Free itineraries for Iceland road trip adventure

The Ultimate Guide to Driving Iceland’s Ring Road

Planning to drive the whole loop around Iceland? The Iceland Ring Road itinerary breaks the journey into manageable daily drives, shows you where to stop (and where to skip), and helps you avoid common mistakes. You’ll get a clear, day-by-day plan, realistic driving times, seasonal tips, and advice that actually matters once you’re behind the wheel — from fuel stops to pacing your days so you’re not exhausted by day three. It’s practical, road-tested guidance designed to help you enjoy the drive, not rush through it.

Explore the Ring Road Itinerary

Tips for a fantastic road trip vacation in Iceland

Going on a road trip in Iceland is on many people’s bucket lists. But there are several things to keep in mind, especially about safety. I hope that this guide to driving in Iceland helps you enjoy your road trip vacation safely in Iceland.

Rent a car from a reputable car rental company

I have heard many horror stories from people who wanted to save a little money by renting a car from disreputable car rental companies. I recommend always renting from a reputable car rental company, even if it costs a little more. There are just too many horror stories from people who have to save a few bucks and end up with significant issues with car rental scams. When I rent a car, I always photograph it to ensure I am not charged for scratches or dents that were already there.

Make your road trip carbon neutral

I urge you to make your road trip and flight to Iceland carbon-neutral.

Important! Stay safe when driving in Iceland!

Icelandic roads are narrower than roads in Europe, so keep your speed down and your eyes open. NEVER, EVER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO PHOTOGRAPH SOMETHING.

Information on driving safely, road conditions, and weather in Iceland

Check road conditions on the Icelandic Road Authority Website, monitor the weather forecast closely, study, and follow the advice on Safetravel.is. If you are looking for information on traffic regulations and road signs, this is the right page.

Driving in winter in Iceland

If you rent a car for use in winter, please consider renting a 4×4 vehicle. When driving in Iceland in winter, you and your car must be ready to handle icy and slippery roads, snow, darkness, low (or zero) visibility, heavy rain, gale-force winds, and frost.

If you are driving in winter, ensure that your car is equipped for winter driving. This means good tires, either with studs or certified whole-year tires. Never rent a car with worn-out tires. Breaks need to work 100%. In winter, when driving in Iceland, you will have to contend with slippery roads, snow, strong winds, driving rain, and darkness. Winter days in Iceland are short, and limited visibility is often a challenge.

Keep the lights, front and back, uncovered by snow. Make sure you scrape your windows free of ice and snow. Check that the windshield wipers work. If you think you should not try to save money by renting a cheap or old car when in Iceland, you are right.

Obey the speed limit

Fines for speeding are very steep in Iceland, and if you are caught going significantly above the speed limit, you might even lose your license. Penalties can be up to $1.200. The police enforce the speed limit strictly. The speed limit is shown on road signs; generally, it is 90 km/h on a paved highway and 80 km/h on a gravel road. The relatively low speed limits are simply due to the narrow roads in Iceland, which make driving fast dangerous. The speed limit is typically 50 km/h in towns, but it is often 30 km/h in residential areas.

Respect road closures

Nobody issues a travel warning or closes a road for fun. You will be the object of scorn if the volunteer rescue services need to get you out of trouble because you didn’t follow essential advice. Remember that if you put yourself at risk, you also put the volunteers at the rescue services at risk.

If there is a travel warning or a road closure, ensure you comply. You can always check Icelandic road conditions in real time across.

Watch out on narrow roads

Iceland has narrow roads, and one-lane bridges are standard. This is another reason to follow the legal speed limit, as detailed above. Sometimes sheep wander onto the road in the countryside at the last minute. Concentrate on your driving at all times.

No random stops in the middle of the road

Never, ever stop on the road. I have had to maneuver at the last second to avoid a collision with a stopped car. The people were out of the car, photographing a flock of sheep in a nearby field. Roads are narrow, so even if you are on the shoulder, you might be risking lives by stopping there. If you must stop, do so only at a designated area. Think before you rush out of the car and onto the road. Read the guide on how to stay safe in Iceland.

When you are renting a car, check your insurance

Make sure that you are well insured when you rent a car. One thing is sure; you are not insured if you try to go on an F-Road on a regular car. An F-road is a mountain road designated for use by well-equipped 4×4 vehicles and experienced drivers. The same goes if you try to cross a river. Make sure you have the experience, the right vehicle, and sufficient insurance if you venture off the regular roads.

Fuel is expensive

Gasoline and Diesel are expensive in Iceland. It is often about or above 200 ISK per liter, or about 800 ISK per gallon. That is about $1.60 per liter or $4.60 per gallon. You can save a bit by using self-service gas stations, but for that, you will need your credit card and PIN. Read the guide on saving money in Iceland and how to pay for things.

No off-road driving

If you are caught driving off-road, you will face a massive fine. You might also anger locals, and quite frankly, it is much more pleasant to be fined by the police than to be the object of a dressing down from an angry farmer.

Tunnel in the North of Iceland

When driving from Akureyri to Húsavík, you can shorten your trip slightly. If you do this, you will have to register your car and pay the toll online on the tunnel website.

Some car rental companies have added this charge to the rental price. Please enquire with your car rental company about this. If you are driving in summer and the roads are in good condition, you may bypass this tunnel and take the Víkurskarð mountain pass. The view there is pretty great.

Read Iceland road trip stories

Stuck in Iceland features many stories about road trips in Iceland. Not everyone had the road trip they anticipated, but real adventures are seldom planned.

Find inspiration for your Iceland road trip

I hope these Iceland road trips inspire you to visit Iceland. Imagine driving on the Icelandic ring road, seeing incredible sights such as the Vatnajokull glacier, the famous south shore of Iceland with the famous black beach, the stunning natural wonders on the Diamond Circle, or the Golden Circle.