• HOME
  • About
  • Shop
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
    • Budget Travel Bible
  • Destinations
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Haiti
      • United States
        • Arizona
        • Florida
        • Hawaii
        • Idaho
        • Illinois
        • Montana
        • Nevada
        • New York
        • Oregon
        • South Dakota
        • Utah
        • Washington
        • Wisconsin
        • Wyoming
        • National Parks
    • Europe
      • Faroe Islands
      • France
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Norway
      • United Kingdom
    • Asia
      • Maldives
    • Oceania
      • Hawaii
      • French Polynesia
        • Bora Bora
        • Tahiti
    • Hotel Reviews
  • Travel Tips
    • Budget Travel Tips
    • Travel Hacking
    • All Travel Tips
  • Travel Essentials
    • Gift Guides
    • Packing Lists
  • Travel Photography
    • Camera Gear
    • Photography Tips
    • Photography Guides
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Search

    Let's be friends!

    A different kind of grief. 📍Mount Fremont Fire A different kind of grief.

📍Mount Fremont Fire Lookout in Mount Rainier National Park
    I’m tired. 😭😂 Okayyyy so this all may be I’m tired.

😭😂

Okayyyy so this all may be true, but without Instagram, I never would have started my travel blog over at indigosahara.com, which has had over a MILLION readers.

And I am so thankful for that.

But yeahhh I’m tired. 💀

Follow @indigosahara for daily travel tips + destination guides!! 🤣
    I am girls. 🧺 I am girls. 🧺
    Those are happy tears btw. ✈️ Just booked a b Those are happy tears btw. ✈️

Just booked a business class lay-flat seat from the USA to Japan for $32.69. Yes, really. 🤯

How?

Easy.

First, I opened one new travel credit card with flexible points and responsibly earned the card’s opening bonus.

Then, after I got a @thriftytraveler email alert for Delta One award availability from the USA to Japan, I transferred those flexible points to an airline transfer partner (in this case, Flying Blue to book a Delta One flight through Air France).

Boom. 89,500 points (which is a bargain, by the way) + $32.69 out of pocket later…

I got myself a biz class flight worth $7000 for less than the cost of our Chipotle order. 💸

Want access to my free beginner guide to points and miles? Comment “Beginner” and I’ll send it over ASAP.
    Yesterday I saw a reel that said, “You hit your Yesterday I saw a reel that said, “You hit your mid 20s and you’re sorted into 1 of 4 houses: 

1. Marathon training.
2. Japan trip.
3. Fantasy books.
4. Cooking everything from scratch.”

Personally… My Japan hotels and flights are booked for November. Also, Kenny’s cooking everything from scratch, and I’m reaping the benefits. 😭😂

Hbu
Travel Blog

Indigo Sahara

Travel Reviews, Guides, Tips & Travel Hacking

  • Destinations
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Haiti
      • United States
        • Arizona
        • Florida
        • Hawaii
        • Idaho
        • Illinois
        • Montana
        • Nevada
        • New York
        • Oregon
        • South Dakota
        • Utah
        • Washington
        • Wisconsin
        • Wyoming
        • National Parks
    • Europe
      • Faroe Islands
      • France
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Norway
      • United Kingdom
    • Asia
      • Maldives
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia
        • Bora Bora
        • Tahiti
      • Hawaii
    • South America
    • Hotel Reviews
  • Travel Tips
    • Budget Travel Tips
    • Travel Hacking
    • All Travel Tips
  • Travel Essentials
    • All Travel Essentials
    • Packing Lists
    • Gift Guides
  • Travel Photography
    • Camera Gear
    • Photography Tips
    • Photography Guides

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: July 10, 2023 | Updated: November 22, 2023

If you’re traveling to Iceland, you’ll definitely want to leave the city and venture out to the country’s jaw-dropping landscapes. So, this begs the question: do you need to rent a car in Iceland?

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

This blog post is sponsored by Lava Car Rental, an Icelandic car rental company specializing in new and cheap rental cars in Iceland. All thoughts are my own.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about renting a car in Iceland — if its necessary, where to rent, other transportation options and more — leaving you confident in your Iceland ground transportation choice.

Let’s get started with the basics.

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • How do tourists get around Iceland?
  • Do you need a car to get around Iceland?
  • Is it recommended to rent a car in Iceland?
  • Where To Rent A Car In Iceland
  • What kind of car do I need in Iceland?
  • More Iceland Car Rental FAQs
  • More Iceland Travel Guides
  • Save This Guide For Later

How do tourists get around Iceland?

Tourists get around Iceland in two primary ways: car rentals and bus tours.

Car rentals are the most popular way for tourists to get around Iceland. Because there are so many incredible, diverse landscapes to visit around the island, most tourist opt for a rental car.

rent a car in iceland

We’ll talk about why I recommend renting a car in a moment.

On the contrary, the best alternative to getting around Iceland is joining an Iceland bus tour, such as this South Iceland day trip, if you are uncomfortable driving abroad or are only stopping in Reykjavik for a short period of time.

Although you won’t have to worry about driving or navigation on a bus tour, you won’t be able to make any spontaneous stops or diversions from the tour’s designated route either, which is a definite bummer.

Do you need a car to get around Iceland?

Whether you opt for your own car, a bus tour or another private driver, yes, you need a car to get around Iceland. Iceland’s main tourists spots are very spread out. It can take a couple hours just to drive from one popular attraction to the next.

For example, the drive from Reyjavik to Vik (the town near popular destinations like Kirkjufjara Beach and Skógafoss waterfall) is over 2.5 hours long.

iceland car rental

Granted, the long drives are always stunning and promise to keep you entertained throughout.

Regardless, if you want to see as much of Iceland as possible, you’ll need a vehicle.

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

Is it recommended to rent a car in Iceland?

Yes, it is highly recommended to rent a car in Iceland.

Although you can hire private drivers or bus tours, it is better to rent a car in Iceland because you’ll have the freedom to make spontaneous road trip stops (which you’ll want to do), adjust your Ring Road road trip itinerary to the unpredictable Icelandic weather, and overall see a lot more of Iceland on your trip.

car rental in iceland

For instance, you’ll be able to road trip around the full Ring Road and/or Golden Circle, as well as spontaneously stop to see the lupines, waterfalls, glaciers and rare moss fields that you will drive past.

Where To Rent A Car In Iceland

During our June trip to Iceland, I worked with Lava Car Rental, an Icelandic car rental company specializing in new and cheap rental cars, to bring the best Ring Road road trip itineraries and Iceland travel guides to you.

What I loved most about Lava Car Rental, besides their impeccable Icelandic branding and fun volcano logo, was how affordable and easy it was to rent a car with them.

You can expect their car rentals to cost well under $100 USD per day (some for under $50 USD and around $100 USD for 4×4 vehicles). For Iceland, that’s an impressive rate. You can barely buy a meal at a restaurant in Iceland for that price.

best car rental iceland

Furthermore, even though off-site car rental pickups can seem intimidating or like too much work after a long flight, Lava Car Rental’s free Keflavik airport shuttle to the car rental pickup site was pretty seamless.

In fact, they even have a flight tracker that will track the arrival of your flight so that their shuttle will be ready for you upon arrival.

If you don’t see the shuttle (located right outside the P1 parking lot doors) within five minutes, call their office and they’ll happily send a shuttle for you.

car rentals iceland

Then, once you pick up your Lava Car Rental car (or campervan), you’re ready to explore Iceland.

They’ll give you gas discounts on your key fob, too. Be sure to use the discounts (by tapping the petrol station fob on the gas pump’s card reader before inserting your bank card) because gas in Iceland is expensive!

What kind of car do I need in Iceland?

In Iceland in summer, any economy car rental will do. Although 4×4 vehicles are necessary on some roads, you will not need a 4×4 vehicles if you just plan on visiting the main Iceland tourist spots.

Even if you do encounter some bumpy roads, you should be fine in a 2WD vehicle. We easily drove on roads in our 2WD Dacia Jogger from Lava Car Rental where 4×4 vehicles were recommended.

road trip aesthetic

For example, if you’re hoping to visit Studlagil Canyon (which I highly recommend) and don’t want to walk the full six miles out-and-back to the canyon, you can easily take the bumpy “4×4 recommended” road to a closer parking lot in a 2WD car. It’s a little rocky, but we had no problems.

iceland road trip

Just make sure to avoid the F-roads (steep mountain roads into the highlands), on which you need a 4×4 to drive by law.

Additionally, off roading is illegal in Iceland, so don’t rent a 4×4 thinking you’ll be able to.

In Iceland in winter, on the other hand, a 4×4 car is recommended, as roads can be snowy and unmaintained.

do you need to rent a car in iceland

Do you need an SUV in Iceland?

You do not need an SUV in Iceland.

Like I mentioned earlier, we rented a Dacia Jogger from Lava Car Rental, which is very spacious but not intended to be used as an SUV. And, we had no troubles navigating Iceland.

More Iceland Car Rental FAQs

Is it easy for Americans to drive in Iceland?

Yes, it is very easy for Americans to drive in Iceland. In Iceland, they drive on the right side of the road, and intersections are very similar to US intersections.

You can read Iceland’s driving rules here to make sure you’re as prepared and comfortable to drive in Iceland as possible before your trip.

Can you drive in Iceland with a US license?

Yes, you can driving in Iceland with a valid US driver’s license.

Although an international driver’s permit is always recommended, it is not required in Iceland.

We drove in Iceland with just our US license — no international driver’s permit (IDP) — and we had zero issues.

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

Have any more questions about whether or not to rent a car in Iceland? Send me a DM over on Instagram. I’m happy to help!

More Iceland Travel Guides

Cheap Travel Tips That Will Change Your Life
80 Road Trip Puns That Will Drive You Honkers
100 Adventure Puns You’ll Love A Moun-ton
Travel Photography Tips For Beginners 2023 (W/ Examples)

Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

Save This Guide For Later

Save this guide to renting a car in Iceland for later by sharing to socials.

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email Share via Email

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

you’ll also love

free things to do in moab8 Underrated Free Things To Do In Moab, Utah
sedona travel tips10 Sedona Travel Tips You Need To Know
oasis of the seas picturesOasis Of The Seas Pictures To Inspire Your Next Cruise

Get exclusive content.

Stay up-to-date & receive the latest travel guides and tips right to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Northern Wisconsin Waterfalls You Need To Visit

Primary Sidebar

Meet Indigo

Meet Indigo
hello!

I'm Indigo, a 27-year-old full-time travel blogger who's on a mission to make travel accessible to all through budget travel tips and bucket list destination guides.

Read More

Let's Be Social

get exclusive content

Search The Blog

Pinterest

Facebook

Indigo Sahara

Catch Up On The Lastest Posts

Follow On Instagram

@indigosahara

A different kind of grief. 📍Mount Fremont Fire A different kind of grief.

📍Mount Fremont Fire Lookout in Mount Rainier National Park
I’m tired. 😭😂 Okayyyy so this all may be I’m tired.

😭😂

Okayyyy so this all may be true, but without Instagram, I never would have started my travel blog over at indigosahara.com, which has had over a MILLION readers.

And I am so thankful for that.

But yeahhh I’m tired. 💀

Follow @indigosahara for daily travel tips + destination guides!! 🤣
I am girls. 🧺 I am girls. 🧺
Those are happy tears btw. ✈️ Just booked a b Those are happy tears btw. ✈️

Just booked a business class lay-flat seat from the USA to Japan for $32.69. Yes, really. 🤯

How?

Easy.

First, I opened one new travel credit card with flexible points and responsibly earned the card’s opening bonus.

Then, after I got a @thriftytraveler email alert for Delta One award availability from the USA to Japan, I transferred those flexible points to an airline transfer partner (in this case, Flying Blue to book a Delta One flight through Air France).

Boom. 89,500 points (which is a bargain, by the way) + $32.69 out of pocket later…

I got myself a biz class flight worth $7000 for less than the cost of our Chipotle order. 💸

Want access to my free beginner guide to points and miles? Comment “Beginner” and I’ll send it over ASAP.
Yesterday I saw a reel that said, “You hit your Yesterday I saw a reel that said, “You hit your mid 20s and you’re sorted into 1 of 4 houses: 

1. Marathon training.
2. Japan trip.
3. Fantasy books.
4. Cooking everything from scratch.”

Personally… My Japan hotels and flights are booked for November. Also, Kenny’s cooking everything from scratch, and I’m reaping the benefits. 😭😂

Hbu

Footer

Blog

  • Destinations
  • Travel Tips
  • Travel Essentials
  • Travel Photography
  • Camera Gear

Info

  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Portfolio
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund And Returns Policy

stay in the know

Copyright Indigo Sahara © 2025 · Theme by 17th Avenue

We use cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.Accept