Renting a Car in Iceland – What you need to know
Book in Advance
We would advice you to book your rental car in advance for a number of reasons:
- Renting a car on location is always more expensive than if you book in advance.
- The Car Rental companies at Keflavik and Reykjavik airport are not open 24 hours.
- Due to the road conditions in Iceland, you should speak to an expert on car rental Iceland for advice on which car is best for you before you book. If you leave it till you arrive, the car you need may not be available.
Car Rental Iceland – Reserve a Car
Which Car
Iceland is a unique and magnificent landscape, and the type of car you rent can greatly influence how you experience it. The conditions on Iceland’s roads, outside the cities, can be hazardous. The weather is violently unpredictable, the terrain is generally inhospitable and country roads are often gravel winding tracks. It is advisable to speak to an expert on car rental Iceland before you book a car, to ensure it meets the safety and performance standards you require for your journey.
Driving Papers
You must be over 21 to rent a car in Iceland. Depending on the type of vehicle you want to rent, further age restrictions may apply.
You will need a current, valid EU/EEA driving license, which you have held for at least two years. Visitors, who don’t have an EU/EEA driving license, will need a license issued in their country of residence. If it is not written in English you will need a notarized English translation of it.
Car Rental Iceland – Reserve a Car
Insurance Motor Vehicle
Insurance is always included in your car rental quote, and usually includes Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver (Damage to the rental car with an excess) and Theft Protection (with an excess). You also have the option to add further insurance.
Petrol Stations
Opening hours of petrol stations in Iceland vary from place to place; in Reykjavik and the larger cities, close of business is usually 23.30hrs. However many have automats you can use after closing, which accept cards and notes.
As you could drive for a very long way without seeing a petrol station, always carry a can full of petrol, topping it up each time you stop at a station.
Car Rental Iceland – Reserve a Car
Road Rules
- In Iceland we drive on the left and overtake on the right.
- Speed limits in towns are 30 – 50km/hr; on gravel tracks its up to 80km/hr and 90 km/hr on tarmac roads.
- Some roads are not open to the public – particularly in areas where flora and fauna are protected and can carry a fine. As a general rule, you must not drive off marked roads as it’s prohibited.
- You and your passengers must wear seat belts.
- The use of mobile phones whilst driving Iceland is banned, although you can use a hands free set.
- Fines for speeding and other road traffic offences are high.
- Icelandic law forbids any driving under the influence of alcohol.
- When travelling outside the cities, your lights must be on; during the day and night in both winter and summer.
Finally…..
When renting a car in Iceland, ask for the driving restrictions for your vehicle to be explained in detail, and written down. You should also pick up a booklet advising you of what road signs mean as well as rules and regulations from the car rental Iceland company you use.
For up-to-date road conditions and weather forecasts visit Iceland National Roads Authority.
For further information, see our series of articles on driving in Iceland below.
Driving Iceland:
