Question 1

What are the benefits of renting a car in Reykjavik city in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Renting a vehicle in Reykjavik is a convenient option for travelers planning to use Reykjavik as a base for their travels around the country. There are many wonderful sites and attractions within driving distance of Iceland's capital city, another of the significant advantages of renting a car in Reykjavik city. Having a rental car of your own is a perfect way to explore Iceland.
Hire a car if you want the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace. Some providers allow you to pick up the car at Keflavik airport and return it to Reykjavik, or vice versa.

Question 2

What is the best type of car to rent in Reykjavik to explore Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik is an excellent base for your visit to Iceland as there are many things to do there, being the nation's capital. It's also a short driving distance from many of Iceland's natural attractions and hidden gems.
If you're visiting during the summer and will mostly stick to the Ring Road and the accessible attractions near Reykjavik, there is a wide range of vehicles in our small and cheap car category of rental cars. They're perfect if you're looking for cheap car rentals for urban roads.
If you're visiting during winter or want to explore the remote Highlands of Iceland, renting a 4x4 jeep or SUV would be more suitable. These vehicles are necessary because you will drive through the snow on the mountain and rural gravel roads. Read our guide on rental car sizes in Iceland for further information.

Question 3

What is included with my rental car in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Accepted Answer

What is included with your rental car in Iceland varies from rental to rental. Some rentals offer GPS devices, but read the description carefully and review the ‘included’ section before finalizing your booking.
All rental vehicles in Iceland include unlimited mileage and CDW insurance. The CDW insurance covers car damage and compensation for harm to individuals.
The rental car company may also offer free camping equipment for camper vans. Camping box contents vary, so please read the vehicle description carefully.

Question 4

Can I pick up the car at my hotel or a specific address in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most auto rental companies in Reykjavik offer this option. You can see the different rental locations for pick-up and drop-off in the booking widget of your selected vehicle.
If the booking widget doesn’t mention this option, the specific car rental company does not offer pick-up in Reykjavik. Remember that this service may involve an extra fee, as some rental companies only have offices in Keflavik and need to deliver the car to Reykjavik.

Question 5

What's the best way to get from Keflavik to Reykjavik if I pick up my rental car in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

There are a few options for getting from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik. Take a look at our wide selection of airport transfers to see what works best for you.

Question 6

Can I pick up my rental car in Reykjavik and drop it off at Keflavik Airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Many car rental companies in Iceland allow you to drop off your rental cars in Keflavik or Reykjavik. When using our booking widget, use the filter at the top of the car rental page to choose your pick-up and drop-off locations.

Question 7

Are car rental offices in Reykjavik open 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Most car rental companies in Reykjavik have offices open between 8:00 and 18:00, depending on the rental company. However, most rentals in Keflavik International Airport, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik, offer 24/7 pick-up and drop-off services.

Question 8

Can I pick up my rental car at Reykjavik Airport in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many car rental companies offer the possibility of picking up or dropping off your rental car at Reykjavik Airport, located just outside the city center. Please note that all international flights arrive and depart from Keflavik International Airport, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from downtown Reykjavik.

Question 9

Is it easy to find parking in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Compared to most capital cities in the world, finding a parking spot in Reykjavik is relatively easy. Some hotels offer dedicated parking spaces for guests. However, you can also find parking spots on the street or in a public parking garage. The city is divided into different parking zones, depending on its proximity to the city center.

Question 10

What sort of tires do rental cars have in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Accepted Answer

In summer, all rental cars have standard tires appropriate for summer. However, after November 1, all rental cars in Iceland must have studded winter tires suited for driving in snow.

Question 11

What sort of cars are considered luxury vehicles in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Rental cars in the category of luxury vehicles are often suited for five to seven passengers and their luggage. They are usually brand new and offer high-end comfort. Most of them have four-wheel-drive (4WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). They are sometimes elevated to better suit gravel roads and snowy conditions in Iceland, though this category also houses sports cars and high-end hatchbacks.

Question 12

What is the best way to check the weather and road conditions when heading out of Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

Please check the weather and road conditions on the Icelandic Road Administration website, which has up-to-the-minute information about all road conditions in Iceland, before heading out in your rental car. Remember, although Reykjavik has paved roads, this doesn’t always apply outside the city.

Question 13

In what language are the road signs in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The road signs in Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are almost exclusively in Icelandic. However, when traveling around the country, all important road signs use international standards regarding their shape, colors, and design, making them easy to understand for visitors.
Just a few specific road signs for Iceland use words to convey their meaning. These usually come with an easy-to-understand visual cue.

Question 14

Do I need an international driver's license to rent a car in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

No, an international driver's license is not required, but your driver's license must be written in the Latin alphabet or have an official translation.

Question 15

Can I rent a car in Reykjavik for a one-way trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some car rental providers offer one-way rentals. However, there may be an additional fee for dropping the car off at a different location.

Question 16

What is the fuel policy for car rentals in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

The most common fuel policy for car rentals in Reykjavik is "full-to-full," meaning the car is provided with a full tank of fuel, and you are expected to return it with a full tank. Make sure to read the requirements of the car rental provider carefully to know the company's fuel policy.

Question 17

Are GPS navigation systems included or available for rent with car rentals in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

GPS navigation systems are typically available for rent with car rentals in Reykjavik. They might not be included as standard in all car hire packages, so it's advisable to request one when booking. A small additional fee is usually charged for GPS systems.

Question 18

What kind of child safety seats are available with car rentals in Reykjavik, and how can I reserve one?

Accepted Answer

Car hire companies in Iceland offer a variety of child safety seats, including infant seats, child seats, and booster seats, suitable for different age groups and weight classes. It's best to reserve a child seat in advance when booking your rental car to ensure availability.

Question 19

Are there any specific driving rules or speed limits in Reykjavik that I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

In Reykjavik, as in the rest of Iceland, the general speed limit in urban areas is 31 mph (50 km/h), while on rural roads, it's typically 56 mph (90 km/h) for paved roads and 50 mph (80 km/h) for gravel roads. Watch for speed limit signs to check you're driving within the area's limit.

Question 20

Can I extend my car rental period once I have already picked up the car in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

Extending your car rental period is generally possible but subject to the availability of the vehicle. It's advisable to contact the rental agency as soon as you know you need an extension. Additional charges will apply according to the current rental rates.

Question 21

Are there any restrictions on where I can take my rental car from Reykjavik (e.g., certain terrains, areas outside the city)?

Accepted Answer

Some rental car companies in Reykjavik may have restrictions on certain terrains for certain cars, especially vehicles that are not four-wheel drives. For instance, driving on F-roads (mountain roads) is typically only permitted with 4x4 vehicles. Always check with your rental agency for any specific restrictions. Make sure to learn about parking in Reykjavik, as you will usually need to pay for parking spots in the city center.

Question 22

Are there eco-friendly or electric vehicle options available for rent in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

Yes, eco-friendly and electric vehicle options are increasingly available for rent in Reykjavik. Many rental companies have started including hybrid or fully electric vehicles in their fleets, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline cars.

Question 23

How far in advance do I need to book a rental car in Reykjavik for the best selection and rates?

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to book your rental car in Reykjavik as far in advance as possible, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and early fall). Booking several weeks to months in advance can provide a more comprehensive selection of vehicles and potentially better rates.

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