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Getting around Iceland

General information

car driving through deep water hills in background

We think the best way to explore Iceland is by car. With well-maintained roads and a good infrastructure you can determine your own route and stop wherever and whenever you want. 

There is a ring road around Iceland that is well signposted and almost completely paved. With a regular car (not a 4WD) this ring road can easily be navigated between May and September. You’ll be treated with volcanoes, waterfalls and fjords along the way!

4WD cars in Iceland

If you are travelling between September and May, or if you want to venture inland during the summer, then you will need a 4WD to make sure you don’t get stuck in the snow or on smaller roads which are less well paved. The deserted highland routes such as the Sprengisandur, Kjölur and gravel roads with river crossings are usually only open in July and August.

Road conditions can vary from week to week; ask the Icelanders about weather forecasts and road conditions before heading inland and make sure you have a full tank; there are no petrol stations in the highlands.

road with green hills either side
silver car driving on dirt track with brown landscape

Driving Licence

As long as you have a full UK driving license, we will be able to hire your car for you without the need for an International Driving Permit, however you must carry your license with you at all times. For the most up to date information about driving abroad head over to the UK Government website

Hire Car Options

There are different sizes and types of vehicles available to hire depending on how many of you will be travelling. Here is an overview of the different types of vehicle we offer:

Economy Car Hire in Iceland

Economy

Fiat Panda or equivalent

  • 4-door
  • manual
  • air conditioning
  • luggage: 2 small suitcase
Economy Plus Car Hire in Iceland

Economy Plus

Nissan Note or equivalent

  • 4-door
  • manual
  • air conditioning
  • luggage: 2 suitcases
Comfort Car Hire in Iceland

Comfort

Opel Corsa or equivalent

  • 4-door
  • manual
  • air conditioning
  • luggage: 2 suitcases and 1 small bag
Comfort Automatic Car Hire in Iceland

Comfort – Automatic

Peugeot 208 or equivalent

  • 4-door
  • automatic
  • air conditioning
  • luggage: 2 suitcases
Minivan Car Hire in Iceland

Minivan

Volkswagen Transport or equivalent

  • 4-door
  • manual
  • air conditiong
  • luggage: 4-7 travel bags
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