Search for car hire in Iceland
Our great prices include
- Free cancellation and amendments
- Third party liability insurance
- Collision damage waiver
- Vehicle licensing fee
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0203 318 6960
Our team is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Best value car hire from top brands
Iceland car hire tips
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Where to pick up your car
There are over 10 car hire locations in Iceland, and the most popular city is Reykjavik.
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Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Iceland are Green Motion, Budget, Thrifty, Sixt and Orange Car Rental.
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Best time to hire a car
The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Iceland are April and February.
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Local currency
Iceland Krona (ISK)
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Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Iceland
A land of legendary landscapes, Iceland is a boundless supernatural vista.
Its remote expanses look like nothing else on earth; here, the power of nature isn’t shy. With everlasting days, magical northern lights and volcanoes that rumble below the surface, Iceland is a nature lover’s dream and prime road trip destination. And despite the cold weather, Iceland’s small population will warmly point you in the right direction.
Local knowledge
Driving tips
Petrol
Fuel in Iceland is expensive and you can drive long stretches without encountering a station. Fill up when you can and take note of which stations offer the cheapest prices.
Sheep
These woolly animals outnumber Iceland’s human population by 2:1, so unsurprisingly, you’ll find these guys wandering out onto the roads.
Parking
Iceland is windy, and it is common for strong unexpected gusts to damage car doors. Park against the wind when possible, as to prevent the doors from flying open as you enter and exit the car.
Spare tyres
Not all of Iceland’s roads are paved – including the main ring road – and it can be miles before you pass anyone else on the road. With this in mind, you’ll want to double check the rental company has supplied you with a repair kit and spare.
Off-road driving
Driving off-road is illegal. Simply never do it.
Car hire facts
| Frequently asked question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most popular place to hire a car in Iceland | Keflavik International Airport |
| Most popular rental length | Three or four days |
| Most popular month to rent a car | August, where a hire car costs on average £62.70 per day |
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Iceland |
|---|---|
| April | £39.90 |
| July | £78.90 |
F-roads and types of cars
When choosing your hire car, consider the activities you want to do and therefore the roads you’ll be taking. If you’re interested in the Golden Circle and a quick trip around Reykjavik, a small car will suffice. However, if you plan on driving in the highlands on F-roads – rough unpaved mountain roads – a 4x4 is required.
An unforgettable capital
Reykjavik
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Reykjavik* |
|---|---|
| April | £39.70 |
| July | £78.00 |
| Car hire pick up point | Prices from… | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Keflavik Airport | £14.70 | £50.90 |
| Reykjavik Downtown | £17.90 | £54.00 |
Travel tips:
- Save money and skip the bottled water. Drink tap water; it's some of the purest you’ll find.
- Natural hot springs are all around and very popular – such as the nearby Blue Lagoon. Before taking a dip, it is mandatory to thoroughly wash with soap, as most pools are chemical free.
- There is free public Wi-Fi almost everywhere in Reykjavik.
- Talk with the locals. Icelanders are some of the friendliest in the world.
- Food is one of the most expensive things in Iceland. Cook your own food and shop at the cheaper grocery stores (avoid 10-11) to save money. Eat out during lunch hours if you want to try the local cuisine for a more reasonable price.
Book your car hire now
Book by phone
0203 318 6960
The ultimate Iceland road trip
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Keflavik International Airport KEF
The majority of international flights to or from Iceland pass through Keflavik Airport.
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Car hire pick up point
Look for the signs in the Arrivals Hall to the free car rental shuttle, located outside the airport.
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Skálholt
One of Iceland’s most holy and historic sites, here you’ll find 13th century crypts and tunnels.
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Fjaðrárgljúfur
Explore the shapes and colours of this canyon while admiring its sheer moss-coated cliffs.
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Höfn
A prime example of a small Icelandic fishing village, and the perfect gateway to Vatnajokull National Park.
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Mývatn
A volcanic lake surrounded by active volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, geothermal caves and otherworldly sites.
Top drive
The Ring Road
Also known as Route 1, this national road traces the outer edges of the island, connecting the most inhabited parts of Iceland. It covers 800 miles, passing by sandy black beaches, small fishing villages, waterfalls and rugged mountains. If you drove the whole road without stopping, it would take you around 24 hours. For an epic road trip that includes all the major stops, you’ll need at least a week.
Though most of the road is paved, there are a few unpaved parts. Conditions can also vary greatly from summer to winter, so be prepared for any changes in the weather.
