Renting a car in Iceland might sound like an easy task, but with bumpy roads, an unpredictable weather and many other situations you can encounter, this is definitely a task you should take in calm and check your different options. We decided to make a short guide with 21 very useful tips when renting a car in Iceland.
- Plan your route ahead and find out if you need to rent a small car (only for driving on the ring road), SUV or a camper.
- Insurances won´t pay for damages caused on roads you are not allowed to drive on.
- Small accidents and car damages are common in Iceland. Get a proper car insurance when you are renting a car in this country. Don’t save at the wrong end! FairCar offers a ZERO Collision Damage Waiver (ZCDW) insurance, which covers almost everything.
- Before driving in the highlands, check where the next gas station is. You don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.
- Car companies rent out mini campers for two people to sleep in comfortably and cheaply.
- Overnight parking is usually allowed in touristic places, often for free, unless you have a camper or pitch a tent.
- Rent a car in advance and compare prices before booking. It is cheaper than getting one directly at the airport.
- If you are looking for a more comfortable driving experience in Iceland: car companies offer Wi-Fi hotspots, 12 to 220V car inverters and FM transmitters for an extra charge. An excellent choice if you want to travel around Iceland fully equipped
- All gas stations have free and extremely clean bathrooms.
- Check the road conditions at www.road.is before you start driving and avoid unconfortable surprises.
- Check the weather conditions before you start driving.
- Get a road map before your arrival. You can buy one on amazon in advance or directly at the airport
- Download an Iceland map from Google Maps before your arrival.
- Have the following emergency numbers with you all the time:
- Car rental telephone number
- 24/7 service number
- Road conditions number: 1777
- Get an Icelandic SIM card for internet and emergencies.
- Flat tires are mainly caused by driving too fast on gravel and F-Roads. Stay under the allowed maximum speed.
- Stop occasionally and be amazed by the incredible Icelandic landscapes. Check out these 11 photos showing why Iceland is the perfect roadtrip destination.
- Parking in Reykjavik from 6pm to 10am is free almost everywhere.
- Driving in Iceland can be exhausting. Decide in advance, if you want to pay for a second driver and make your travel easier and way more confortable. Car rental companies allows a second or third driver for an extra charge
- The only toll fee in Iceland has to be paid at the Hvalfjorour tunnel (8 USD).
- Wind is extremely strong in Iceland. Be careful when you open the doors of your car. Many car damages are due to this minor situation.
we created a great guide for traveling around Iceland. From car rental guides and northern lights photography to information and itinerary guides. Check these out and plan your next trip to Iceland better.
