Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Driving in Iceland

Yes, it can be safe if you drive carefully and pay attention to weather warnings. Icelandic winters are unpredictable, so being cautious is key.

If you're planning to go outside of Reykjavík or explore more remote areas, then yes. A 4x4 provides better grip on icy roads and handles snow much better than a regular car.

Yes, and don’t worry, every Go Car Rental rental car comes equipped with studded winter tires during the colder months.

Yes, but you’ll need to keep a close eye on road conditions. Some parts might be closed temporarily due to snow or storms.

Major roads are plowed regularly, especially in the south and around populated areas. Mountain passes and gravel roads may be closed or not maintained.

Drive slowly, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Smooth is the name of the game.

Very. Especially early in the morning or late at night. Always assume it might be there, even if the road looks clear.

Yes, very quickly. It’s common to go from sunshine to a snowstorm in under an hour. Always check the forecast before driving and adjust your plans if needed.

Check road.is before heading out. If the road is marked red, it's closed and not passable. Orange means conditions are very difficult and driving is not recommended. Always take these warnings seriously, especially in winter.

It’s not recommended. On icy or unpredictable roads, you need full control of speed. Cruise control can make it harder to react quickly to changes.

The Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and areas around Mývatn if conditions allow. These routes are beautiful and more accessible.

Yes, and it’s a great way to explore at your own pace. Just make sure to have a plan B in case roads close or weather changes suddenly.

In summer, it takes 7 to 10 days. In winter, give yourself at least 10 to 14 days to allow for delays and slower driving conditions.

Most mountain roads, including all F-roads, are closed during winter. Stick to paved and accessible routes.

Most do. In remote areas, you’ll find automated stations that take credit cards. Always fuel up when you can.

A 4x4 SUV rental car is the best choice for winter driving in Iceland. It gives you more control on icy roads, handles snowy conditions better, and offers extra ground clearance for rough patches. It’s especially useful if you plan to drive outside of Reykjavík or explore the countryside.

Yes, all Go Car Rental vehicles are fitted with quality studded winter tires and include an ice scraper. If you're heading into remote areas, we recommend packing additional supplies like water, snacks, and warm clothing, just in case conditions change.

No, and you shouldn’t. Snow chains are not necessary in Iceland. All Go Car Rental vehicles are equipped with high-quality studded winter tires, which are more than enough for Icelandic road conditions. In fact, using snow chains is illegal in many urban areas, such as Reykjavík, because they can damage the roads. Unless specifically advised by authorities (which is rare), snow chains are not allowed and should not be used.

Yes. All rental cars have heating, and most include front seat warmers. You can see whether a specific car has seat warmers by checking the features listed on the product page before booking.

The official website road.is gives real-time updates on road conditions, closures, and maintenance. It’s the best source for safe travel planning in winter.

Vedur.is is Iceland’s national weather service. It shows up-to-date forecasts, storm alerts, wind speeds, and even avalanche warnings. Always check it before hitting the road.

Yes, absolutely. The SafeTravel app is run by ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search and Rescue). It lets you register your travel plans, check travel alerts, and receive push notifications if anything affects your route. It’s free and highly recommended for anyone driving in Iceland, especially in winter.

Yes, but it's a good idea to download your routes for offline use. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so having an offline map is always smart.

If your license uses Roman letters and you’ve had it for more than one year, no international license is required.

No. Off-road driving is illegal all year and severely damages nature. Always stay on marked roads.

Yes, headlights must be on at all times, even during daylight hours.

Only one tunnel has a toll, the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel near Akureyri. You can pay online within 3 hours of using it.

Only with a hands-free system. Using a phone while driving is illegal and unsafe.

Yes, seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the vehicle at all times.

Stay warm, turn on your hazard lights, and call Go Car Rental’s emergency line. We’re here to help 24/7.

Dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. You can also use the 112 Iceland app to share your location.

Help might be far away, so preparation is key. Always carry snacks, warm clothes, and a power bank.

Yes, definitely. These apps will help keep you safe and informed on the road:

• 112 Iceland - for emergency check-ins and location sharing
• SafeTravel - to register your travel plans and get alerts about road closures or severe weather
• Vedur - for real-time weather forecasts
• Google Maps - with offline maps for areas with weak signal
• road.is - not an app, but you can bookmark it for daily road condition updates

Yes, but be extra cautious. Darkness falls early and visibility can be low due to snow or fog.

Mostly yes, but always cross-check with road.is and watch out for road closures that Google may not update quickly.

Daylight hours, typically from 11 AM to 4 PM. Always aim to drive during daylight for the best visibility and safety.