Iceland Rental Car Comparison

Firstly, the best way to explore Iceland is renting your own vehicle.  That way, you can experience Iceland at your own pace.  Second, when you do that you’re in charge of your on schedule and can spend as long as you want at each location.  Third, you have the ability to self-drive to locations that are more offbeat and less touristy!

Next, now that you’ve decided on booking a rental car for driving in Iceland let’s talk about a few more important things!  To illustrate, how much more will renting a car cost you?  Feel free to use this Iceland gas price calculator.  Additionally, before you pull the trigger on booking your car, SUV, truck or van in Iceland you encourage you to checkout our friends at Blue Car Rental and Northbound who have crafted an amazing website which compares pricing across rental car companies here:

Iceland Driving Highlights:

Couple of things we would like to point out in case you only skim this “How to Drive in Iceland” blog post…

• You will need to drive on the right side of the road (just like in the USA).
• Roads in Iceland are coarse, unpredictable, and will feel VERY at narrow at times.
• Your headlights must be on at all times, daylight or not (Do it, it’s the law).
• Wear your seatbelt (Do it, it’s the law).
• Don’t drink and drive (Not even a drop! Do it, it’s the law)!
• Follow the speed limit! It’s a heavy toll if you don’t (I know from personal experience – $650+ USD ticket!)
• Dangerous gale force winds, rain, hail, snow, or blizzard conditions can come out of nowhere, fast. Be Prepared.
• Have an emergency kit on hand.
• To Buy Fuel: Know your debit or credit card “pin” beforehand to use at the fuel pumps. Also be aware, the most common fuel stations in Iceland are: N1, Olis, and Orkan).
• Iceland’s Emergency Number (Search and Rescue Team) is: 112.

Furthermore, there are really two seasons in Iceland… Winter and Summer.  So below we’ll elaborate on tips to driving in Iceland during these two periods.

Driving During Winter in Iceland

If traveling far distances throughout Iceland during the winter months October thru March (example: Vik to the Glacial Lagoon in Hofn, Iceland) you may want to consider having the following items as a precaution in your car:

• Emergency Kit or “Go Bag:”
  • Small Shovel
  • Flares
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Extra Clothes
  • Wool Socks
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Extra Fuel Can/Fuel for your Vehicle. If you get stuck it could be a while before someone can reach you.  Or at the VERY least make sure you fill up every time you see a fuel station because it may be your last chance before conditions change.  Also, there can be issues with the pumps or payment systems in the countryside of Iceland.  Better to be safe than sorry!
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How to Drive in Snowy Conditions Iceland:

Naturally, it can be intimating if you have never driven in winter conditions before.  And even if you have, having the extra challenge of gale force winds or driving unknown roads can be nerve-racking.  But let’s prepare you mentally before you embark…

Before You Head Out Each Day:

• Check the road conditions before leaving your hotel on the Icelandic Road Administration website.
• The authorities will close roads if they warrant them too dangerous to pass and if you enter the path towards, you could be fined if you get stuck.
• Check the weather conditions on Icelandic Met Office website for the region of Iceland you’re in and going to.
• Dial 112 for Emergency Assistance in Iceland.

Things to know About Iceland Winter Driving:

• Make sure your headlights are on at all times – no joke.
• In times of white-out blizzard like conditions, make sure that your emergency lights are flashing, and your high beams are on. The more visibility of yourself to others, the better.
• Slow and steady on the gas and brake pedals.
• Fill up your fuel tank at every opportunity you can when you are in Southern Iceland, Westfjords, and Eastfjords. Fuel stations can sometimes be sparse in rural areas.
• Make sure you have your above emergency kit available to sustain you if and as needed until help arrives or the conditions lighten (biggest worries are between December-March).
• There is no shame in taking it SLOW! Let the locals or other people pass you!
• Follow the yellow road markers to ensure you’re staying within the road lines. In sections throughout Iceland there are steep drops behind those points so be careful and very aware!
• Stay off F-Roads please! If you want to explore, we know some AMAZING locale super jeep tour company’s in Iceland that will show you an unforgettable time in the highlands and on the F-Roads!
• As Icelanders say: “Icelandic roads can be unpredictable, slippery, dangerous, and you must be prepared to endure.”
• Off-roading in Iceland (outside of the designated adventurous “F-Roads”) is strictly prohibited. Keep Iceland pure and do not go against this law.  Rule of Thumb: If the road you’re turning on does not have a number, don’t venture on it, even if you see tire tracks.

Summer Driving in Iceland:

Typically the summer months (April-September) offer a little less worry than the winter months in Iceland.  But because Iceland is known for their ever changing conditions, you still need to practice caution.  Some tips to get you through driving in Iceland during the summer follow below:

• You will need to drive on the right side of the road (just like in the USA).
• Check the weather daily Vedur and the road conditions Vegagerdin.
• Roads in Iceland are coarse, unpredictable, and will feel VERY at narrow at times.
• Your headlights must be on at all times, day or night (Do it, it’s the law).
• Don’t drink and drive (Not even a drop! Do it, it’s the law)!
• Follow the speed limit! It’s a heavy toll if you don’t (I know from experience – $650 USD ticket and an awkward lecture in the back of a police car).  Typically it’s 90 kmh mainly along Route 1 (the Ring Road); and 30 kmh in residential/city areas.
• ANIMALS! Sheep, Horses, Reindeer, you name it!  Beware of them on and around the roads and patient with them!
• Dangerous gale force winds, rain, hail, snow, or blizzard conditions can come out of nowhere, fast no matter the time of year.
• If you intend your journey to be on any “F-Roads” make sure that your rental company allows it (check your contract). You will pay heavy fines if the search and rescue team has to bail you out of a situation not to mention the damage you could potentially do to the vehicle.
• Off-roading in Iceland (outside of the designated adventurous “F-Roads”) is strictly prohibited. Keep Iceland pure and do not go against this law.  Rule of Thumb: If the road you’re turning on does not have a number, don’t venture on it, even if you see tire tracks.  If you don’t heed this warning you could face serious fines and or up to 2 years in jail.
• To Buy Fuel: Know your debit or credit card “pin” beforehand.
• Iceland’s Emergency Number (Search and Rescue Team) is: 112.

We hope today’s post on driving in Iceland has proved to be enlightening to you, that you heed my warnings and stay safe!  Every path in Iceland snowy, rainy or not, will lead you somewhere that will take your breath away!  Enjoy!

With a smile, Ann Peters & Team (Iceland Wedding Planner)

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