Driving in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Road Trips

Iceland drives on the right, speed limits top out at 90 km/h, and headlights stay on around the clock. This guide covers the rules, road conditions, costs and local habits you need for a safe road trip, with advice from the Icelandic Transport Authority’s head of safety and education.

Self-drive tours are one of the best ways to explore the top attractions along Iceland’s Ring Road and beyond, giving you the flexibility to stop where you want, join fun meet-on-location activities, and travel at your own pace.

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you set out on a drive in Iceland.

You can rent a car in Iceland in any season, but accessibility and conditions vary with the seasons. Summer offers long daylight hours and easier access to remote regions, while winter require extra preparation for icy roads and unpredictable weather.

Weather forecast & road conditions in IcelandCheck live weather, warnings, road closures and road cameras before you drive→

To help travelers stay safe on Iceland’s roads, we spoke with Gunnar Geir Gunnarsson, Head of Safety and Education at the Icelandic Transport Authority. Throughout this guide, he shares expert insights about road conditions and driving situations that most commonly catch foreign drivers by surprise.

Read on for practical advice on navigating Iceland’s roads safely, understanding local driving conditions, and making the most of your road trip in Iceland.

Key Takeaways

• Driving in Iceland is generally safe and easy if you check the weather and road conditions every morning.

• Iceland drives on the right. Headlights and seat belts must be on at all times.

• Speed limits are 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads, 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel and 50 km/h (31 mph) or lower in towns. Speed cameras are common, and fines are charged to your card through the rental company.

• Driving off-road is illegal everywhere in Iceland and carries heavy fines.

• Storms close Iceland's roads far more often than snowfall alone, according to our 26-year weather study, so build a spare day into any road trip from December to March.

• In two-lane roundabouts, the inner lane has the right of way.

• Dial 112 for police, medical emergencies or rescue.

• Most fuel pumps are self-service and need a card with a PIN, contactless payment or a prepaid fuel card.

• Small cars work well for Reykjavik and the Ring Road in summer. 4x4s are recommended in winter and required on Highland F-roads.

The infographic below sums up the rules, costs and checks for driving in Iceland in one place.

Iceland accepts any valid driver’s license printed in Latin letters, including licenses from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU, and you only need an International Driving Permit if your license uses another script, such as Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic or Japanese, in which case you carry the permit alongside your original license. Most rental companies also require you to have held your license for at least one year.

Choosing a Rental Car in Iceland

Your choice of rental car in Iceland shapes your whole trip, as it determines which roads, regions, and attractions you can visit. The best car for your trip depends on the season of your visit and your planned route.

If you visit Iceland in summer and only plan to drive on paved roads, renting a cheap car like a Toyota Yaris is a budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that small cars like these also have limited luggage space and can feel cramped if you’re more than two travelers. 

If you’re planning to visit more remote areas, renting a 4x4 car like a Dacia Duster, or a Subaru or Toyota SUV is recommended. If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, a 4x4 is ideal due to icy roads, heavy snow, and unpredictable weather.

Travelers who plan to drive on Highland roads (known as F-roads in Iceland) are required to have a 4x4 car. These routes can be rough and steep, and some even include river crossings. Driving into the Highlands is only recommended for well-informed and experienced drivers.

For travelers who are unsure of what car to rent in Iceland, a 4x4 is normally the favored choice as it tends to feel sturdier and safer in Iceland’s fast-changing weather.

Most Popular Types of Rental Cars in Iceland

If you need more information to decide which type of car you need for your trip, you can find additional details about each option in our complete guide to rental car sizes in Iceland.

Where To Pick Up Your Rental Car in Iceland

You can collect a rental car in every region of Iceland, so you can start your road trip from wherever you are. While most travelers find it most convenient to pick up their rental cars from Keflavik International Airport directly upon arrival, there are also several other options.

Top places to pick up a rental car in Iceland:

• Keflavik International Airport (KEF): This is the country’s main international gateway and the most popular place to pick up a car, sitting about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik.

• Reykjavik: Collecting your car in the capital is convenient if you are spending a few days in the city before setting off on your trip.

• Akureyri: The largest town in North Iceland is the main hub for exploring the region and a natural base for northern routes.

• Egilsstadir: The main service town in East Iceland is a practical starting point for exploring the eastern region and its fjords.

• Hofn: This southeastern town lies close to Vatnajokull glacier and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, making it a good base for that area.

• Isafjordur: The largest town in the Westfjords is the place to pick up a car if you are focusing on that remote northwestern region.

The selection of rental cars is widest at Keflavik, but there are also plenty of rental cars in Reykjavik and cars for rent in Akureyri. Whichever pick-up location you choose, it’s worth booking early to secure your rental car at the best price, particularly in summer when demand is highest.

Rental Car Insurance in Iceland

Rental cars in Iceland normally include a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as standard. This does not make you fully covered. It simply caps how much you would have to pay if the car is damaged, up to an amount called the self-risk or excess. That excess can still run into thousands of dollars, which is why most travelers add extra coverage to lower it.

Iceland’s roads create a few specific risks that basic insurance does not cover well, so the most useful add-ons are:

• Gravel Protection: Covers chips and cracks to the windshield, headlights, and bodywork from flying stones you might encounter on gravel stretches.

• Sand and Ash Protection: Covers paintwork and glass damaged by the sandstorms and volcanic ash that can blow across the South Coast.

• Theft Protection: Covers you if the vehicle is stolen, though theft is rare in Iceland, and this is usually bundled into fuller coverage packages anyway.

• Super CDW or Premium coverage: Reduces your excess to the lowest level, sometimes to zero, for the most peace of mind.

• Full insurance: Many rental companies sell a full insurance package that bundles Super CDW, gravel protection, sand and ash protection, and theft protection, often with zero excess. It’s the simplest way to be covered for Iceland’s typical risks, but check what it leaves out. Water damage from river crossings is almost never covered, and undercarriage and tire damage and anything caused by off-road driving are usually still excluded.

It is also worth noting that insurance will almost never cover water damage from river crossings, which you may face on some F-roads, regardless of the package. The same often applies to undercarriage and tire damage. Towing and recovery costs are also typically excluded from insurance coverage, so always check your specific rental agreement.

Be sure to check whether your credit card offers CDW coverage before booking to help save on additional insurance costs.

Driving Regulations and Road Conditions

Driving in Iceland comes with unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to strict road regulations that protect both drivers and the environment. Before you set off, there are a few rules every driver should remember.

Key Driving Rules in Iceland

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

• Keep your headlights on at all times, day and night.

• The driver and all passengers in the car must wear a seat belt.

• Children shorter than 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) must ride in a child seat that fits their height and weight, and children under 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) may not sit in a front seat with an active airbag. The fine for not using the right child seat is 30,000 ISK. Rental companies rent child seats, so book one with the car.

• Never drink and drive. Iceland’s blood alcohol limit is 0.02 percent (0.2 per mille), so even one drink can be too much, and the penalties are severe.

• Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal, so use a hands-free system only.

• Off-road driving is illegal everywhere and carries heavy fines, as it causes lasting damage to Iceland’s nature.

• Highland tracks, known as F-roads, are open only in summer and require a 4x4, and you must stick to the marked route.

• Speed limits are generally 31 mph (50 km/h) in towns, 50 mph (80 km/h) on gravel, and 56 mph (90 km/h) on paved roads.

When we asked Gunnar for the one piece of advice he’d give every visitor, his answer was immediate. In the run-off-the-road and rollover accidents that are more common among foreign drivers, seatbelts are very often the difference between a bruised shoulder and devastating injuries, he says.

He also encourages foreign drivers to spend 10–15 minutes familiarizing themselves with Iceland’s driving conditions and learning how to respond to common road hazards. You can, for example, use the SafeTravel site by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue for a quick overview of how to drive safely. You can also register your travel plan, so you're easier to locate in case something happens.

Taking these extra precautions makes driving in Iceland safer and more enjoyable, whether you’re exploring the Ring Road or venturing into remote regions.

For a visual overview of these situations and other common road challenges, we recommend watching the video above. It covers many of the surprises foreign drivers encounter on Icelandic roads and offers practical tips for handling them safely.

Your Daily Pre-Drive Checklist in Iceland

Conditions in Iceland can change overnight, so make these quick checks part of your routine every morning before you set off.

Daily Pre-Drive Checklist for Road Trips in Iceland

• Check the road conditions. Visit the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) website for live updates on closures, ice, and gravel, or call 1777 for assistance in English.

• Check the weather forecast. Look at the Icelandic Met Office forecast for the day, paying close attention to wind speed, which is one of the biggest hazards for drivers here.

• Look for travel alerts. Check SafeTravel for warnings, and if the day’s route takes you somewhere remote, leave a travel plan so help knows where to find you.

• Plan your fuel or charging stops. Look at where you are driving that day and note your next station, since they are more sparse in more remote regions.

These few minutes each morning are the single best habit for staying safe on Iceland’s roads.

Speed Limits in Iceland

Standard speed limits in Iceland are as follows:

• 31 mph (50 km/h) in towns unless signs say otherwise, with many Reykjavik streets at 19 to 25 mph (30 to 40 km/h)

• 50 mph (80 km/h) on dirt and gravel roads

• 56 mph (90 km/h) on paved roads, including the Ring Road

We asked Gunnar about Icelandic road signs visitors tend to misread. One stands out: a blue rectangular sign with a white number, often mistaken for the European minimum-speed sign.

In Iceland, it means the opposite. A blue-and-white sign with a number indicates a recommended speed, which is always lower than the limit, and the country has no minimum-speed sign. 

While you may not often see police cars on the roads, active speed cameras are hidden in many locations. Some of them correspond with a sign around 328 feet (100 meters) away informing you of their presence, and others are positioned to catch you by surprise.

If a camera catches you speeding, the fine goes to your rental company, which charges it to your card, usually with a handling fee on top. Police patrols also pull drivers over, and fines rise steeply the further you are over the limit.

Driving in Reykjavik and Towns in Iceland

Driving in Reykjavik and Iceland’s towns is generally easy, with light traffic and no motorways. Most town and city streets have low speed limits, usually 19 to 31 mph (30 to 50 km/h), dropping to 12 to 19 mph (20 to 30 km/h) in residential and pedestrian-heavy areas like the city center.

Reykjavik’s bigger roads, such as Miklabraut and Kringlumyrarbraut, run faster at 37 to 50 mph (60 to 80 km/h) and have a few multi-lane junctions, but they’re still simple to navigate. Traffic in Reykjavik only really builds up at rush hour, roughly 8 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the afternoon.

In downtown Reykjavik, the main thing to watch for is pedestrians and cyclists. Note that a few streets in the center, including part of Austurstraeti, Laugavegur, and Skolavordustigur, are pedestrian-only and closed to cars.

Parking in Reykjavik is the other thing to plan for, as you have to pay in most central areas and spaces can be limited. Car parks and parking garages are normally the easiest places to find parking in the capital.

Akureyri, similarly, has paid parking along the main streets in the town center. While driving through Akureyri, keep an eye out for its famous red heart-shaped traffic lights, a cheerful local touch that’s become one of the town’s best-loved quirks. Parking is normally free in other smaller towns around Iceland.

Beyond that, the main things to pay attention to while driving in Icelandic towns like Reykjavik are one-way streets, double-lane roundabouts, and bus lanes.

• One-way streets: Central Reykjavik has several one-way streets, and it is easy to turn onto one the wrong way if you are not watching the signs. Look over your route before you drive into the city, and once you are there, follow the road markings and arrows carefully.

• Double-laned roundabouts: Iceland has a number of double-laned roundabouts. The most important rule is that the inner lane always has the right of way, so the outer lane must yield to it. You only need to indicate when leaving a roundabout, not when entering.

• Bus lanes: Reykjavik has a few dedicated bus lanes, marked with the word “Strætó” or “BUS.” These are reserved for buses, so as a private driver, you should keep to the regular lanes. You may only cross a bus lane where the markings allow, such as when turning into a side street.

Driving on the Ring Road in Iceland

The Ring Road, or Route 1, is Iceland’s main highway and the route most road trips follow. The road runs about 821 miles (1,322 kilometers) in a loop around the island, linking most of Iceland’s best-known attractions.

The appeal of circling Iceland by road is reflected in the 2026 survey on the top experiences in Iceland recommended by tourism professionals. When asked to choose from a list of experiences, 20.2% of tourism professionals selected road trips along the Ring Road, placing the experience fourth overall.

The Ring Road has been fully paved since 2019, has one lane in each direction on most of its length, and is well maintained, so any car can drive it in summer. In winter, a 4x4 with winter tires is the safer choice. Outside the towns, traffic in Iceland is light, and the driving is relaxed.

Speed limits on the Ring Road are lower than many visitors expect and are strictly enforced. The limit is 56 mph (90 km/h) on paved rural roads and drops to 50 mph (80 km/h) on gravel. Speed cameras operate on parts of the Ring Road, and fines are high, so make sure to pay attention to the signs.

Rainfall along the Ring Road changes from coast to coast. Our study of rainfall across Iceland found that the South Coast is the wettest stretch of the route. Akureyri in North Iceland gets less rain than Reykjavik in every month of the year.

Vik on the South Coast averages 12 or 13 heavy-rain days a month from December to March. Winter drivers should give that coast two days, so heavy rain costs one stop rather than the whole coast. A wet forecast there does not mean a wet day in the north.

Iceland’s countryside does have a handful of features many visitors may not have encountered before. None of them are difficult to handle once you know what to expect:

• Single-lane bridges and tunnels: In the countryside, you may come across some single-lane bridges or tunnels. According to Gunnar, the etiquette is simple: the car that reaches the bridge first has the right of way. If another vehicle is approaching, slow down and agree on who crosses first. You can flash your headlights to signal that the oncoming car should go ahead.

• Blind hills and bends: Rural roads often have blind hills, marked with a “Blindhæð” sign, where you cannot see oncoming traffic until you are at the crest. Slow down as you approach, keep well to your own side of the road, and be ready for an oncoming car. The same goes for blind bends, where an approaching vehicle may be closer to the middle of the road than you expect.

• Gravel roads: Many side roads from the Ring Road are gravel rather than asphalt, and the loose surface can be slippery. Braking hard where the pavement ends and the gravel begins can send the car into a skid, so slow down before the change. Leave extra space and slow down when passing oncoming cars, since flying stones can chip your windshield and headlights.

• Toll roads: Iceland has two toll roads, the Vadlaheidi Tunnel near Akureyri and the new Ring Road section across Hornafjordur in the southeast. Neither has a booth, since cameras read your number plate. See What Driving in Iceland Costs for prices and how to pay.

Gunnar’s wider advice applies to anything unfamiliar on Icelandic roads:

Taking Detours from the Ring Road in Iceland

Several of Iceland’s most popular regions lie just off the Ring Road. Some are as easy to drive as Route 1, while others call for more care and the right vehicle.

Driving conditions on popular Ring Road detours:

• The Golden Circle is the easiest detour to drive off Iceland’s Ring Road. The Golden Circle’s roads are fully paved (Routes 36, 365, 37, and 35) and maintained and cleared year-round, so the driving is no more demanding than on the Ring Road itself. A standard 2WD car is fine in normal conditions, and a 4x4 is only worth considering in winter for snow, ice, and crosswinds.

• The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a popular detour off the Ring Road. The main loop (Routes 54 and 574) is paved and kept open year-round, though the mountain passes across the peninsula can be snowy in winter. A standard 2WD car handles Snaefellsnes in summer, while a 4x4 is recommended from November to March.

• The Westfjords are more demanding to drive. Many roads in the Westfjords are gravel rather than asphalt, some narrow to a single lane with passing places, and several mountain passes are steep with sharp drop-offs and few barriers. Winter snow makes some of these routes impassable, so most travelers visit the Westfjords between June and September.

• The Highlands are a summer-only region in Iceland’s rugged interior, reachable only on F-roads that open in stages from late May to early July as the snow melts. They are not for every traveler and come with their own challenges and requirements, so it is worth reading up before you go. By law, only 4x4 vehicles may drive F-roads, and when driving in the Highlands, keep in mind that rental cars are often not covered for damage caused by river crossings, so be sure to check your insurance beforehand. If you are unsure, consider guided Highlands tours instead.

When it comes to F-roads and river crossings, Gunnar Geir Gunnarsson urges drivers to be extremely cautious. He notes that not all vehicles can cross rivers safely, and that larger crossings are generally suitable only for properly equipped 4x4 SUVs and drivers experienced in navigating this type of terrain.

There are also crossings over very small streams where the route across is well defined. In those cases, Gunnar suggests not going across too slowly to not get stuck in the middle of the stream.

He also urges travelers to confirm with their rental company what their specific car can safely handle before setting out.

Road Hazards When Driving in Iceland

Driving in Iceland presents unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to rough terrain. Gunnar told us the single most common accident is surprisingly straightforward: drivers drifting off the road on an open stretch.

Iceland’s roads are often narrow, with little room for error. The stunning scenery can also easily distract drivers, while loose gravel, strong winds, and winter ice can create unexpected hazards.

While this may sound simple, a combination of road conditions, weather, and unfamiliar driving environments can quickly lead to dangerous situations.

Key risks to watch out for when driving in Iceland:

• Underinflated or damaged tires: Iceland’s gravel surfaces and occasional potholes are tough on tires, and flat tires aren’t covered by insurance, so check that yours are in good condition before every drive.

• Icy roads: Iceland’s winters bring freezing temperatures across the country, and even in summer many mountain passes can be veiled in ice, so stay extra vigilant behind the wheel and rent a four-wheel-drive car if you expect such conditions.

• Sheep: Hundreds of thousands of sheep roam free in Iceland in summer, and they’re known for bolting into the road when panicked, so slow down whenever you see sheep on the verge, and call 112 to report it if you do hit one.

• High winds: Iceland's exposed, treeless landscape lets gusts build quickly. Our study of the windiest month in Iceland counts a storm-gust day at 56 mph (90 km/h) or more. That's strong enough to rip a car door off its hinges or shove you across a lane. Open and hold your doors firmly in stormy weather, and ease off the speed on open stretches when the wind picks up.

• Heavy rain: The South Coast near Vik counts about 114 heavy-rain days a year, each bringing at least 0.4 inches (10 mm). Heavy rain leaves standing water on gravel roads, so slow down and leave extra distance to the car ahead.

• Gravel roads: Loose stones give little grip and can quickly send a car into a skid where the pavement gives way to gravel, so ease off gradually before the surface changes, keep your speed down, and slow down even more when meeting oncoming cars.

• Snowstorms: Snowstorms in Iceland can drastically reduce visibility to just a few feet, and while snowplows work to clear the roads and bright yellow markers help guide drivers, it’s still easy to get stuck or risk an accident. If a storm is forecast, it’s best to avoid driving that day.

• Speeding: Iceland’s varying road conditions and fast-changing weather leave little margin for error, and even a small amount of extra speed can be enough to lose control on a slick or uneven surface, so stay within the limits and slow down further whenever conditions worsen.

The single most important thing you can do is check the local weather conditions before setting out, especially outside of the summer season, when ice and snow create extra challenges. The key is to keep your movements gentle and your speed down.

Travelers who are uncomfortable with driving in icy conditions can book winter tours and packages instead to see the country’s highlights without getting behind the wheel themselves.

What Driving in Iceland Costs

On top of the rental itself, a road trip in Iceland has four running costs: the road charge, fuel, tolls and parking. Here’s what each one costs in 2026 and how you pay it.

The Road Charge

On January 1, 2026, Iceland introduced a per-kilometer road charge for all vehicles, including petrol, diesel and electric cars. Passenger cars and SUVs up to 3.5 tons pay 6.95 ISK per kilometer.

As a renter, you don’t pay it yourself. Some rental companies build it into a flat daily rate, while others charge for the exact distance you drive. When you book a rental car on Guide to Iceland, the road charge is included in the price.

The charge replaced most of Iceland’s old fuel taxes, and pump prices fell by around 95 ISK per liter overnight to balance it out, so most road trips cost about the same as before. The government’s 2027 budget bill proposes raising the charge to about 8.1 ISK per kilometer from January 2027.

Fuel Prices

As of September 2026, a liter of petrol costs around 225 ISK in the Capital Region and 240 to 250 ISK or more in the countryside. Diesel costs more, from around 265 ISK per liter. Prices rose by about 24 ISK per liter on September 1, 2026, when a temporary VAT cut on fuel ended.

Fill up in Reykjavik or larger towns when you can, since rural stations charge more. See our guide to gas stations in Iceland for the main chains and how to pay.

Toll Roads

Iceland has two toll roads, and both charge automatically by number plate:

• The Vadlaheidi Tunnel near Akureyri costs 2,216 ISK per trip for passenger cars. Pay online up to 24 hours before or after you drive through.

• The new Ring Road section across Hornafjordur in Southeast Iceland has cost 1,500 ISK per trip for vehicles under 3.5 tons since September 1, 2026. Pay single trips at spolur.is.

The Hvalfjordur Tunnel north of Reykjavik is free. Ask your rental company how it handles tolls, since an unpaid toll can reach you later with a fee added.

Parking in Iceland

Parking in Iceland is generally free outside major settlements and tourist attractions. However, in central Reykjavik, Akureyri, and popular sites like Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, there may be a charge.

Stopping or parking your car temporarily on the side of a road in the countryside is highly discouraged as it can be dangerous for both you and other travelers. If you need to stop, make sure to locate a parking or rest stop next to the road. If you have no choice but to stop next to the road, ensure your car is visible from all angles and is not interrupting any traffic.

If it’s dark or foggy outside or visibility is poor for some other reason, turn on your hazard lights to make it easier for other drivers to see you. Don’t walk too far from your car if visibility is poor; it’s easier than you’d think to get lost.

Parking Fees at Iceland’s Main Attractions

Most of Iceland’s best-known stops now charge for parking, usually 750 to 1,110 ISK for a normal car. The fee pays for the toilets, paths and staff on site, so think of it as the entry price. Parking at smaller stops along the Ring Road is still free.

Almost every paid car park reads your number plate with a camera, so there’s no ticket to put on the dashboard. You pay at a machine on site, on the operator’s website or in an app: Parka covers most attractions, Kirkjufell uses EasyPark, and Thingvellir and Seljalandsfoss use checkit.is. Parka adds an 89 ISK fee to each payment made in its app or on its website.

Pay on the day you visit. Most Parka car parks give you 24 hours to pay online and then add a 1,960 ISK surcharge, and Kirkjufell adds 4,500 ISK if you don’t pay the same day. Unpaid fees are billed to the car’s owner, so with a rental they reach you through the rental company, usually with its own handling fee on top.

Prices are for cars with up to five seats, which covers most rental cars and SUVs. Seven-seaters, vans and campervans often pay the next price up.

Visiting Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon on the same day? The second car park is half price, as long as you pay both with the same payment method.

Fees at Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss may change in 2027. A draft bill published in September 2026 would introduce a nature pass for visitors aged 18 and over who don’t live in Iceland, costing 4,500 ISK for 12 months or 3,000 ISK for visits between November 1 and May 31. The state-run parking fee at Thingvellir would end, while private car parks at Geysir and Gullfoss could keep charging. The public consultation closed on October 7, and the bill is proposed to take effect on May 1, 2027.

Where to Park in Reykjavik

There are four parking zones in Reykjavik, mainly located around the downtown area. The basic rule of paid parking in Reykjavik is that the closer you are to the main shopping street, Laugavegur, the higher the price. The rates for street parking in Reykjavik range from 240 ISK to 660 ISK per hour.

To determine which zone you are in, look at the P-signs on lampposts around the city. The meters and ticket machines also display the zone. You can also check the zones and pay for parking in the Parka app.

Reykjavik also has several car parks in the downtown area. The city’s seven parking garages are open every day from 7 AM to midnight. The city has approved opening them around the clock but hasn’t set a start date yet. The Harpa car park is open 24 hours a day and connects underground to the Hafnartorg garage.

You can learn more about where to park your car from our complete guide to parking in Reykjavik.

Where to Park Campervans and Caravans in Iceland

Parking a campervan or motorhome overnight in Iceland is only allowed at registered campsites in Iceland.

Since a 2015 amendment to Iceland’s Nature Conservation Act, sleeping in a camper outside an organized campsite has been prohibited, so you cannot park overnight at roadside pull-offs, attraction parking lots, or anywhere in the open countryside. The only exception is staying on private land with the landowner’s permission, and it is safest to get that permission in writing.

Iceland has more than 150 registered campsites spread around the country, so you are rarely far from a legal place to stop for the night. Most campsites are open only in summer, roughly from June through August or September, while a smaller number stay open year-round, so winter travelers should plan each stop around the campsites that remain operational.

These rules exist to protect Iceland’s fragile landscape, where tire tracks and crushed vegetation can take decades to recover. Staying at designated campsites also gives you access to toilets, showers, and waste-disposal facilities that roadside spots do not offer.

You can learn more about overnight stays, fees, and facilities in our complete guide to camping in Iceland.

The Best Season for an Icelandic Road Trip

There is no single best time for a road trip in Iceland, but there are easier and more challenging seasons to drive in. Summer is the easiest time to drive in Iceland, with long daylight hours, midnight sun, and better road conditions across most of the country.

Winter is the season for northern lights, snowy landscapes, and ice caves, but it is also the most challenging time to travel by car because of snow, ice, strong winds, and sudden closures. 

Frost arrives in the north in October and reaches the whole country by November, according to our study of the warmest and coldest months in Iceland. In midwinter, Reykjavik freezes on about half its nights and the north on most of them. Clear the car of ice each morning, and keep the first hour's drive short.

Winter rental cars come with winter tires, and many have studs. Studded tires are allowed from November 1 to April 14, and outside those dates only when snow or ice on the road makes them necessary. Studs help on ice, but they don’t replace slow, careful driving.

Spring and fall sit in between, with fewer crowds than summer but more changeable road and weather warnings.

Do keep in mind that the season also sets what you pay. Our analysis of self-drive tour prices by month puts April at a median of 22,422 ISK per person per day, the lowest of the year.

The table below compares the seasons at a glance to help you decide.

For routes suited to the season and a head start on planning, many travelers book a self-drive tour. Each comes with a rental car, accommodations, and a ready-made itinerary you can adjust to your own pace and interests:

• Summer self-drive tours: Itineraries that make the most of the midnight sun and full access to the Highlands and the Ring Road.

• Fall self-drive tours: Routes that pair mild early-autumn driving with fall colors and the return of the northern lights.

• Winter self-drive tours: Trips planned around shorter daylight, winter activities, with stops chosen for the best chances of catching the northern lights.

• Spring self-drive tours: Itineraries for longer days, quieter roads, and lower prices as the country comes back to life.

If you decide to plan your journey by yourself, you need to remember to book the right rental car for the seasonal conditions and your route, as well as to reserve your accommodation in Iceland in advance.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip in Iceland

You’ve chosen your rental car, mapped your route, and brushed up on Iceland’s road rules and hazards. A few final practical details will keep the trip running smoothly.

Here are some key points to keep in mind as you prepare for your road trip in Iceland!

Keep Your Iceland Itinerary Flexible

While it’s tempting to pack as many things as you can into your itinerary, leave room for spontaneity and unexpected weather changes. Iceland hides many natural wonders, and part of the magic of a road trip is discovering them along the way.

The exact number of days you need for a trip to Iceland depends on what you want to see. Our study on how many days you need in Iceland puts the Ring Road at seven to eight days, and a full self-drive trip at nine to ten days in summer or ten days in winter.

Plan your main stops, plan any self-drive activities, and book your accommodation in advance, but leave some flexibility between activities.

For example, don’t try to complete the whole Ring Road in four days, as you’ll spend most of the time driving and less time enjoying the stops and detours along the way. If you only have four days, it’s better to focus on one or two regions and plan a return visit in the future to see more.

Keep Your Tank Fueled Up or Charged

One major thing to be mindful of during your travels is fueling your car. While you won’t have to think much about finding gas stations in Reykjavik, they can be harder to find outside the Capital Region, especially in regions like the Westfjords, Eastfjords, and Northeast Iceland.

Some countryside gas stations in Iceland offer 24/7 self-service pumps, making them convenient stops during long drives. Some larger service stations also provide essentials like groceries and easy meals, such as sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs.

Most pumps in Iceland are self-service and ask for a card with a 4-digit PIN. N1 pumps also take contactless cards and Apple Pay, but older rural pumps may only read the chip. If your card has no PIN, which is common with North American credit cards, buy a prepaid fuel card inside a staffed N1 or Olís station and use it at that chain’s pumps. Choose a set amount at the pump rather than “fill up,” since fill-up puts a temporary hold of up to 22,000 ISK on your card.

Check the nozzle before you fill up. Petrol is labeled “Bensín” and diesel “Dísel,” and at N1 the petrol nozzle is green and the diesel nozzle black. Filling a rental with the wrong fuel is rarely covered by insurance.

If you’re traveling around Iceland with an electric vehicle, you’ll have to plan your route according to the location of charging stations. While electric charging stations are available all around Iceland, it’s less dense than gas stations, so strategic planning is necessary to avoid running low on power.

Most gas stations along the Ring Road have charging stations. However, always check the availability and type of charger needed for your vehicle while planning your road trip itinerary.

Whether you’re driving a gasoline-powered or electric vehicle, it’s best to refuel or recharge whenever you have the opportunity, especially before venturing into more remote regions.

Emergency Services and Roadside Assistance in Iceland

When driving in Iceland, knowing how to access emergency services and roadside assistance is crucial due to the country’s varied terrain and remote areas.

• For emergencies, dial 112, Iceland’s official emergency number, available 24/7 for medical help, fire services, police, or rescue assistance.

• If you experience car trouble, contact your rental company first. They may provide basic roadside assistance, but this varies between companies.

• If you collide with another car, call 112 if anyone is hurt. If no one is, take photos of both cars, swap details with the other driver and call your rental company, which will ask you to fill in its accident report. A police report doesn’t replace that form. In the Capital Region, Árekstur.is (+354 578 9090) can come to the scene and handle the report for you.

• If heading into the Highlands or remote areas, submit your travel plan to SafeTravel for faster emergency response.

• Before your trip, check what roadside coverage your rental includes, and consider extra coverage if you’re driving in more remote areas.

Read our guide to the best apps for your trip to Iceland to learn about other useful services in Iceland, including food delivery, electric scooters, northern lights forecasts, and more.

Get an eSIM and Stay Connected with Mobile Data

Staying connected during a road trip in Iceland is crucial for easy navigation, finding local information, and handling emergency situations.

The best way to do so is by getting a local SIM card or eSIM for your phone. This will ensure reliable access to mobile data and communication services throughout your journey. This is especially important when exploring more remote areas of the country. 

You can buy SIM cards online, at Keflavik Airport, in convenience stores, select gas stations, and in larger towns. You can also choose different data plans based on your needs, making it easy to stay online without worrying about excessive roaming charges.

Setting up a SIM card in Iceland is straightforward. Once activated, you will immediately have an Icelandic phone number and internet access. This allows for easier communication with local services, booking confirmations, and updates on weather or road conditions.

Plan the Rest of Your Road Trip

Before you set off, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland, since the right layers and gear make a real difference when the weather turns. It also helps to think about how many days to spend in Iceland so your route matches the time you have.

Once you’ve settled on your route, browse our rental cars in Iceland or a ready-made self-drive tour and start planning the road trip of a lifetime.

Of course, renting a car isn’t the only way to get around. Choosing between a tour and renting a car comes down to your plans, and if you’d rather not drive yourself, our guide on how to travel around Iceland without a car will help you plan the ultimate vacation.