Driving Guide in Iceland

Self Drive in Iceland

Self-guided tours are a good option for traveling to Iceland and sightseeing at your own pace. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to adjust stops and activities based on weather conditions, add points of interest along the route and, as a rule, have maximum control over your trip.

By choosing a self-guided tour, you will have the support of our travel consultant, who will organize your trip based on your expectations and seasonal conditions. We will arrange accommodation on the route according to your chosen price category. After the tour is confirmed, you will receive a detailed description of your itinerary. Our guide will meet you upon arrival to answer all the conditions of interest, pick up a rental car with unlimited mileage, insurance, GPS navigator, and free Wi-Fi. We also provide telephone support during your trip to ensure that your adventure is tailored to your wishes.

When you choose a self-guided tour of Iceland, you may have several questions. We have collected here some of them:

Is it difficult to travel around Iceland on your own?

Driving in Iceland is a great opportunity to explore the country at a leisurely pace, but be prepared that the changing Icelandic weather might affect your route. Also, in remote areas of the country, the road may have sharp turns, high rises, blind hills, and roaming sheep along the road in the summer.

Driving a car in Iceland during the winter months can be difficult due to seasonal road conditions and constantly changing weather. However, if you experienced to drive in the winter season, and you follow the rules and the necessary safety measures, your trip will be a great opportunity to explore Iceland and leave wonderful memories, so be safe and enjoy the ride.

For your safety and convenience, we offer the option of an additional driver, so and you can drive paired with one of your companions and able to relax and enjoy the sceneries as a passenger. You will also get a roadmap with detailed trip descriptions and recommendations. Also, you will have a GPS navigator and free car Wi-Fi.

Can we customize any of self-drive tours by adding more days or other activities?

Yes, indeed. And if you like to do something more than listed in a tour program, for example, spend an extra day(s) during your journey or add some of the optional activities please do not hesitate to ask. We shall be happy to offer destination suggestions and modify your package according to your needs and preferences.

What determines the price offer of a tour?

There are several factors that determine the cost of the tour:

  • The time of the year you plan to visit (different prices in high and low seasons)
  • Number of people traveling together (for accommodation and activities)
  • The type of accommodation (single or shared rooms, comfort or budget)
  • Selected vehicle type (2WD or 4WD, and pax. number)
  • Additional events (various additional events are available with each trip)
When should I organize my flight tickets?

Since multi-day tours require arranging accommodations during the trip and renting a transport, we recommend that you complete your flight reservation after receiving a response from our travel consultant about completing these arrangements for your trip. It usually takes no more than two working days before you get a confirmation from us by e-mail about your tour payment received. After confirmation from our travel consultant, you can book your flights according to the itinerary. Of course, if any question will appear, you can always contact us, we will be happy to assist.

We arrive very early. What is the check-in time?

Check-in times for hotels in Iceland are usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. To guarantee early check-in, we can arrange early check-in or book a room the night before. However, if the room is ready, you can check in earlier.

Where should I stay on an Iceland road trip?

There are many hotels and guest houses in Iceland to accommodate travelers. However, in summer most of these places are reserved, and in winter many guest houses are closed. To ensure lodging in places along your route, it is advisable to book rooms in advance. When you choose our self-drive tour, we carefully select all accommodation options. You can add extra nights if you want to spend more time at any place. In general, this is the easiest way to organize an independent tour. If you have any additional requirements, we will be happy to assist you.

Where to eat during the tour?

In small towns around Iceland, you will find restaurants, bakeries, and cafes where you can eat something. If you are traveling in the highlands, we recommend that you buy something you can take with you, as there are a very limited number of food options in the remote highlands.

What type of vehicle is recommended for a trip?

For a trip to Iceland from May to September, any type of car is enough. In the period from mid-October to mid-April, we recommend a four-wheel-drive car, because at this time there is a chance of snow or icing on the road. In winter, cars are equipped with good winter tires with studs. Driving on a central hill or other roads marked F is possible only with an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Do I need an international driving license to drive in Iceland?

No, you do not need an international driver’s license, but you need a valid driver’s license that you have been in for at least two years. Travelers from abroad will need a license issued in their country of residence, as well as translation into English (available on request). An identity document or passport is required, etc. A valid credit card is also required.