Should you rent a 2WD or 4WD in Iceland?
If you’re dreaming about that bucket-list Iceland road trip with waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic landscapes in every direction, this decision matters.
It could mean the difference between the trip of your dreams, or a roadside headache you didn’t see coming!
This “small detail” will impact where you can go how smoothly and safely your trip goes (especially if you’re visiting in winter!)
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where a 2WD will take you. You’ll also know when a 4WD is non-negotiable!
Plus, you’ll understand what works for summer travel and why winter is a whole different beast.
So, if you’re unsure what kind of vehicle will get you to where you want to go, you’re in the right place. 😉
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- What to Consider Before Renting a Vehicle in Iceland
- When Should You Rent a 2WD in Iceland?
- Should You Rent a 4WD in Iceland?
- Pros and Cons of Renting a 2WD vs 4WD in Iceland
- What Types of 4WD Vehicles Are Available?
- Recommended Car Rental Company: Blue Car Rental
- What You Need to Know Before Your Road Trip
What to Consider Before Renting a Vehicle in Iceland
There are two main factors you need to weigh up before choosing whether to rent a 2WD or 4WD in Iceland:
- What time of year are you visiting?
- Where are you planning to go?
Once you know the season and your route, picking the right rental becomes a whole lot easier for your Iceland road trip.
When Should You Rent a 2WD in Iceland?
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering whether a 2WD drive will be enough, you’re not alone!
The good news is, depending on when and where you’re visiting, a 2WD can be a perfectly practical (and more affordable) option.
But first, here’s what you need to know.👇
Summer Driving in Iceland
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re visiting Iceland in the summer months (June to August) a two-wheel drive will be just fine.
Summer brings long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and mostly clear roads, making it the easiest season for driving.
You won’t have to worry about snow, icy patches or extreme winds like in the winter.
Most roads in the main tourist areas are easy to navigate, especially in good weather.
You won’t need anything fancy, just a reliable car that can get you from one beautiful spot to the next.
Unless you’re planning to head into more remote areas, which brings me to my next point…👇
Accessible Routes and Regions
Most of the main routes, including areas like Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, South Iceland, and the Ring Road, are mostly paved and easy to drive on.
Which means they’ll be accessible by a two-wheel drive – in the summer.
However, the downside is that you won’t be able to explore more remote areas like the Highlands of Iceland or drive on interior F-roads, where a 4×4 vehicle is needed.
Pssst. Wondering how to keep track of all the must-see spots on your road trip? You’re going to love this!👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks
All my guides come with a digital map that has hundreds of pinned locations. It’s basically your go-to driving map of Iceland, so you’ll always know where you’re headed!
When Should You Rent a 4WD in Iceland?
We’ve covered when a 2WD works — mostly in summer and on well-paved roads.
So when do you need a 4WD in Iceland?
Let’s take a look.
Winter Driving in Iceland
Winter (October to April) brings challenging driving conditions, including snow, ice, and strong winds.
So, I 100%, without question, recommend renting a 4wd in Iceland in winter.
I once made the mistake of taking a 2WD to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in February…
By myself…
Thinking it would be fine.
It was not fine! 😉
Even if you’re an experienced winter driver (hello, girl from Wisconsin! 🙋♀️), the weather conditions can turn quickly, and it can be intense!
The roads in winter are not always as well-maintained as you might think, especially in remote areas.
I’m a firm believer in safety first — and in this season, that means renting a 4WD.
Curious about what it’s like to visit Iceland in the winter?
I bet you’ll be surprised at just how much there is to do, even with the chilly weather. Iceland in winter is magical, see for yourself.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland in Winter: Must-See Attractions, Driving, Weather, Packing And MORE
Traveling to Remote Regions
As I mentioned earlier, if you plan on heading to the Highlands or any remote region, for that matter, you’re going to need a 4WD.
Highland Driving + F-Roads
The F-Roads are mountain or Highland roads that lead into the interior of the country.
If you’re planning to visit this area or anywhere off-the-beaten path and wondering if you need a 2WD or 4WD…
You’ll definitely need a 4WD!
These roads are unpaved and muddy with potholes and often have river crossings. And they can be challenging to navigate.
So, if you come across a road and it says, F-232, you cannot go on that road with your 2WD drive car!
You always have to be careful in Iceland, but even more so on those interior roads, because they can get really dangerous.
Important Notes About F-Roads in Iceland
There are a few things you need to know about the F-Roads before you plan on tackling them:
Legal requirement: By law, you are only allowed to drive a 4WD vehicle on the F-Roads.
Rental restrictions: Many rental companies prohibit 2WD vehicles from F-Roads and may void insurance if this rule is violated. And you’ll be liable for any repairs on the vehicle! Ouch!
Seasonal access: F-Roads are typically open only during the summer months, from June to September.
River crossings and poor road conditions: Be prepared for rough road conditions and possible river crossings. A 2WD is just not built to tackle all that!
Another challenge when you’re exploring remote areas is that it’s difficult to locate crucial stops like gas stations.
Whether you have a 2WD or 4WD, you don’t want to be stranded anywhere in Iceland.
The good news is that it’s not going to happen on my watch! 💪
It can be difficult to get reliable information about the more secluded areas of Iceland, so I created a guide I wish I had when I first visited these areas.
My 👉 Iceland Highlands Map + Guide comes loaded with a digital map loaded with hundreds of pinned locations.
These include regional highlights and yes… gas stations! So whether you’re planning your route off the beaten path, you’ll always know where to go (and never run out of gas in the middle of nowhere!).
Pros and Cons of Renting a 2WD vs 4WD in Iceland
Not sure whether to rent a 2WD or 4WD for your Iceland trip?
Both have their perks and drawbacks, so here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Pros and Cons of Renting a 2WD
If you’re planning to stick to the main roads and popular regions, renting a 2WD can be a right choice. But it’s good to know both the benefits and the limitations before you rent.
Pros:
- It’s cheaper to rent a 2WD.
- They’re more fuel-efficient.
- They’re easier to handle and park.
Cons:
- Limited access to remote areas.
- A 2WD is not equipped to handle Iceland’s winter road conditions.
Pros and Cons of Renting a 4WD
While a 4WD comes with some clear benefits, it also has its downsides.
Pros:
- Handles snow, ice and wind well.
- You can access remote areas.
- It’s safer to rent a 4WD vehicle.
- A 4WD is the best option for winter.
Cons:
- Renting a 4WD is more expensive, both in terms of rental cost and overall gas consumption.
Remember, while a 4WD offers better control, always drive cautiously and check weather and road conditions before setting out for the day.
Take a look at this post about the travel warnings you need to understand if you plan on driving in Iceland.👇
➡️ READ: 3 Crucial Iceland Travel Warnings + Top Tips for a Safe Trip
What Types of 4WD Vehicles Are Available?
You’ve weighed your options and decided to rent a 4×4 in Iceland. What choices do you have when it comes to renting one?
- SUVs: These are great for general 4WD driving.
- Big rigs: Think heavy-duty 4WD vehicles built for extreme off-road and river crossings.
- 4WD camper vans (like Happy Campers). In Iceland, 4×4 camper van rentals allow you to camp in more remote areas.
If you’re leaning towards a camper van, Happy Campers is my go-to camper van company.
They’re a family business with years of experience, and their camper vans are designed for both safety and comfort.
Their 4×4 camper vans are perfect for exploring places like Landmannalaugar – yes, even with a toddler!
💥 Sign up for my newsletter and receive my VIP discount when you book with them!
Recommended Car Rental Company: Blue Car Rental
Understanding the difference between 2WD vs 4WD in Iceland will set you up for a successful trip.
Renting a car can sometimes feel like a hassle. But Blue Car Rental makes the process easy and efficient.
To help kick off your trip faster, they offer a smooth online check-in process and convenient key box pickup.
With offices at both Keflavík Airport and in Reykjavík City, picking up (or dropping off) your rental couldn’t be easier.
Insurance is included in the rental price, and they provide 24/7 roadside assistance, just in case you run into any issues along the way.
If you’re looking to save money on your car rental, whether you’re renting a 2WD or 4WD in Iceland, Blue Car Rental is offering 5% off your total rental price!
The discount is automatically applied at checkout when you use my 👉 VIP link – no code needed!
What You Need to Know Before Your Road Trip
The best tip I have for you before taking to the road in Iceland is to be prepared.
I’ve created an entire road trip series, and I know these posts will be incredibly helpful as you get ready to explore the wild, wide-open spaces of Iceland.
👉 Driving In Iceland: Stay Safe On The Roads With These 8 Tips
👉 Road Signs in Iceland You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road
👉 Iceland Road Trip: Top 15 Tips On How to Plan an Epic Trip
👉 Renting A Car In Iceland: 10 Quick Tips For A Successful Trip
With these tips, you’ll be ready to hit the road and experience all the wonderful experiences Iceland has to offer. 😍
Happy Planning!
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