVIKMORE TOURS

Written By
More from Amanda Tomlin
Getting from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre
Copenhagen’s sprawling Kastrup airport is the largest and busiest airport in Scandinavia....
Read More
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments