Fall Self Drive Tours
Best Fall Self Drive Tours in Iceland — Biggest Selection & Lowest Prices Guaranteed
Explore Iceland on fall self-drive tours. Enjoy colorful autumn landscapes, chase the northern lights, and travel at your own pace with fewer crowds.

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

Explore Iceland on fall self-drive tours. Enjoy colorful autumn landscapes, chase the northern lights, and travel at your own pace with fewer crowds.
Find a unique experience

Choose your perfect Icelandic experience

Choose an experience
Choose an experience

Select dates

Starting dateFinal date

Add travelers

1 traveler
Free cancellation
Best price guarantee
Easy Booking & Cancellation
Most Popular Website about Iceland

Fall Self Drive Tours

Refine the results by using the filters

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2025

"Thanks to Guide to Iceland, I had an unforgettable adventure with expert, friendly service providers. Everything was perfect and exceeded my expectations!"

Why Choose Iceland's #1 Travel Platform

Discover the advantages that make us the most trusted choice for your adventure in Iceland

Iceland’s Leading Travel Agency
Recognized as Iceland's Leading Travel Agency for 7 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, we are the most trusted source for planning your Icelandic adventure.
Best Price Guarantee
We guarantee the lowest prices for all our tours. If you find a better price elsewhere, we'll match it; that’s how confident we are that you won’t find better prices anywhere else.
Expert Local Guidance
Benefit from the insights of local experts who have curated and quality-checked every tour, ensuring authentic and memorable experiences.
Largest Selection of Services
With over 2000 tours, we offer the most extensive range of tours and activities across Iceland, ensuring you find the perfect experience for your interests and schedule.
Free Cancellation & Easy Booking
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking options, including free cancellation policies that allow you to plan your trip with confidence.
Multilingual 24/7 Customer Support
Our dedicated support team is available to assist you 24/7 in 14 languages. We promise you help within seconds, ensuring you're never left waiting.
VIP Club
Book with us for exclusive discounts at Iceland’s best places, helping you save big on your trip to Iceland.
Iceland’s Leading Travel Agency
Recognized as Iceland's Leading Travel Agency for 7 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, we are the most trusted source for planning your Icelandic adventure.
Largest Selection of Services
With over 2000 tours, we offer the most extensive range of tours and activities across Iceland, ensuring you find the perfect experience for your interests and schedule.
Best Price Guarantee
We guarantee the lowest prices for all our tours. If you find a better price elsewhere, we'll match it; that’s how confident we are that you won’t find better prices anywhere else.
Free Cancellation & Easy Booking
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking options, including free cancellation policies that allow you to plan your trip with confidence.
Expert Local Guidance
Benefit from the insights of local experts who have curated and quality-checked every tour, ensuring authentic and memorable experiences.
Multilingual 24/7 Customer Support
Our dedicated support team is available to assist you 24/7 in 14 languages. We promise you help within seconds, ensuring you're never left waiting.
VIP Club
Book with us for exclusive discounts at Iceland’s best places, helping you save big on your trip to Iceland.
We offer so much more

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Verified customer reviews

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Fall Self-Drive Tours in Iceland: What to Know

Everything you need to know about fall self-drive tours in Iceland is right here. This guide will help you plan a fun autumn trip across the country’s amazing landscapes.

Visiting Iceland in Fall

Autumn in Iceland brings fresh air, golden leaves, and the first glimpses of the northern lights in the night sky. Roads are easy to drive, attractions are less crowded, and prices are lower than in summer. Fall is a great time to see Iceland’s natural beauty as it changes—from the last summer blooms to the first signs of winter.

Why Book Fall Self-Drive Tours

Fall self-drive tours in Iceland give you freedom, adventure, and quiet time to enjoy nature. With colorful autumn landscapes and fewer visitors, it is one of the best times to explore Iceland. These tours include pre-booked accommodation, a rental car, and a customizable itinerary for your trip, making your road trip simple and stress-free. A travel agent is also available during your journey to help with anything you might need.

What’s Included in a Fall Self-Drive Tour

All fall self-drive tours are carefully designed by local experts to give you a safe, flexible, and unforgettable Icelandic road trip experience. Here are what you can expect to get when booking fall self drive tours in Iceland:

Accommodation: Stay in carefully selected lodgings near Iceland’s top attractions. Choose from comfortable hotels, guesthouses, or countryside stays that offer warmth and relaxation after a day of exploring.

Rental Car: Pick a vehicle that fits your travel needs — from compact cars for Ring Road adventures to 4x4 vehicles for off-the-beaten-path drives. Autumn road conditions are generally good, though some Highland routes may close as temperatures drop.

Custom Itinerary: Enjoy a detailed plan highlighting Iceland’s waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and volcanoes. Your personal travel agent can adjust routes and stops based on weather conditions or your interests.

Optional Experiences: Add unforgettable fall adventures, like chasing the northern lights, joining glacier hikes, exploring lava caves, or soaking in natural hot springs under the stars.

Travel Support: You’ll have a dedicated travel agent available for assistance before and during your trip, ready to help with route changes, updates, or unexpected issues.

Best Multi-Week Fall Self-Drive Tours

If you want to fully explore Iceland’s diverse regions and natural beauty, these longer tours are perfect:

Best Week-Long Fall Self-Drive Tours

Perfect for travelers with limited time who want variety and adventure.

Best Short Fall Self-Drive Tours

Ideal for a quick escape into Iceland’s autumn landscapes.

Top 5 Best Fall Self Drive Activities

Enhance your autumn road trip with seasonal activities that can be added to your fall self-drive tour. When booking, you can choose these experiences or ask your travel agent to include them later.

  • Northern Lights Viewing: As the nights grow longer, the chance to see the northern lights increases, starting around mid-September. Head to dark spots away from city lights, such as the Grotta lighthouse near Reykjavik. Many Northern Lights tours are available if you prefer a guided experience with expert tips and transport.

  • Blue Lagoon Visit: After a day exploring in the crisp autumn air, nothing beats relaxing in a warm geothermal pool. The Blue Lagoon is the perfect stop to unwind and enjoy Iceland’s natural hot springs.

  • Hiking Opportunities: Early autumn offers ideal hiking conditions in Iceland with cool temperatures and breathtaking fall scenery. Trails like Mount Esja near Reykjavik provide stunning views of the city, coastline, and hills covered in autumn colors.

  • Whale Watching: September and October are excellent months for spotting migrating whales. Whale watching tours give you the chance to see these magnificent creatures in Iceland’s coastal waters.

  • Exploring the Golden Circle: Even with shorter days, the Golden Circle remains a must-see. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss offer unique geology, history, and wonders.

Driving in Iceland in Fall

Fall in Iceland brings generally good driving conditions on most main roads, including the Ring Road. While most routes remain open, mountain and Highland roads may start closing in mid-October due to changing weather. 

Daylight hours are shorter than in summer, offering beautiful opportunities for sunrises, sunsets, and even spotting the northern lights.

It’s important to check road.is and safetravel.is for current updates and to plan your driving schedule accordingly. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially in October when conditions can change quickly. Fill up on fuel regularly in rural areas and always stick to marked roads for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best fall self-drive tours in Iceland?
Fall is one of the best times to explore Iceland with fewer crowds, lower prices, and the chance to see the northern lights. These are the top-rated fall self drive tours in Iceland:

1. 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland, the Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Experience Iceland’s most famous routes and fall highlights, from waterfalls to glaciers and black sand beaches, plus the aurora.

2. 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes : Explore the best of Iceland with a 10-day exploration of the Ring Road and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

3. 4-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Golden Circle, Glaciers & Black Sand Beaches: Visit must-see sights like Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. ​​​​​​​
What are the cheapest fall self-drive tours in Iceland?
These affordable fall self drive tours give you a rich Iceland experience without stretching your budget: 1. Fantastic 2-Day Self-Drive Tour to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with Ice Caving: A short getaway through Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with a bonus ice caving experience.

2. Relaxed 4-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of Iceland with Day Trips from Reykjavik: Chase the northern lights and explore the capital, the South Coast, and the Golden Circle.
Can I change the activities on my fall self-drive tour after I’ve paid?
Yes. You can contact your personal travel agent to modify or add activities even after booking. However, because many northern lights and glacier tours fill up quickly in fall, it’s best to confirm your extras early.
What are the requirements for renting a car in Iceland?
The minimum age to rent a car in Iceland is between 18 and 21, depending on the vehicle type.
You’ll need at least one year of driving experience and a valid driver’s license written in Latin letters. Otherwise, an international driving permit is required.
Can I use a foreign driver’s license in Iceland?
Yes. You can use any foreign driver’s license written in the Latin alphabet. If it’s not, you’ll need to bring an international driver’s license alongside your local one. Check out this guide on driving in Iceland for more information.
How can I book a fall self-drive tour for a larger group?
Groups can choose seven-seater vehicles or multiple cars. Your personal travel agent can arrange additional vehicles, accommodations, and itineraries tailored for group travel.
Are there any restrictions on driving with children in Iceland?
Yes. Children under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) must use a car seat or booster appropriate for their size. You can rent these through your car rental provider, and your travel agent can arrange them for you.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive the Ring Road during my fall self-drive tour in Iceland?
In early fall (September to mid-October), most roads, including the Ring Road, remain accessible with a standard car. However, as the weather becomes unpredictable toward late October, a 4x4 is strongly recommended for better stability and safety.
How are the road conditions in the fall in Iceland?
Roads are generally in good condition through early fall, especially along the Ring Road and major routes. However, as the season progresses, temperatures drop and some regions may see early snow or frost. Always check road.is for real-time updates.
What is the weather like in Iceland during the fall?
Fall temperatures in Iceland typically range from 30 F (-1 C) to 59 F (15 C). You can expect cooler days, some rain, and crisp evenings, perfect for hot springs. Pack warm, waterproof, and windproof layers to stay comfortable in all conditions.
What are the daylight hours during the fall in Iceland?
Daylight varies quickly during fall in Iceland. In early September, you can expect around 12 hours of daylight, providing ample time to explore. However, by late November, daylight can shrink to about 5 hours a day.The darker evenings create ideal conditions for spotting the northern lights.
Is it safe to drive in Iceland during the fall?
Yes, driving in Iceland in the fall is safe as long as you follow local traffic rules, drive cautiously, and check road conditions regularly. The main roads are paved and well-maintained, but be mindful of potential icy patches or strong winds later in the season.
How long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road (Route 1) is about 800 mi (1,300 km) long. It’s fully paved and can be completed in a week, though, more time lets you enjoy each region’s unique fall scenery.
Will I see the northern lights during my fall self-drive tour in Iceland?
Yes! Fall marks the start of northern lights season, typically from late August through April.

With longer nights and frequent clear skies, September and October are some of the best months for aurora viewing in Iceland.
Link to appstore phone
Install Iceland’s biggest travel app

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.