Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
Explore Iceland with route, car, and hotels arranged!
Iceland’s self-driving tours are the perfect mix of independence and ease. With your rental car, a thoughtfully planned route, and handpicked hotels arranged in advance, you’re free to explore the country at your own pace. Follow the road to stunning waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and charming villages—stopping whenever inspiration strikes.
Your Icelandic driving tour itinerary is designed to guide you to Iceland’s most breathtaking sights while leaving space for spontaneous discoveries along the way. Enjoy the flexibility to linger longer at a favorite spot, take an unplanned detour, or simply soak in the scenery without a schedule pressing you forward.
Explore Iceland on your terms—freedom, comfort, and adventure all in one unforgettable journey.
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Ready to hit the road? Learn more about self-drive tours in Iceland!
What’s Included in a Self-Drive Tour?
Let’s start with the logistics: you’ll receive a rental car with several insurance options to choose from. This reliable motor companion will accompany you from the agreed-upon pick-up location all the way to the drop-off point. Nights will be spent in accommodations ranging from city hotels to cozy rural guesthouses, where each morning you’ll wake up surrounded by the beauty of Icelandic nature.
Navigation is another key aspect of the driving tour of Iceland that our partners partially manage. The pre-planned itinerary is designed to be both efficient and tailored to your interests. To make your journey even smoother, use the provided GPS and digital maps to navigate the roads. And if an emergency arises, the customer service team is ready to assist you.
Why Choose a Self-Drive Tour in Iceland?
Sometimes, the beauty of Iceland is best appreciated in the company of your thoughts. A self-driving tour in Iceland gives you the freedom to let your mind linger over the falling cascades and scenic landscapes before hitting the road again. Without a group to dictate the pace of your journey, you have some wiggle room for exploration. Stop and take a photo if a distant mountain catches your eyes. Better yet, hike the trails a little bit longer.
And when you’re on the road, you’ll be heading from one wonder to another every day of the journey. Prepare to witness the landmarks of the Golden Circle: the continental rift at Thingvellir, gushing geysers in the Geysir area, and the thundering falls of Gullfoss. After that, complete the circular Ring Road, where the challenge is to see every sight it holds and still get those 8 hours of beauty rest.
But it’s in the West where your journey truly branches out into the overlooked gems. Discover the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula—nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature”—with its iconic Kirkjufell mountain and the stark, windswept beauty of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Complete your Icelandic road adventure with the Silver Circle, a lesser-known sibling of the Golden Circle and home to Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
Still, even with all the freedom and flexibility that Iceland's self-guided tours offer, there’s a plan behind every journey. Like a guide without a voice, the itinerary acts as your roadmap—crafted by experts, brought to life by you. In addition to highlighting your accommodations, it outlines the route and provides a realistic timeframe for exploring each destination along the way.
Essential Travel Tips for a Self-Drive Tour
Driving Conditions
Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions are linked by paved roads, including the famous Route 1, the circular highway around the island and heart of many self-drive expeditions. For the most part, these asphalt surfaces are well-maintained by an official Icelandic authority, which provides updates on a live map. Gravel roads, such as the F-roads in the Highlands, receive less upkeep and are closed during the winter months—from September to June—due to the hazards of snow and ice.
Car Rental
Most rental companies allow individuals aged 20 and older with at least one year of driving experience to rent 2WD vehicles, with some offering exceptions for an additional fee. Basic cars can easily access most popular landmarks. However, for more adventurous souls, the Highlands are accessible only to 4x4 vehicles due to their extensive gravel roads and shallow river crossings. In these cases, renting an SUV or 4WD usually raises the minimum age requirement to 21 or even 23, depending on the company.
Weather Awareness
When it comes to fickle tricksters, Icelandic weather takes the crown. One moment it’s sunshine, the next it’s rain. The climate constantly keeps travelers on their toes, especially those driving. While sticking to the speed limit and staying alert are crucial, you can also prepare in advance. Before setting out, check the Icelandic Met Office website for the latest weather updates so you’re ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Fuel & Food Stops
Once you’re out on the road, signs of civilization become few and far between. Gas stations are scarce, spaced out over long stretches of untouched wilderness. Refueling and restocking whenever possible isn’t just a recommendation; it’s essential. While the South Coast is a bit more forgiving, the Eastfjords and North Coast can be daunting to those who try to stretch an almost empty gas tank a few miles too far. Make sure to fill up your vehicle and stock up on snacks whenever possible.
Respect Nature
Leave Icelandic nature as you found it—or even better. Off-roading for self-driving Icelandic tourists is strictly prohibited, as careless driving can damage landmarks and harm the ecosystem without you even noticing. Always stay on designated roads and show respect for the surrounding natural environment. Similarly, when walking on trails near the attractions, keep to the paths and dispose of your trash only in designated bins.
Hit the Road with Confidence
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Best Time for a Self-Drive Tour in Iceland
Summer (May to August) is the perfect time for self-driving tours in Iceland. The weather tends to be more forgiving, although sudden rainstorms and strong winds can still occur. Luckily, the less-than-ideal moments are balanced by the enchanting midnight sun, a polar spectacle that lights up the Icelandic skies well into the evening. With extended daylight hours, covering long distances feels much easier. This is especially true in the Highlands, which open from June for drivers with larger 4x4 vehicles.
Still, don’t overlook the shoulder months—March, April, May, September, and October—for Icelandic self-drive adventures. Though the weather is feistier, with interchanging rain and snow, the nights become dark enough for the Northern Lights to grace the skies above you. Just be mindful of icy patches on the road, as their quiet presence can catch even the most experienced drivers off guard.
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