What type of rental car on a road trip in Iceland and what to know before you rent a car
- Einar Páll Svavarsson
- Feb 11
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
You need to consider three important things when renting a car or choosing the best car type to rent for your road trip and vacation in Iceland. The quality of the roads leading to your chosen destinations, the time of year, and the weather. Renting a car for a road trip around Iceland is by far the most convenient and interesting way to travel in Iceland. By hiring a car, visitors taking a road trip to Iceland can choose an itinerary that fits their budget and schedule. This way, they have the flexibility and freedom required in a country with so many natural wonders to explore, photograph, experience, and admire. With a car and a driving plan, you can always take your time and easily adjust or change your route. But - there are many aspects to consider when renting a car in Iceland. It is in many ways different from hiring a car in any other country. So, I encourage you to read this article carefully before you rent a car here so that you don’t end up with the wrong car.
The type of roads in Iceland
When it comes to finding a rental car in Iceland, get ready for an exciting adventure! The process may be a bit more intricate than in other countries, but that's because Iceland is unlike anywhere else on Earth! The breathtaking terrain and diverse landscapes of Iceland make the car rental experience truly special. With natural wonders, remote locations, and off-the-beaten-path attractions waiting to be explored, you'll need the perfect vehicle to embark on your unforgettable journey through gravel, mountain, and dirt roads. Let the Icelandic adventure begin!
So, you're thinking of embarking on a wild adventure in Iceland by car? Buckle up, my friend, because you're in for a ride! In this quirky land of fire and ice, you'll encounter three types of roads: the smooth asphalt roads (yawn), the unpredictable gravel roads (buckle up for a bumpy ride), and the legendary Highland roads, a.k.a. the F roads (where only the bravest 4x4 vehicles dare to tread). So, get ready to navigate through these roads like a boss and remember, in Iceland, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination!
In summary, the type of car you choose will depend on the places you intend to visit.
A small rental car type is ideal for most roads during the summer
A small 2WD car is a good option for driving around Iceland's main asphalt roads. It is also the cheapest way to do so. Small cars like the VW Polo, VW Golf, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, or Suzuki Swift can comfortably fit four people (consider the luggage you plan to carry as well). During the summer, a small car can take you to the most popular and interesting places, including natural wonders and accommodations. A small car is also suitable for driving on gravel roads during summer, especially if it has front-wheel drive, which is preferred by most Icelanders. However, it's important to remember that gravel roads are more demanding and difficult to drive on, so one should be cautious and drive slower than on asphalt roads. During winter, you can also travel on the main roads in a small car on drives, such as the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Ring Road, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Golden Circle. However, it's crucial to follow the weather forecast and road conditions from October until April, especially if you're in a small car. A mid-sized car is a better choice for comfort, especially during winter, and it's highly recommended for most places and drives.
Time of year is important when choosing a rent a car
Driving in Iceland during winter and summer is vastly different. For people living in warmer countries, it can be challenging to understand why Icelanders change their car tires in autumn and spring. Icelanders have two types of tires - "winter tires" and "summer tires" - because of the difference in driving conditions. Having personally experienced both, I know the difference, having lived in Southern California for six years. If you have no experience driving in winter conditions, it's best to consider a private tour with an experienced guide. Driving in winter and late autumn can be very difficult, especially if you're only used to driving on clean, dry roads in sunny weather. It's highly recommended to use a 4WD car or a front-wheel drive car if you plan to drive across Iceland during winter or autumn conditions.
A larger vehicle type is better outside the main roads and during winter
If you decide to travel to places away from the main roads, you are much better off hiring a midsize car, preferably an SUV or a 4WD car like VW Tiguan, Toyota Raf, Dacia Duster, or Suzuki Vitara. This applies to people interested in taking loops and exploring places off the main highways, such as Mjóifjörður, Látrabjarg in the West Fjords, Rauðisandur in the West Fjords, the Vatnsnes Peninsula, or some of the waterfalls that are not near the main road, like Aldeyjarfoss. The roads outside the main roads are most often gravel roads, going over steep mountain passes, and conditions change in rain and snow. For those roads, a vehicle with more space and larger tires is much better for your comfort and security. This is very important during winter.
The weather
The weather in Iceland is notorious for its unpredictability, a fact that even the highly efficient Met Office in Iceland struggles to fully account for. The rapid changes in weather conditions can catch even the most seasoned travelers off guard, often diverging significantly from the initial forecasts provided by the Met Office. Despite this minor drawback in accuracy, relying on the Icelandic Met Office's website remains the most reliable option for up-to-date weather information while traveling in Iceland.
It is not uncommon for visitors to meticulously plan their itinerary around specific destinations or activities in Iceland, only to find themselves confronted with less-than-ideal weather conditions upon arrival. This scenario is particularly prevalent during the winter months when the weather can be harsh and unpredictable. As a result, travelers may find themselves spending more time sheltered inside their vehicles than originally anticipated.
A 4WD or 4X4 type is mandatory for the Highland roads in Iceland
A small car type will not get you to the Highland if you choose to travel to this exotic part of the country. The Highland requires a 4X4 vehicle, but keep in mind that the Highland is only open from the beginning of July until the middle of September. Most of the roads in the Icelandic Highland are challenging and rough gravel roads, often with many rivers to cross. No one should enter Highland Road in a small car, a midsize car, or a car that doesn't have four-wheel drive and low gear. It is simply too dangerous and irresponsible and can severely damage the vehicle and even ruin it if stuck in a river; this can lead to a cost far exceeding the total expenditure on a trip to Iceland for the whole family. If water is sucked into the air intake of a car, the engine is ruined, not to mention the panic and the consequences of being stuck in a small car in the middle of a strong stream or a river. Tourists visiting Iceland have lost their lives in such circumstances, with the last incident being in September 2018 when a young woman drowned in a river in Þórsmörk. Keep that in mind when you select a car for the Highland.
No rental car company or insurance company in Iceland covers a drive crossing a river. It can also be dangerous as a 2WD and a small 4WD, or even a midsize 4WD car with no low gear, can easily become stuck on a difficult road in the Highland. Few Icelanders would ever take such a risk, given their knowledge of the Highland. They are only too conscious of the danger to the passengers, who are often children and family members. But for the Highland roads, even a 4X4 is not always enough. A large, well-equipped, and even modified 4X4 vehicle is required for many rugged roads and tracks in the Highland. For these roads, a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Hilux, Land Rover, or a similar vehicle is highly recommended for your convenience and security. Please don’t underestimate this premise.
Keep this list in mind when traveling in a rented car in Iceland
There are three kinds of roads: asphalt, gravel, and mountain roads (F-roads)
Iceland is a small island, and the distance between places, natural wonders, and towns and villages is usually short
Almost all of the roads are narrow, two-way roads. THERE ARE NO FREEWAYS IN ICELAND
Reduce speed considerably when driving over a one-lane bridge (there are many such bridges everywhere)
Don't stop on a road shoulder or in the middle of the road to take photos!
The speed limit is 90 KM/hr (56 miles/hr) on main asphalt roads around the island
The speed limit in Reykjavík and the towns is 50KM/hr (31 miles/hr)
The speed limit in residential areas in Reykjavík and in all towns and villages is 30KM/hr (19 miles/hr)
The restrictions on alcohol consumption for drivers are at 0.5 promille, like in most other European countries
4X4 cars are both safer and easier to drive in the Highland and during winter
There are plenty of gas and charging stations around the country in all towns and villages. The fuel is very expensive - in summer 2024, the price pr. liter for petroleum is ISK 324 (USD 2.32 (Gallon=8.76) /EUR 2.17) and diesel pr. the liter is ISK 323 (USD 2.32 /EUR 2.17).
A large 4X4 is required on Highland roads, the F roads
Always check road conditions on The Road and Coastal Administration webpage, especially during winter
Cellular phone connections are good on most roads and around the country
Never try to cross rivers in an ordinary car or a small 4X4 car or without understanding the river
There are towns and villages almost everywhere around the coastline on the Ring Road, and you are never far away from help if needed
Watch out for sheep on the roads (especially in spring and early summer)
Pick up your rented car at the international airport in Keflavík
Fuel prices are more or less the same around the country, and fuel is always expensive
Emergency help is available almost everywhere in Iceland
When conditions are adverse (snow, snowdrift, slippery, bad visibility), don't hesitate to drive slower at a comfort level where you feel in control. In a situation like that, remember to slow down and give the right indicator light (blinker) when it is secure for the cars behind you to pass. Avoid holding up the traffic, as other drivers, especially local folks, might understand the conditions differently and better.
Iceland is a small country and a small island
Iceland is a small island with one International Airport. Keflavik Airport (KEF) in the city of Keflavik is the place where almost all visitors arrive. It is the best place to pick up your rental car, and most rent-a-car companies deliver their cars at Keflavik airport. There are many rental car companies in Iceland, and the airport is a good place to find the type of car ideal for your tour. If you want to have everything ready when you arrive, you should rent a car online.
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