Iceland road trips are hands down the best way to experience this stunning country – trust me on this!
There’s something magical about hitting the open road and soaking in the breathtaking landscapes while touring Iceland by car.
But before you grab the keys, there are a few important things to know to make your road trip as smooth and unforgettable as possible.
I’m all about responsible travel, which means protecting Iceland’s incredible nature and keeping you safe along the way.
So, let’s talk about road trip rules!
With the right car, a solid plan, and a sense of adventure, you’re almost there!
Here are 15 important things that’ll help make your Iceland road trip one for the books.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Preparing for your Iceland Road Trip
- Staying Safe on Your Road Trip Around Iceland
- Pro Tips and Travel Etiquette
- More on My Ultimate Road Trip Planning Series
- Iceland Guidebooks + Maps
Preparing for Your Iceland Road Trip
Before you even start your engine, you’ll need a reliable rental car, a solid itinerary.
Let’s take a look at what else you need to check off your list.👇
1. Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
I’m all for spontaneity, but when you’re taking a road trip in Iceland, having a foolproof itinerary is a must!
With so much to see, you don’t want to waste time figuring out where to go next, especially if you’re short on time.
So when is the best time for an Iceland road trip?
Well, it all depends on what you want to see.
I will say, however, that Iceland is spectacular in both the summer and winter.
Especially if you’re planning on traveling the popular routes like Golden Circle or Ring Road in Iceland where the roads are well-maintained year round.
If you’re looking for a 1 week Iceland itinerary, check out my 👉 7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary.
It’s got a well-planned route with must-see attractions, hidden gems, essential stops, and even restaurant recommendations, all in one convenient guide.
Plus, there’s a digital Iceland road trip map that makes finding fuel stations and other key spots super easy.
Every morning, you’ll wake up, check the map, and know exactly where to go and how much time to spend at each stop!
2. Stock Up on Snacks and Drinks
Make sure you stop at a grocery store to stock up on snacks before heading out of Reykjavík.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than kicking off your trip in full hangry mode, am I right?!
If you’re on an Iceland Ring Road trip, you’ll be doing a lot of driving between remote spots, so having a stash of food in the car is a lifesaver.
Restaurants and gas stations are few and far between, and who wants to interrupt their sightseeing just to find something to eat?!
The two main grocery stores, Bónus and Krónan, have everything you’ll need.
Pro tip: if you’re arriving on the early 6 am IcelandAir flight and heading straight into the countryside, keep in mind these stores don’t open until 10 a.m. at the earliest. So plan accordingly!
Here’s everything you need to know about shopping at Iceland’s grocery stores.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Grocery Stores: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Shopping
3. Select a Good Playlist
You’ll spend a lot of time in your vehicle, driving from one awesome place to the next.
And I don’t know about you, but music is a huge part of my travel experience.
There’s something special about having a song – or a set of songs – that perfectly captures the vibe of your trip.
(For us in Iceland, Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men is that song!)
My 👉 Iceland Guidebooks + Maps come with the perfect Spotify Roadtrip Playlist with specific songs curated for your Icelandic adventure.
Think of it as your personal soundtrack for Iceland! 😊
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring an aux cable or USB cord to hook up your music during your Iceland road trip!
4. Pack a Big Memory Card
You’ll likely take more photos in Iceland than you ever have before!
I think we took over 1200 photos on our honeymoon trip alone.
Can you imagine running out of space for photos? That would be the worst!
I recommend at least a 32 GB memory card, but if you plan on shooting in RAW format, I’d suggest going bigger.
We always have a backup just in case, you never know when you’ll need it.
5. Always Check Road Conditions
Road.is is an amazing resource for everything you need to know about road conditions in Iceland.
It’ll show you if the road is slippery, closed, or impassable – all those important details.
Plus, they have cameras set up so you can see the most recent conditions on specific roads.
I highly recommend checking it every morning before you set out. It’s a simple way to stay informed and make sure you’re prepared for what’s ahead.
6. Rent a Reliable Vehicle
So, we’ve already established that the best way to see Iceland is by car. 🙌
And when it comes to an epic Iceland road trip, having a reliable rental can make or break your experience.
Blue Car Rental is a local company with fantastic customer service. They know the terrain and their vehicles are fully equipped to handle Iceland’s unique conditions!
With online check-in, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a wide selection of cars they’ve always been my go-to choice.
And here’s a bonus: When you book with my special 👉 VIP link, you’ll get a 5% discount automatically applied at checkout.
Easy peasy!
Staying Safe on Your Road Trip Around Iceland
To make sure you stay safe, here are a few simple but important tips to keep in mind as you explore the island!
7. Don’t Stop on the Side of the Road
Okay, so this rule is the most important one: Under no circumstances should you ever stop on the side of the road in Iceland.
The views are stunning, and you’ll want to pull over every five minutes.
I get it!
But trust me, Iceland’s roads are narrow with practically no shoulder space, so pulling over is a huge no-no.
I’ve had to swerve around cars stopped for photos, and it’s dangerous.
Sadly, there have even been fatal accidents from this.
Instead, look for pull-offs or little driveways where you can safely park and take in the scenery.
Iceland’s landscapes are amazing, and you’ll get plenty of chances to soak it all in. But, it’s not worth risking your safety during your Iceland road trip for a picture.
8. Watch Out for Driving Hazards
The number one thing you’ll need to watch out for? Sheep!
Fun Fact: Sheep outnumber humans in Iceland, and they’re everywhere – often roaming freely and sometimes wandering into the road.
They usually move when they see traffic, but if not, just gently honk to help them out of the way.
Also, always keep your headlights on.
Yes, even during the day.
It’s required by law, and with Iceland’s unpredictable weather, it’s a good rule to follow. It helps other drivers see you, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.
9. Pay Attention to the Road Signs
I know this might sound pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.
On a big road trip, especially in the less-traveled parts of Iceland, plenty of things can go wrong.
Being prepared and knowing where you are going will save you a lot of stress.
Iceland is unbelievably beautiful, and there will be moments when you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Game of Thrones (well, that’s because you probably are!😉)
Always pay attention to the road signs in Iceland, especially those indicating if a road is closed, impassable, or an F-Road.
For F-Roads, you need the right vehicle, but it’s just as important to avoid driving where you’re not allowed.
These closures are there for a reason – for your safety.
So, never take a shortcut if the sign says “closed” or “impassable.” Ignoring those signs could lead to trouble with your vehicle – and possibly the law!
10. Never Drive Off-Road on Your Iceland Road Trip
The next thing that you should absolutely never do is drive off-road in Iceland.
If there isn’t already a road to get somewhere, don’t go there.
Not even in the sand, and definitely not on the moss. Just don’t do it.
The tracks left behind can cause permanent damage. And since Iceland is considered a tundra, driving off-road is especially devastating to the environment.
11. Don’t Speed on Your Iceland Driving Tour
If you get a speeding ticket in Iceland, it’s REALLY expensive.
The speed limit on the main Ring Road, and most of the main roads in Iceland, is 55 miles per hour (about 90 kilometers per hour ). So, it’s not exactly fast.
There will be times when you’re cruising along the open road, and you’ll feel like rushing to the next spot.
But here’s the thing: there are speed cameras everywhere in Iceland.
Even if there’s no police around, those cameras will take a photo of your license plate and send the ticket to your car rental company.
So yeah, you’re not going to avoid paying that ticket.
Fines can be as high as $1,000, depending on how much you go over the limit.
If you’re wondering about this, check out my video below on how to avoid fines.👇
12. Expect Weather Changes
Whether you’re planning an Iceland road trip in winter or summer, know this: the weather in Iceland changes all 👏the👏time!👏
One minute can be sunny, and you don’t need a coat outside, and then the next you’re driving through a blizzard!
Crazy, right?!
Sometimes it’s pouring rain, and then it’s clear skies. You can’t control the weather, but you have to be prepared for it!
It’s SO important that you pack for all seasons, no matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland.
Not sure what you should pack, you say?
Well, I’ve got a little something-something for you!😉
My Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
It shows you how to layer your clothes (having wind and waterproof layers is an absolute must!). There are seasonal packing lists, weather averages by month, and suggested items to get for the whole family.
Download the FREE PDF here.👇
Pro Tips and Travel Etiquette
Here are a few extra tips for your Iceland road trip.
Oh, and remember, be respectful to the land, the locals, and your fellow travelers.
13. No Need to Withdraw Cash
Gas pumps, convenience stores, and more all accept major credit cards in Iceland, which is super helpful.
While this may not be the case everywhere, Iceland is well-equipped for card payments.
(Just make sure your bank knows you’ll be making charges from Iceland.)
I highly recommend reading up on how payments work here for more details. 👇
➡️ READ: Mastering Currency in Iceland: Your Essential Guide on How to Pay for Things
14. Don’t Miss a Chance to Fuel Up
If you’re on an Iceland self-drive itinerary, check how far your gas station stops are apart.
One crucial tip for driving in Iceland is to fuel up whenever you can – and I mean whenever you can!
Even on the main Ring Road, there are stretches with long gaps between gas stations, and you never want to risk running low on fuel in the middle of nowhere.
So, even if you’re halfway through your tank and spot a fuel station, pull over and top off your tank.
Believe me, it’s better to be safe than stranded!
The great news is that all my Iceland digital maps have fuel stations clearly marked, so you won’t have to waste time searching aimlessly for one.
Pumping gas in a new country can be confusing, so here’s how it’s done in Iceland:
- Find the payment terminal next to the pump.
- Slide your credit card in and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enter the amount of fuel you want (this is just a limit – if your tank fills before reaching that amount, you’ll only be charged for what you used). Also, I recommend that you avoid choosing the ‘Fill tank’ option—you risk having a very large hold placed on your card!
- Fuel up.
- If you want a receipt, just re-enter your card at the end.
Keep your tank full, and you won’t have to worry about getting caught with an empty one!
15. Be Safe and Respectful at Every Attraction
Be mindful of nature and Iceland’s landmarks.
Remember, most attractions in Iceland are part of the natural landscape, and it’s crucial to preserve this wilderness for future generations.
Stick to marked footpaths and avoid crossing into restricted areas.
Just recently, a tourist got too close to the waves at one of Iceland’s famous beaches. The powerful current pulled him under, tragically resulting in his death.
Nature’s forces are nothing to take lightly, so use common sense and stay safe. Also, please remember the golden rules of respect when visiting Iceland:
- Do NOT litter
- Do NOT poop in nature (yes, it’s worth mentioning!)
- Do NOT graffiti
- Do NOT tear up the moss
These are ACTUAL THINGS tourists do, and they often make the news.
Don’t be one of those people! Let’s help keep Iceland beautiful.
More on My Ultimate Road Trip Planning Series
If you’re planning a road trip in Iceland, check out more amazing resources I have in my road trip planning series. 👇
✅ Part 1: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Iceland
✅ Part 2: Iceland Road Trip: Top 15 Tips How to Plan an Epic Trip
✅ Part 3: 19 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Iceland
✅ Part 4: Road Signs You Need to Know Before Driving in Iceland
✅ Bonus: 7 Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavík
Iceland Guidebooks + Maps
Whether you’re doing a road trip around Iceland, exploring day trips from Reykjavík by car, or planning a more extensive Iceland road trip, my Iceland Guidebooks + Maps are the ultimate companion.
Seriously, you can’t leave home without them!
The digital map has pinned locations like toilets, gas stations, distance between popular sites and all the popular attractions and secret gems you could hope to see.
With a guidebook that’s packed with information about how long to visit each attraction, what I rate it, the gear you need, and when is the best time to visit, you’ll have everything you need for an effortless trip.
They’re also packed with valuable details you just won’t find anywhere else.
It’s everything I wish I had known when I first traveled to Iceland.
Take a look at what Sandra A. had to say about the Ring Road Map and Guide:👇
“I feel bad for people that leave the planet without ever seeing the Northern Lights and I feel equally bad for people that travel through Iceland without Jeanie’s Ring Road Map + Guide!
We just returned from a magical 10-day trip and used her Google Maps exclusively to navigate around Iceland. Jeanie has thought of EVERYTHING when creating these travel tools. You made this trip of a lifetime smoother and stress-free.”
If you want to experience the best Iceland road trip, I can’t recommend these guides enough.
Catch you on the open road!
Happy Planning,
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