13 Iceland Road Trip Tips (Know Before You Go)

Posted: 4/2/24 | April 2nd, 2024

Iceland is a magical nation. It simply feels out of this world, such as you’re on one other planet. The rugged volcanoes and black-sand seashores give the island a desolate however hanging look. When you ask me, it’s proper up there with New Zealand and Norway by way of essentially the most lovely international locations on the earth.

And, similar to each of these locations, it’s a tremendous place to take a highway journey.

Due to its beautiful pure magnificence, security, and ease of transportation, Iceland has change into a preferred vacation spot for solo vacationers and first-time highway trippers. Sure, it may be costly, but it surely has so much to see and do, together with tons of wonderful hikes and waterfalls which are free to get pleasure from. You don’t want to interrupt the financial institution right here.

Having been to Iceland a handful of instances through the years, I feel taking a highway journey is one of the best ways to discover the nation. So, to make sure you save money and time and keep protected throughout your journey, listed here are my high 13 Iceland road-trip suggestions:

1. Be sure to have automobile insurance coverage

I never leave home without travel insurance. And I by no means hire a automobile with out complete auto insurance coverage both.

In most locations, this would possibly look like overkill. I imply, how typically do you really use your automobile insurance coverage?

In Iceland, nevertheless, the climate modifications typically — and drastically.

Rain and snow are widespread, and gravel and sand typically harm home windows. However the actual menace most drivers aren’t ready for is the wind. The gusts listed here are so robust that automobile doorways are usually ripped off their hinges (each time I’ve rented a automobile right here, the corporate has jogged my memory of this).

Mix that with winding, slender roads and an abundance of energetic volcanoes, and also you’ve acquired your self a recipe for automobile bother.

That’s why I at all times suggest vacationers have complete automobile rental protection once they go to Iceland. As a result of it’s a lot better to be protected than sorry right here!

With regards to renting a automobile, I like to recommend Discover Cars. Whenever you e book, it’s tremendous straightforward so as to add automobile insurance coverage onto your buy with the clicking of a button. They make it clear what is roofed and the way a lot it prices.

You should utilize the widget beneath to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Lease the correct automobile

It’s straightforward to hire a automobile in Iceland. You don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow when you have a legitimate license utilizing Latin letters with a license quantity, {photograph}, and expiration date. Which means Individuals, Canadians, Australians, Brits, and New Zealanders can all hire a automobile right here with their common license.

When renting a automobile in Iceland, you’ve got three important decisions:

• A automobile
• A 4×4 (4WD)
• A van/RV

When you’re simply planning to see the primary sights whereas sleeping in hostels, lodges, and/or Airbnbs, an everyday automobile will do the trick. It’s the most cost effective choice too.

If you wish to discover the rugged inside (often known as the Highlands), a 4×4 is required, because the roads there are sometimes unpaved, gravel ones known as “F-roads,” which may solely be traversed by 4×4 autos (should you drive an everyday automobile on them, your insurance coverage protection will likely be void).

Your ultimate alternative is a campervan/RV. These are for vacationers who need to sleep of their automobile as they journey. They’re the costliest choice, however you’ll lower your expenses on lodging, so it sort of balances out.

Simply understand that customary transmissions are the norm right here, so reserve an automatic-transmission automobile if that’s a requirement for you.

(Word: It doesn’t matter what sort of car you’ve got, by no means drive off-road. It’s extremely unlawful as a result of fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not solely does off-roading harm this lovely atmosphere, however you possibly can face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Obtain the correct apps

Everybody road-tripping round Iceland ought to have the next apps downloaded to or web sites bookmarked on their cellphone:

• Google Translate – Whereas English is extensively spoken, the app might be useful for studying indicators and instructions. Simply be sure that to obtain Icelandic for offline use to be able to nonetheless translate issues even with out cellular information.
• Google Maps – The perfect app for wanting up instructions. Be sure that to obtain your maps so you’ve got them for offline use.
• Safetravel.is – This app shares climate alerts, highway closure data, and extra. It’s good to have so that you might be stored updated ought to inclement climate or emergencies come up.
• Vedur.is – That is the very best climate app for Iceland.
• Samferda – This web site is nice for locating passengers if you wish to share a experience with somebody. (When you’re a passenger and wish a experience, you may publish right here too.) One other useful website for locating passengers is Couchsurfing.

Test the worldwide insurance policies and expenses in your cellphone plan earlier than leaving, in order to keep away from sudden expenses when utilizing these apps and/or web sites. If you wish to keep linked with limitless information in your journey, get an eSIM.
 

4. Carry a paper map

At any time when I am going on a highway journey, I at all times bring a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cellular information protection in Iceland is dependable. Nevertheless it’s higher to be protected than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign will likely be misplaced, or there will likely be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: deliver a paper highway map with you, and simply go away it within the glove field. You probably gained’t want it, however should you do, you’ll be glad you’ve got it!
 

5. Select your course properly

The overwhelming majority of vacationers road-tripping by Iceland drive the Ring Street (aka Route 1, the nation’s important freeway) counterclockwise. This lets you begin with the well-known Golden Circle after which head towards widespread sights just like the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Sólheimasandur crash website, the glacier lagoon, and extra. When you solely have a couple of days to discover, that is the very best course to decide on. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, that is the course I recommend.

Nonetheless, if you wish to be contrarian otherwise you need to get off the crushed path, head clockwise. There are nonetheless some sights you may go to to kick issues off, such because the postcard-perfect Mount Kirkjufell and the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

When you actually need to get off the crushed path and beat the crowds, head to the Westfjords. Solely a fraction of vacationers come right here, so it’s residence to among the most unspoiled landscapes within the nation. It was additionally the spotlight of all my time in Iceland.
 

6. Keep away from the F-roads (when you have a automobile)

As talked about above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that usually lead off the primary Ring Street into the inside. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). If in case you have an everyday automobile, you gained’t be permitted to drive on them. You’ll void your insurance coverage protection whereas additionally risking blowing a tire or damaging the automobile. It’s not value it!
 

7. Test the climate typically

I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: the climate in Iceland modifications quickly. For that cause, you’ll need to regulate the forecast. Whereas driving in wind or rain won’t be a difficulty, should you’re planning to get out and hike or go to among the waterfalls, you’ll need to ensure you’re ready for the climate. The Vedur.is app (talked about above) is a should.

It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, deliver rain gear (together with a hat), waterproof footwear, and a sweater. Even in the summertime, Iceland isn’t sizzling, and rain isn’t unusual both. Put together accordingly so your journey isn’t ruined (particularly should you plan on mountaineering).
 

8. Solely pull over the place there’s area

You’ll be tempted to cease your automobile typically to take images. And I imply actually typically. Not solely are the primary sights in Iceland awe-inspiring, however the common sights are beautiful too. You’ll come throughout random vistas and waterfalls, craggy moss-covered hills, black-sand seashores, and a lot extra.

It is going to be tempting to drag over to get out and take images, however accomplish that with warning. Attempt to pull off the highway solely at designated stops or the place there’s room to take action with out impeding site visitors. Whereas the Ring Street isn’t a superhighway, it’s a busy route with common site visitors in each instructions. Don’t endanger your self or others for a photograph. Follow designated stopping areas.
 

9. Keep watch over your gasoline tank

As soon as you allow the busier a part of the island round Reykjavik, gasoline stations change into few and much between. For that cause, you’ll need to refill when you may. Don’t simply wait till you’ve got 1 / 4 tank, as you would possibly run out of gasoline earlier than you get to the following station.

When you can usually lookup the place gasoline stations are through Google Maps, I at all times be sure that to high up after I can. The peace of thoughts is value it. You’ll even be lined in case you get delayed or change your journey plans on the final minute.
 

10. Don’t rush

Lots of people assume that, as a result of Iceland is small, you may see the sights in only a matter of days.

You’ll be able to’t.

When you’re trying to drive all the Ring Street, plan for at the very least 10-14 days. Whereas you are able to do it in much less, you may be rushed and can spend extra time driving than I’d suggest. (When you simply need to see the primary highlights within the south and east, 5-7 days is enough.)

I want high quality over amount, so I at all times recommend vacationers decelerate and actually soak within the sights. You gained’t remorse it.

When you’re in search of really useful itineraries, this post breaks down all my suggestions for different time frames, all the best way as much as a complete month.
 

11. Keep away from the summer time (and in addition the winter)

Iceland suffers from success. The nation is swamped by vacationers throughout the summer time, between late June and early August, as that’s when the climate is the warmest and the times are the longest. Whereas “busy” in Iceland is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Barcelona or Venice, it might nonetheless be crowded round Reykjavik and the sights closest to town.

For that cause, I recommend visiting within the shoulder season. The climate remains to be heat and there will likely be far fewer folks. All the things will likely be just a little cheaper too.

If you’re set on going in the summertime, I’d recommend heading off to the Westfjords. It’s the least-visited space of the nation and provides among the most untamed and delightful landscapes in Iceland.

Moreover, I recommend avoiding winter visits too should you plan on driving. Street circumstances are lower than best, and snowstorms are frequent. Until you’ve got plenty of expertise with winter driving, skip that season. (You’ll be able to undoubtedly do a winter go to to see the northern lights, I simply wouldn’t hire a automobile for that.)

Personally, I feel late Might to early June and late August to early September are the very best instances to go to. Costs are cheaper, the climate is respectable, and the crowds are thinner.
 

12. Choose up passengers

When you’re touring on a finances, contemplate taking passengers. Having folks chip in for gasoline for a leg or two of your journey is an effective way to save cash whereas additionally connecting with like-minded vacationers. As talked about above, you should use web sites like Samferda or Couchsurfing to seek out them.

Another choice is to choose up hitchhikers. Within the hotter months, hitchhiking is tremendous widespread alongside the Ring Street (I hitchhiked here and had a great experience). Whereas they often don’t have cash to contribute, they probably have cool tales and nice suggestions. It’s a straightforward method to assist different vacationers and brighten up your personal journey.
 

13. Comply with the principles of the highway

Being a accountable traveler means following native norms and legal guidelines. Bear in mind that Iceland has stricter driving legal guidelines and penalties than it’s possible you’ll be used to. Be sure that to do the next:

• By no means drive off-road. Respect the delicate Icelandic ecosystem and by no means drive off-road.
• By no means drink and drive. Iceland has very strict legal guidelines about driving below the affect (0.02% is the restrict). Not solely are you endangering your self and others, however the fines are extraordinarily excessive (100,000 ISK).
• By no means use your cellphone whereas driving. Use a hands-free setup if it’s good to speak and drive, or else pull over. Not solely is it harmful, however you possibly can face excessive fines as properly.
• Be careful for others on the highway. This consists of sheep (there are extra sheep than folks right here) and cyclists. Move slowly and provides them a large berth.
• Know who to name. When you expertise an emergency, dial 112 for help. It’s the equal of 911 within the US/Canada.

Iceland Street Journey FAQ

How tough is a highway journey in Iceland?
Iceland is without doubt one of the best international locations on the earth for a highway journey. The reason being that there’s basically only one lengthy highway that circles the nation (often known as Route 1, or the Ring Street). That makes it fairly straightforward to get round and tough to get misplaced.

How lengthy do it’s good to road-trip round Iceland?
When you plan to drive all the Ring Street, you’ll need at the very least 10 days (14 days can be higher). When you simply need to see the primary sights within the south and east, 5-7 days ought to be a lot.

Is Iceland very costly?
Iceland might be very costly. Meals, lodging, rental vehicles, and gasoline are all expensive. Nonetheless, there are many methods to save lots of too. By sharing a automobile (and splitting prices), cooking all of your meals, and tenting or sticking to hostels, you may simply do it for below $100 USD per day.

Is it value renting a 4×4?
I’d solely hire a 4×4 when you have prior highway journey expertise and are planning to go off highway. For the common customer trying to see the primary sights, a 4×4 isn’t obligatory.

What’s an F-road?
An F-road is a route on which solely 4×4 autos can journey. They’re very rugged, unpaved roads, usually main you into the inside.

If in case you have an everyday rental automobile, you’re forbidden to drive on them.

Is it protected to drive solo in Iceland?
Iceland is constantly ranked as one of many most secure international locations on the earth. When you’re new to solo journey, it’s the right place to start out.

Iceland is without doubt one of the most lovely international locations on the earth. It’s additionally among the best (and best) locations to do a highway journey. Whereas it could be costly, it’s very protected and simple to get round, and there are many free things to see and do to keep costs down. Simply comply with the information above, and also you’ll have a enjoyable and protected go to to this rugged island nation!

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