Why rent a car in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital and the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. While the city itself is compact and walkable, a rental car is essential for discovering what makes Iceland unique, from the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle and the black sand beaches of the South Coast to the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the volcanic highlands of the interior. The famous Ring Road connecting Iceland’s most dramatic scenery begins and ends in Reykjavik.
Pick up your car in the city or directly at Reykjavik Airport and start exploring Iceland immediately after arrival. For more information, see car rental in Iceland.
Exploring Iceland by car from Reykjavik
Routes and highlights from Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the starting point for virtually all road trips in Iceland. The Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular driving route, covers approximately 300 km and connects Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall, all reachable in a comfortable day trip from the capital. The South Coast route eastward along the Ring Road passes the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, approximately 380 km from Reykjavik. The Snæfellsnes peninsula to the northwest, dominated by the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano, is about 180 km from the city and makes for an excellent two-day circuit. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire island at approximately 1,332 km and is typically driven in seven to ten days. For more information, see car rental in Iceland without a credit card.
Driving conditions in Iceland
The Ring Road and main routes in Iceland are paved and well maintained. Highland roads (marked F-roads) are unpaved, often requiring river crossings, and are only open in summer. Standard rental cars are not permitted on F-roads, a 4×4 with high clearance is required. Always check road conditions before setting out at road.is, which provides real-time updates on all Icelandic roads. Weather can change very rapidly in Iceland, and strong winds, snow and ice are possible even in summer at higher elevations. Fuel stations outside the Reykjavik area can be more than 50 km apart, so it is always advisable to fill up when passing through a town.
Best time to rent a car in Reykjavik
June, July and August offer the longest daylight hours, including the midnight sun in late June, and the most reliable road access, with all major routes open. Winter driving (November to March) is possible on the Ring Road but requires experience with ice and snow, and some sections can be closed temporarily after storms. The northern lights are visible from September to March when skies are clear. Spring and autumn offer a balance between reasonable weather, fewer tourists and the possibility of seeing the northern lights in September and October.
Car rental price in Reykjavik
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Reykjavik, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
For this period we found no all-inclusive rental in Reykjavik that can be booked without a credit card. Try the search above for your own dates — availability changes.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
