Best Self Drive Tours in Iceland — Biggest Selection & Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Self-drive tours in Iceland are the perfect way to explore the land of fire and ice at your own pace. Carefully designed routes and flexible options connect travelers with Iceland's stunning natural beauty while offering complete freedom. Whether you want to explore all the best attractions on Iceland's Ring Road or uncover hidden gems, a self-drive tour is the ultimate way to explore.

What Are Self-Drive Tours in Iceland?

Self-drive tours in Iceland are pre-planned travel packages that include a rental car, accommodations, and a detailed itinerary. These tours combine the freedom of a road trip with the convenience of expert planning, allowing you to explore Iceland’s incredible landscapes and attractions at your own pace. By choosing a self-drive tour, you’ll enjoy a seamless and stress-free way to experience Iceland’s wonders.

What Is the Best Time To Do Self-Drive Tours in Iceland?

Iceland offers incredible self-drive experiences year-round, but the season you choose can significantly impact your trip. Here's a quick guide to help you decide the best time for a road trip in Iceland.

What to expect from summer self-drive tours in Iceland:

• Advantages: Long daylight hours, mild weather, and open access to most of Iceland’s roads and attractions, including the Highlands and F-roads.

• Highlights: Explore the vibrant landscapes of the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Ring Road, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and detours.

• Best features: Perfect for visiting remote regions like the Westfjords and East Iceland, thanks to favorable driving conditions.

• Good to know: Book accommodations early, as summer is peak tourist season.

What to expect from winter self-drive tours in Iceland:

• Advantages: Snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and the chance to see the northern lights.

• Highlights: Drive along the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, all of which remain accessible in winter.

• Best features: Unique experiences like glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and winter photography.

• Good to know: Roads can be icy or snowy, so renting a 4x4 vehicle and checking weather updates regularly is essential.

In conclusion, the best time for a road trip in Iceland depends on the region you want to explore and your priorities. Summer is perfect for long days and access to remote areas, while winter brings snowy landscapes and northern lights.

Top 3 Best Summer Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Experience the best of Iceland this summer with these top-rated self-drive tours, offering unforgettable adventures through the country’s most stunning regions.

1. 10-Day Iceland Self-Drive Tour: Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Embark on the ultimate Icelandic road trip, covering diverse landscapes, from glaciers to volcanic fields.

2. 1-Week Iceland Summer Self-Drive Tour: Ring Road & Golden Circle - Experience Iceland’s iconic Ring Road in summer, with highlights like Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Seljalandsfoss.

3. 2-Week Iceland Summer Self-Drive Tour: Ring Road & Westfjords - Discover Iceland’s diverse beauty as you drive the Ring Road, explore the remote Westfjords and visit the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, all at a relaxed pace.

Top 3 Best Winter Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Discover Iceland’s magical winter landscapes with these top-rated self-drive tours, perfect for exploring glaciers, ice caves, and the northern lights.

1. 6-Day Iceland Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour: South Coast & Ice Caving - Ideal for travelers seeking a shorter trip, this tour combines iconic landmarks, ice caves, and northern lights.

2. 7-Day Iceland Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour: Golden Circle & South Iceland - Discover glaciers, waterfalls, and the northern lights on this week-long adventure, perfect for winter travelers.

3. 1-Week Iceland Winter Self-Drive Tour: Northern Lights & Ice Caves - Explore Iceland’s stunning winter highlights, including the Golden Circle, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and breathtaking ice caves, with plenty of opportunities to chase the northern lights.

Top 10 Best Self-Drive Tour Activities in Iceland

Make your road trip even more memorable with the best self-drive activities in Iceland, featuring carefully curated meet-on-location experiences. These top-rated activities offer exciting ways to experience Iceland’s most cherished natural and cultural attractions. Here are 10 of the most iconic tours to include on your road trip itinerary in Iceland:

1. Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier - Explore the beautiful blue ice caves beneath Vatnajokull glacier, starting from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

2. The Katla Ice Cave Tour - Marvel at the wonders of the Katla Ice Cave, a year-round accessible glacier near the town of Vik.

3. Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour - Hike on Skaftafell glacier, an outlet of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, for incredible South Coast views.

4. Zodiac Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Glide through Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on a zodiac boat, offering an intimate look at floating icebergs.

5. Whale Watching from Akureyri - Spot majestic whales in Eyjafjordur on this tour departing from Akureyri’s floating pier.

6. Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience - Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, with a package that includes a silica mud mask, towel, and drink.

7. Snowmobile Tour on Langjokull Glacier - Embark on an adrenaline-filled snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier, departing from Gullfoss waterfall.

8. Traditional Whale Watching in Husavik - Spot humpback whales and other marine life on a tour from the famous whale-watching capital of Europe.

9. Silfra Snorkeling Tour Between Continents - Swim between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America in the clear waters of Silfra.

10. Horseback Riding on the Black Sand Beach in Vik - Experience Iceland’s famous black sand beaches on horseback with Icelandic horses.

Preparing For Road Trips in Iceland

Planning a road trip in Iceland requires attention to both the weather and the road conditions. Packing appropriately, staying updated on the weather, and understanding local driving norms are essential steps for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some important things to keep in mind before embarking on a road trip in Iceland:

• Ensure you meet the requirements for renting a car: Please note you’ll need a valid driver’s license with Latin letters to rent a car in Iceland. Most rental companies also require a credit card for the security deposit.

• Learn about driving in Iceland: Familiarize yourself with road signs, speed limits, and road types. A 4x4 vehicle may be necessary in some regions, especially during winter. Always check road conditions and follow local advice.

• Plan what to wear in Iceland: Dress in layers to adapt to Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Waterproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, and thermal layers are must-haves. Don’t forget gloves, hats, and scarves for extra warmth.

• Prepare for Iceland's weather: Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s important to check daily forecasts. Use reliable sources to stay prepared and adjust your plans if needed.

Top Regions for Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Be inspired by the best regions to explore in Iceland, each offering distinct attractions and landscapes perfect for a self-drive adventure. Below, we list the top regions, from the most popular to the most remote, helping you plan a trip tailored to your interests and schedule.

• South Coast of Iceland - one of Iceland's most popular self-drive routes, known for its iconic natural landmarks and year-round accessibility.

• Golden Circle - Iceland's most famous driving route and a favorite for first-time visitors due to its accessibility and incredible landmarks.

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula - offers some of Iceland’s most varied scenery, often described as "Iceland in Miniature." 

• North Iceland - perfect for travelers seeking geothermal wonders, majestic waterfalls, and opportunities for whale watching.

• The Westfjords - Iceland's wild frontier, offering stunning natural beauty and a sense of solitude for adventurous travelers.

• East Iceland - a less-traveled area with colorful towns, waterfalls, and quiet roads that are perfect for a relaxing road trip.

• Ring Road, or Route 1 - Iceland’s main highway, connecting the regions highlighted above. This 828-mile (1,332-kilometer) route offers a journey through diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, and volcanic fields.

Summary

Our self-drive tours in Iceland let you customize your trip to match your preferences. Each self-drive tour includes detailed itineraries, a rental car, accommodations, and a wide range of optional activities to enhance your journey. Explore Iceland with peace of mind, knowing our travel agents are available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or needs.

With endless sites to discover and the freedom to explore at your own pace, self-drive tours in Iceland offer the perfect way to experience the country’s wonders—making every stop a memorable part of your journey.