Self-Drive in Iceland
Getting around by rental car
or motorhomes
Discover Iceland for yourself by car or motorhomes
For individual travellers the best holiday in Iceland can be achieved on a self-drive tour with rental car or campers. We offer car rental as well as camper vans such as the pick-up four-wheel drive motorhomes that are suitable for the highlands or the comfortable Fiat Ducato which can be used to travel around Iceland easily, starting from the airport Keflavik. Around Iceland you can find over 100 campsites, most of them open from 15th May to 15th September.
The road system in Iceland is extensive, nevertheless some roads are more challenging to negotiate. About 70% of the roads are tarmaced, including ring road No. 1. Some areas have gravel roads with potholes or tracks. Roads with one- or two-digit numbers are no problem for normal cars.
Iceland:
- More information about car rental and prices in Iceland
- Details about motorhomes in Iceland (not suitable for highland roads)
See the actual road conditions always updated by the Icelandic Road Administration and
view our detailed the Map of Iceland.
As a destination specialist for Iceland we pride ourselves on our ability to tailor-make any holiday to suit you. If you would like us to adapt or create an itinerary to your personal requirements then contact us today.
Driving across the highlands, where the roads have 3-digit numbers, has to be planned differently since the highlands are uninhabited and services are not readily available. These highland routes can only be mastered in 4-wheel drive vehicles.
What to consider when planning a trip into the highland:
- The highland routes are open from around mid June to mid September depending on the climate and the behaviour of rivers. Information on road conditions is provided by the Icelandic Ministry of Transport and larger petrol stations.
- Petrol stations are often spread far apart, so we recommend that you travel with the necessary petrol supply.
- Overnighting in the highlands must be planned before you set out, as there are only a few huts with sleeping bag accommodation. These should definitely be booked in advance.
- Non-bridged rivers and brooks require your utmost concentration. Glacier rivers can be especially dangerous, since they can change instantly. If you are travelling alone, you should only cross glacier rivers when another vehicle is in sight.
Driving in Iceland
Travelling in Iceland can be an incredible experience. But this beautiful and rugged landscape also involves some difficulties and dangers for the driver. These are challenges and hazards you might not have come across in other countries.
In this video you can see a few examples of what to bear in mind when driving in Iceland.
