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Car Rental in Iceland

If you want to explore Iceland properly, renting a car is usually the best option.

Public transport is limited, especially outside Reykjavik, and many of the most popular places — waterfalls, beaches, scenic viewpoints — are much easier to reach by car.

Having your own car means you can:

• Travel at your own pace
• Stop whenever you want
• visit places that tours don’t always cover

That said, you don’t always need one. If you’re staying in Reykjavik and doing guided tours, you can get around without renting a car.

A simple way to look at it:

• City stay + tours → no car needed
• Road trip around Iceland → rent a car
• Want flexibility → renting is worth it

For most travelers, especially first-time visitors, having a car makes the whole experience much easier and more enjoyable.

No — it depends on the type of car you rent.

With a small or standard car, you can drive most of the main roads, including the Ring Road, especially in summer. That’s enough for many travelers.

But some roads are different. F-roads in the Highlands are only open in summer and require a 4x4. These roads are rough, unpaved, and sometimes include river crossings. You’re not allowed to drive them with a regular car.

Even outside the Highlands, conditions can change quickly. In winter, roads can be icy and windy, and gravel roads are common in many areas.

So:

• Yes, you can see a lot of Iceland with a normal car
• No, you can’t go everywhere unless you have the right vehicle (which we also offer).

Before booking, think about your route and whether it includes:

• Highlands or F-roads
• winter driving
• remote or less-maintained roads

The best car to rent in Iceland mainly depends on when you’re visiting and where you plan to go.

If you’re coming in summer and sticking to the Ring Road and main paved routes, a small economy car is usually enough. It’s the cheapest option and works well for simple itineraries.

If you’re visiting in winter, or you want to explore more remote areas, a 4x4 is the safer choice. It handles snow, ice, and gravel roads much better, and it’s required if you want to drive on F-roads in the Highlands.

If you like the idea of combining transport and accommodation, a campervan is a great option in summer, when conditions are easier and campsites are open.

A simple way to choose:

• Economy car → summer + main roads
• 4x4 → winter, rough roads, or more flexibility
• Campervan → summer road trips with more freedom

When in doubt, choose based on the most difficult part of your trip, not the easiest.

Car rental prices in Iceland vary a lot depending on the season and the type of vehicle. In general, small cars start from around $30–50/day in winter and can go up to $80–120/day in summer. Larger vehicles like 4x4s and SUVs cost more, especially during peak months.

Prices are lowest between January and April, and highest in July and August, so booking early and choosing the right car for your trip can make a big difference.

Not always. If you're visiting in summer and sticking to main roads like the Ring Road, a small car is usually enough. But if you're coming in winter, driving on gravel roads, or planning to go into the Highlands (F-roads), a 4x4 is strongly recommended.

Road conditions in Iceland play a big role in choosing the right car. If you’re visiting in summer and sticking to the main roads, a small car is usually fine. But if you’re traveling in winter, or driving on gravel roads or more remote routes, a 4x4 is a much safer choice. Although driving in Iceland can be challenging with the prevalence of f-roads (mountain roads), the majestic natural beauty draws travelers from all across the world and makes the journey worthwhile.

If you’re planning to drive on F-roads in the Highlands, you’ll need a 4x4, as regular cars aren’t allowed there. A good rule is: the tougher the roads or weather, the more important it is to choose a stronger car.

Renting a car without a credit card can be tricky but it's not impossible! Most standard rental companies require you to sign for the vehicle with a major credit card, but many agencies now offer alternative payment methods.

With Go Car Rental you are easily able to rent a car without a credit card by simply purchasing our Zero excess insurance package - either the Gold or Platinum insurance.

We do require to put a card down at pick up, so a debit card would work just fine if you have the Gold or Platinum insurance package.

When renting a car in Iceland, here are the key requirements:

1. Drivers must present a valid driver's license. If the license is not in Latin script, an International Driving Permit or official translation is needed.
2. A credit card in the driver's name is required as a guarantee. Debit cards are accepted if Gold insurance is purchased at 25€ per day.
3. Age requirements vary by vehicle type: 20+ for 2WD and medium 4WD/AWD, 23+ for larger 4WD, SUVs, and luxury models.

These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Iceland.

If you're planning a trip to Iceland one of the most important things to keep in mind is that the minimum age for renting a vehicle is 20 years old. In addition, you must have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year.

Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the rental agreement. All these regulations are designed to ensure the safety of visitors while driving around Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

When planning a rental car trip to Iceland, there are a few insurance options to consider. All rental car companies in Iceland will offer some form of third-party liability coverage for your rental vehicle, however, it typically only meets the minimum legal requirements.

Go Car Rental offers a variety of additional insurance options, including collision damage waiver (our liability waiver), gravel protection, tire insurance, theft protection and more. Other important things to check include road service and remote location coverage, as well as criteria for who is authorised to drive the rental car. Be sure to ask what is included in each package and weigh the risks against the costs of each insurance option before settling on a policy that's right for you.

Driving abroad can often be intimidating and that is especially true with a rental car when visiting somewhere like Iceland. Luckily, if you need emergency roadside assistance while driving a rental car, help is readily available. Go Car Rental provide 24/7 roadside assistance to all customers in case of an emergency. Simply call our team and they will help get you back up and running in no time.

Emergency services in Iceland are also more than happy to help any tourists facing car issues, no matter the extent of the problem or the amount of knowledge the driver has about the vehicle so you can travel with confidence.

Most people rent at Keflavík Airport because it’s easier. You can start your trip right away. Renting in Reykjavik only makes sense if you’re staying in the city first.

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Our facility is a mere 5-minute drive from the airport, located at Fuglavík 43, 230 Reykjanesbær. After you land, simply head to the Meeting Point in the departure area of the terminal to find our shuttle bus service. Here are the steps to reach the Meeting Point:

1. Exit the arrivals and turn left immediately.
2. Pass by "Arion Banki" and take another left turn.
3. Follow the path until you see the Meeting Point sign.

Reykjavik Area

you can visit our main office for car rentals in Iceland at Skógarhlíð 16, 105 Reykjavik. It's centrally positioned for effortless access and maximum convenience.

Our Reykjavik office is prepared to handle all aspects of your car rental needs, from pick-up to drop-off. To further ease your rental process, we offer a complimentary shuttle service for all our customers within the Reykjavik area, ensuring that your experience with car rentals in Iceland is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Self-Service

Our self-service location is at our main office, at Fuglavík 43, 230 Reykjanesbær. This location offers 24/7 access for picking up and dropping off your rental car keys using the KeyBox system. Please note that this option is only available for those who opt for GO Self-Service in advance.

Once you touchdown at Keflavik International Airport, you'll find our shuttle service waiting for you at the Meeting Point area on the departure side of the terminal.

You can follow these check points:

1. Exit the arrivals and turn left immediately.
2. Pass by "Arion Banki" and take another left turn.
3. Follow the path until you see the Meeting Point sign.

Just a friendly note, during busy times, there may be a teeny bit of a wait for your pick-up. We promise we're doing our utmost to make this as quick as can be, and we're incredibly grateful for your understanding and patience.

If you have doubts about the shuttle's whereabouts, dial +354 517 7900 for information.

Yes, you can rent a car in Reykjavik and drop it off at Keflavik International Airport.

When making your reservation, be sure to select a one-way rental, starting in Reykjavik and ending in Keflavik. And please note that a fee of 50 euros applies for this service.

In most cases, yes. Iceland has gravel roads, strong winds, and changing weather. Extra coverage can save you from paying for damage caused by things like stones, sand, or wind.