Driving in any unfamiliar place is intimidating, remember that. And while Iceland’s unpredictable weather and rugged terrain could easily persuade you to take the tour bus route instead of renting your own car, keep an open mind a bit, at least for as long as it takes you to read this article.
Renting a car in Iceland gives you a lot of freedom to explore. Reykjavik is a fantastic destination for a long weekend and should be part of any visitor’s itinerary, but getting the full Icelandic experience means you have to venture outside the city limits. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of lava rock fields, more waterfalls than you can count, and black sand beaches. The best part? The only real traffic you will encounter is when you are in a city or town and it is still minimal.
It is entirely possible to drive for hours without seeing another car.
Find out everything you need to know about driving in Iceland below.
Handling requirements
To rent a car in Iceland, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are looking to rent an off-road Jeep, you will need to be 25 years old. Make sure you have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, passport, and proof of insurance on hand in case something should come up.
Rules of the street
Driving in Iceland is a lot like driving in a small town in the United States, at least technically. The scenario is quite different, but the rules are relatively similar. Speeds are recorded in kilometers per hour, which can be misleading at first if you’re from the United States. There are far fewer road signs, you will find them as you approach and in a city, but locals often share the location by mile marker.
Roundabouts are also common in cities. In Reykjavik, the roundabouts can be quite large, so pay attention to the lanes. Outside of cities, you will see small bridges spanning bodies of water ranging from streams to rivers. Most bridges only allow one car to pass at a time. The rule of thumb is that whoever reaches the mouth of the bridge must leave first, with the driver at the other end of the bridge withdrawn slightly so that the crossing car can pass. It is a very patient process. Longer bridges will have several points along the road where cars can start as it is impossible to see if there are other vehicles trying to cross at the opposite end.
People are friendly in Iceland; don’t forget to say hello as you pass by.
Speed limits are easy – in a city like Reykjavik they are 31 mph / 50 km / h in cities, 49 mph / 80 km / h on gravel roads, and 55 mpg / 90 km / h on hard surface roads.
Climatic and road conditions
Iceland’s weather is known around the world for being incredibly unpredictable. Given the island’s location in the Atlantic Ocean, right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, storms arrive quickly and frequently. If you plan to visit and drive, be sure to bookmark the local weather website, Vedur. This is the website locals use to track the weather as it is incredibly accurate and provides up-to-the-minute updates. During winter, it can be more common for roads to be closed than open. And don’t count on driving through the Central Highlands during the winter months (October through March).
To access this region, you will need to book a tour with an operator equipped with Superjeeps.
During the summer, snow is not a big problem (although it does appear here and there). The wind can be strong and it is often better to stop and wait rather than hit it.
Watch out for potholes; The intense winter weather can leave a big mark once the snow melts. The ring road, the main route that will take you along the coast throughout the country, is paved and easy to drive. There are many secondary roads that will take you to national parks and the highlands, and they are classified as F roads or mountain roads. These are not paved and are not checked as often, which means that the quality of the road can be poor.
Should you rent a car?
If you plan to stay in Iceland for more than a long weekend, yes, renting a car is a great idea. There are tour buses that offer routes throughout the country, but you are going to be full of many other people. One of the best ways to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty is in silence, when you encounter particularly inspiring scenery.
There are several things you need to know about renting a car in Iceland. In other destinations, you may be inclined to skip insurance, but you should consider it for Iceland. The unpredictable weather brings with it some difficult driving situations. During the summer, strong winds can whip through sand and rocks, causing damage to the car’s body. During winter, road conditions can be very difficult and ice and snow can be significant on the rental car.
Parking lot
There is plenty of street parking in the larger cities, both paid and free. Don’t expect to find a parking while in Iceland. When driving through the countryside, you will likely see a lot of cars pulling off the road to enjoy the view. That’s totally fine and acceptable, but make sure your vehicle is completely off-road and doesn’t harm natural plant life. Also consider private property. You don’t want strangers to park their cars in your yard, so have the same respect for the locals.
Road and travel safety
As mentioned above, the weather can get iffy in Iceland. Never be afraid to go out on the side of the road if you get nervous. It is much better to do that than to put yourself in danger.
Seat belts are necessary in Iceland, as is driving with the headlights on. It is also illegal to use your cell phone while driving, so turn it off or give it to a friend. The SUV is not only illegal, but it is very dangerous for the fauna of the country.
Drunk driving is a serious crime in Iceland and there is an expectation of driving without alcohol. If you are caught under the influence of alcohol, the first offense is a large fine and the loss of your license for two months.
There are two phone numbers that you will want to bookmark if you plan to drive. If you dial 112 anywhere in the country, you will be in contact with the Icelandic police, ambulances and the fire department. If you are in Reykjavik, you can also dial 1770 to call a doctor on the scene.
Follow the marked roads, ditch your cell phone, follow the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, turn on your headlights, and you’re good to go.
