Driving in Iceland, made simple.
What to drive, where you can go, and how to stay safe on Icelandic roads.
Which car should you rent?
Match your car to the season and the roads you'll travel.
Economy & compact
Perfect for the Ring Road and the South Coast in summer. Cheapest to run and easy to park in town.
Browse carsWinter · Highlands4×4 SUV
The safe choice for snow, ice and gravel — and the only legal way onto Highland F-roads in summer.
Browse carsRoad trip · freedomCamper van
Sleep, cook and wake up wherever the road takes you. Ideal in summer when campsites are open.
Browse carsDriving tips & rules
A few essentials that keep your trip safe and fine-free.
- Check road and weather conditions daily at road.is and vedur.is before you set off.
- Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, by law.
- Never stop on the road for photos — use marked pull-offs and parking areas.
- Off-road driving is illegal everywhere in Iceland and carries heavy fines.
- Mind the wind: hold doors firmly — wind damage is a common, avoidable claim.
- F-roads require a 4×4 and may include unbridged river crossings — never attempt them in a 2WD.
Frequently asked questions
For most travellers, yes. Public transport is limited outside Reykjavík, and the waterfalls, beaches and viewpoints people come for are far easier to reach with your own car. A car lets you travel at your own pace and stop wherever you like.
In summer on paved roads, a small economy car is usually enough. For winter, gravel roads or the Highlands (F-roads), choose a 4×4. If you want freedom to sleep where you park, a camper is ideal in summer.
Not always. On main roads in summer a regular car is fine. But F-roads in the Highlands legally require a 4×4, and a 4×4 is far safer on winter ice and gravel. When in doubt, choose for the hardest part of your trip.
Most travellers collect at Keflavík Airport (KEF) — our free shuttle meets you at the terminal. We also have offices in downtown Reykjavík and Akureyri. One-way rentals between locations are available.
In most cases, yes. Iceland has gravel roads, volcanic sand and famously strong winds. The right cover protects you from expensive damage caused by stones, ash or a wind-caught door.
A valid driver's licence held for at least one year, a credit card in the main driver's name, and to meet the minimum age for your vehicle class (20+ for most cars, 23+ for larger 4×4s). Licences not in Latin script need an International Driving Permit.