Summer Self Drive Tours

Best Summer Self Drive Tours in Iceland

Discover Iceland's largest selection of summer self drive tours. Explore freely with your vehicle, activities, and accommodation booked in advance.
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Summer Driving in Iceland

The roads in Iceland are unique and full of contrasts; you can move through rich lowlands one moment and before you know it, be in winding mountains above the clouds.

The country’s vast and varied landscapes can often be driven through without encountering another soul, and most routes are well maintained and fun to drive.

The summer is a perfect time for this. Since the sun hardly sets, you can look forward to a considerable amount of flexibility from the extra hours of daylight, taking things at your own pace and not having to worry about the evening darkness preventing you from seeing Iceland’s wonders.

Booking your accommodation between tourist attractions also ensures that you have the option of visiting favourite sites outside of peak hours and beating the crowds.

Another perk of summer driving is that many remote parts of the country become accessible. The stunning beauty of the Westfjords and the majestic Highlands is a rare sight to behold, and the vibrant colours and contours of the Icelandic countryside make driving between destinations a sightseeing activity in itself. Mountains and waterfalls materialise on the horizon and disappear in the rearview mirror.

When composing Summer Self Drive Tours, we make the best of local knowledge so that, as you drive around Iceland, you can genuinely get a feeling for all the natural wonders and rich history the country has to offer. We know which cars are suitable for every journey and tailor each trip in a way that ensures that any extra excursions you would like to book can be quickly scheduled.

Take in all of the sights in the warm summer glow and drive yourself around Iceland without organisational worries and solely look forward to the open road.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Iceland during the summer?

Iceland's temperatures in summer can be as low as 41 F (5 C) but as warm as 77 F (25 C). On average, Iceland's weather in summer is between 50-59 F (10 to 15 C). Summers are not as wet as spring, but it does rain occasionally.

What are the daylight hours during the summer in Iceland?

At the height of summer in Iceland, there are 21 hours of daylight. The sun doesn't start setting until around 3-4 AM and rises around 6-7 AM. However, even during the period of time when the sun is not visible, the level of darkness only reaches a level similar to that of dusk. There is no true night darkness in Iceland between the months of June to August.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive the ring road during my summer self-drive tour in Iceland?

During the summers it is not necessary to have a four-wheeled drive vehicle to travel the Ring Road or other paved roads around the country. However, some roads in the countryside of Iceland are narrow gravel roads, marked as F-roads on maps, and for those, a four-wheeled drive vehicle is required.

Can I extend my stay in Reykjavik by one night at the end of my summer self-drive tour in Iceland?

Yes, once you have booked your trip, you will be allocated a dedicated travel agent who will help you to customize your trip in Iceland.

If I wish to extend my stay, when do I have to return the car to the airport?

For a small fee, your booking agent can extend your car rental agreement so you will return your car to the international airport on your departure day. It is also possible to arrange to drop-off your car rental in the city of Reykjavik, instead of at the airport.

Will I see the northern lights during my summer self-drive tour in Iceland?

The northern lights are not visible during the height of summer in Iceland. The earliest they can be seen is in mid-August, and the latest is at the end of April. However, the peak season is September to April. However, some summer self-drive tours are operational throughout September when the likelihood of seeing the aurora is greater.

I noticed that the car insurance is standard. Can I get a full coverage for my road trip in Iceland instead?

The car insurance package includes Collision Damage Waiver, Super Collision Damage Waiver and Gravel Protection as standard. This is the best coverage and the most limited liability payment option available. It is also possible to add Sand and Ash Protection, which is recommended if you intend to travel along the windy and sandy South Coast. Please contact your booking agent for further advice.

Can I change the activities on my road trip in Iceland after I’ve made the initial payment?

Yes, you can add or alter the activities after booking by contacting your travel agent. Because of high demand, however, it is highly recommended that you book your extras as far in advance as possible.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland during the summer?

Yes, as long as you follow traffic laws, Iceland is a very safe country to drive. The main roads, including the Ring Road, are paved and well maintained throughout the year. To be on the safe side, you can always check the road conditions before heading out on your journey.

Is it possible to book a 4, 5, or 6-day self-drive tour in Iceland instead?

The duration of our summer self-drive tours ranges from 3 to 14 days, while the duration of winter self-drive tours ranges from 2 to 12 days. Your assigned travel agent will fit your self-drive tour to your flights and time frame as well as possible. If you are planning to drive the Ring Road, we recommend at least 7 days to give yourself ample time to take in all the sights.

We are a group of 6 to 10 people. How many people can one vehicle accommodate for our summer self-drive tour in Iceland?

A seven-seater vehicle can be arranged, but you can also book two or more cars. If you wish to add more cars to your booking, simply contact your travel agent.

How long is the Ring Road and how are the road conditions during the summer in Iceland?

The Ring Road is around 1,300 km (800 mi) long, but the total distance you drive will depend on the specifics of your journey. The entire ring road is paved and easy to navigate. Road conditions in Iceland are generally good in the summer months, however, it is advisable to check the road conditions before setting out on your journey.
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