Planning an epic self-drive trip around Iceland? I couldnāt be more excited for youā¦road trips are the best way to see the country! š
But, Iām sure youāre wondering about one little detail – Iceland gas stations.
Imagine cruising along the open road, everythingās perfect untilāuh-ohāyouāre running low on gas and have no clue where the nearest gas station is!
If youāre traveling to smaller villages and off-the-beaten-path places, gas stations can be impossible to find – theyāre just not marked on your typical map!
(Thankfully Iāve got just what you need to remedy that, in this post. š)
Some stations are manned, but many are self-service. Youāll also find that amenities can differ from place to place, so itās important to know what to expect.
And then comes the question of how to pay.
Donāt worry friends, Iāll explain how you can fill up and pay for gas, plus a few other interesting features of Iceland gas stations that might be new to you.
If youāre driving in Iceland, this blog is for you!
Letās get into it!
Table of Contents:
7 Things Thatāll Surprise You About Iceland Fuel Stations
If you know me, you know that I love to take road trips all over Iceland.
But I quickly found that fueling up here is a bit different to what I was used to in the U.S. Let me break down some of the things you need to know about Iceland gas stations.
1. Iceland Gas Prices
A lot of people arrive in Iceland only to realize they havenāt budgeted for the fuel prices here!
Fuel in Iceland has to be imported and is generally more expensive here than in other countries.
So how much is gas in Iceland?
The petrol price in Iceland is currently ISK 313.76 per liter or USD 8.44 per gallon.
And you can expect to pay around ISK 320.51 per liter or USD 8.63 per gallon for diesel.
Even though diesel is more expensive than gasoline, keep in mind that it is more fuel efficient, meaning fewer trips to the gas station!
Another tip I have when looking for the cheapest gas stations in Iceland is to do what the locals do.
The gas prices at Costco in Iceland tend to be slightly cheaper, so youāll often see them queuing to fill up here.
Whatās great is that Costco membership is valid worldwide, so you can get those benefits even when youāre in Iceland!
2. Not All Iceland Gas Stations Are the Same
When you walk into some Iceland gas stations you might find anything from a full grocery store to a cozy cafƩ or restaurant!
Iāve even come across card games, souvenirs, clothing, and automotive supplies. All kinds of things!
These stations are often in the middle of nowhere or in small villages, but theyāre packed with everything you need.
Itās convenient because the all-in-one nature of these gas stations means you donāt have to make multiple stops.
Take N1 Gas Stations in Iceland, for instance. This popular chain is a great place to stock up on supplies, and even have full grocery stores.
Pro tip: Even if you canāt seem to find a grocery store in some villages, donāt overlook the gas stations – they might just have what youāre looking for!
If you want the best tips on what not to do on your road trip, check this out.š
3. Stand Alone Pumps with No Station
There will be times when youāre driving out in the middle of nowhere, and literally see one lonely old gas pump – and nothing else.
There’s no inside station.
No toilet.
And no place to pay.
Thatās why I always suggest having a credit card with PIN access because itāll allow you to use these pumps.
Want to make sure you never miss a must-see spot or get stuck in a remote area desperately searching for a gas station?
I found everything I wanted to know as a traveler in Iceland, and put it in my Ā Iceland Guidebook + Map for you!Ā
From hidden gems to practical travel tips like where to find the restrooms, gas stations and accommodation, itās all on the digital map.
Theyāre the best planning tool for visiting Iceland out there!
4. Full + Self-Service Stations
While some pumps are manned you will find that a lot of them, especially in the countryside, are self-service.
If youāre not used to pumping gas on your own, itās a lot simpler than you think.
But donāt worry, Iāll walk you through how to do it in a bitā¦ donāt go anywhere. š
A question I get asked a lot about is how to pay for things in Iceland. Especially at these self-service stations.
Iāve done a complete breakdown in this post below, including paying at grocery stores.š
ā”ļø READ: Mastering Currency in Iceland: Your Essential Guide on How to Pay for Things
5. Iceland Gas Stations Are Few + Far Between
If youāre sticking close to the capital, youāll obviously find a lot of gas stations in ReykjavĆk.
However, in more remote areas like the Eastfjords, North Iceland or Westfjords, there are a lot of wide open spaces!
And Iceland petrol stations are scarce.
You donāt want to be stranded out in the middle of nowhere without fuel, especially if the weatherās not great!
Always fuel up when you see an Iceland gas station, because the next one might be quite far away!
This is one of the reasons why so many travelers rave about my Iceland Map. Itās super convenient because theyāre able to plan out their exact route and see all the gas stations along the way!
If youāre sticking to the major tourist routes like SnƦfellsnes and the Golden Circle, youāll have no trouble finding them.
However, a good rule is to NEVER let your tank drop below half. That way youāll know youāll get to the next station – no worries!
Pro tip: When renting a car in Iceland, always check they offer 24/7 assistance.
One of my favorite companies that offer this is Blue Car Rental.
If you experience a breakdown or emergency, itās such a relief to know that theyāre just a call away.
Their vehicles are equipped to handle Icelandās extreme weather and terrain, making your drive safer and smoother.
Plus, their convenient online check-in process saves you time, so you can hit the road faster and with less hassle.
Book using this š Blue Car Rental link, and youāll automatically get 5% off your rental at checkout.
6. How to Pump Gas in Iceland: Fill-Up Options + Payment
Pay close attention, because this is importantā¦
When you come up to a pump, youāre going to have the option of choosing different levels of payment.
NEVER choose the āFill Up Optionā on the screen.
You might be thinking, “Why wouldn’t I just let it fill up until my tank is full?”
But hereās the thing: if you choose that option, it doesnāt just fill your tank – it places a huge hold on your card, sometimes up to $250!
I have no idea why they do this, but itās definitely something youāll want to avoid.
What I typically do is charge between 5,000 and 10,000 ISK at the pump.
Youāll only be charged for the amount you actually use, so youāre not paying for anything extra.
How to pay for gas:
Start by locating the payment terminal next to the pump.
Insert your credit card and follow the on-screen instructions. Enter the amount of fuel you’d like
(This is just a limit, so if your tank fills up before reaching that amount, youāll only be charged for what you actually used).
Select the correct nozzle, either for petrol or diesel.
Once you’re done fueling, you can re-enter your card to get a receipt if needed.
7. Iceland Gas Station Hot DogsĀ
It may sound random to point out, but most petrol stations in Iceland have really good hotdogs!
Theyāre a big deal here and theyāre not like the ones youāre used to back home (mystery meatā¦ eeew!).
No, the hot dogs here are delicious and made with real lamb meat. So, I highly recommend trying them, especially if youāre traveling on a budget.
Pro tip: I always make a point of stopping for the soft serve ice cream too (dipped in chocolate, of course!). Itās SO yummy!
Another bonus about grabbing a gas station hot dog?
Itās a great way to save on your food budget!
If youāre looking for more ways to save money on your trip, I did an entire post about that here.š
ā”ļø READ: How to Travel Iceland on a Budget: 25 Tips to Save Money on Your Trip
FAQs
Here are a few more things you might want to know when it comes to Iceland gas stations:
What is the Cheapest Gas Station in Iceland?
As I mentioned before, locals love to fill up at Costco. But other cost-effective options are Orkan, ĆB Gas Station, DƦlan, and AtlantsolĆa. Whereas stations like N1 and OlĆs tend to be on the pricier side.
Is Iceland Gas Station Food Good?
Yes! It’s surprising just how good the food is. Gas stations are a great place to grab a light meal or snack. Plus, the options are usually cheaper, so it’s a win-win!
What if I Donāt Have An Iceland Gas Station Credit Card PIN?
If you canāt get a PIN for your card, you can purchase a prepaid fuel card that you can use at unmanned fuel stations.
What are some Gas Stations Near KeflavĆk Airport?
You can find a lot of options near the airport. Some of those include Orkan Iceland, AtlantsolĆa, N1 and ĆB.
Iceland Road Trip Series
Iāve put together some super handy tips and resources in my road trip planning series. Check it out below.š
ā Part 1: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Iceland
ā Part 2: Iceland Road Trip: Top 15 Tips How to Plan an Epic Trip
ā Part 3: 19 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Trip to Iceland
ā Part 4: Road Signs You Need to Know Before Driving in Iceland
ā Bonus: 7 Budget-Friendly Restaurants in ReykjavĆk
Iceland Gas Station Map
Planning your first trip overseas?
Or maybe you’re a pro at traveling, but Icelandās unexpected details still leave you scratching your head?
(Details like where to find the gas station or restroom in a remote area!).
Trust me, I totally get it!
Wouldnāt it be amazing to just climb in your car, pull up a digital map, and see all the hidden gems, accommodations, and Iceland gas stations nicely laid out on your route?
You won’t be left wandering the F-Roads in the Icelandic wilderness trying to find them on your own!
Thatās why I created my š Iceland Map + Guidebook.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews, visitors to Iceland swear by it!
The digital map is a game-changer for planning your itinerary with over 1,500 pinned locations, from waterfalls and hot springs to restaurants and grocery stores.
My guide is packed with must-see sites, detours, planning checklists, suggested itineraries and insider information thatāll save you money on your trip.Ā
And so much more!
You wonāt find this level of detail anywhere else.
Get all the planning tools you need for the trip of a lifetime right here š Iceland Map + Guidebook.
Happy Planning!
Pin it for later! šš¼
