If you’re renting a car in Iceland, one thing to be aware of is how and where to fuel up while on the road. On top of dispensing fuel, petrol stations here are a combination of coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, and community centers. Unlike regular grocery stores and shops that operate on limited hours, gas stations are open for much longer, providing more services than you might expect!

If you’re planning a road trip around Iceland anytime soon, this comprehensive guide has all the information you need about gas stations in this Nordic country.

How Do Gas Stations in Iceland Work? 

Most gas stations in Iceland are full-service and you have the option of either filling up your car yourself or having staff on-site do it for you. If you’re using a self-service station, you’ll need a credit or debit card with a PIN to fill up your car.

Gasoline 

Your rental car in Iceland will be designed for a specific kind of fuel, so you need to be mindful of that when filling up your vehicle. Unlike the U.S., in Iceland, the petrol pump is green and the diesel one is black.

EV Charging Stations 

With Iceland being a pioneer of sustainability, electric vehicle charging stations are found throughout the country, even in the more remote parts. There are two main electric car charger providers: Ísorka and ON (Orka náttúrunnar). You can recharge your car using the smartphone app with either provider. You can even download the English language apps before you arrive so you’re familiar with the process without needing to learn much of the local language.

Car Wash

A lot of gas stations in Iceland have car wash facilities, if you need one. If you’ve been driving on muddy roads, having a car wash at a petrol station is quite convenient. As anywhere else, always wait for the driver before you to finish up before entering the car wash. It’s common etiquette in Iceland to clean up the car wash area with some water after you’re done.

How to Pay at Iceland’s Gas Stations

Full-service stations accept multiple modes of payment. But there are also a few self-service gas stations that only accept credit cards with PINs, for example, the gas stations at Keflavík. Either way, you need to enter the number of the petrol pump you’re using at the kiosk and pay using your credit card. 

Discount Programs

Iceland’s car rental companies have partnered with fuel companies to create a loyalty discount program for customers. In addition to saving a few bucks of Icelandic Krona per liter, you also get discounts on food and other items as well as free coffee for signing up.

Gas Stations in Iceland 

Knowing where the nearest petrol station is crucial when going on a road trip around Iceland. Getting familiar with the gas station brands helps, so we’ve covered the major ones below:

N1 Gas Stations 

The N1 is a popular gas station chain with 95 locations dotted throughout Iceland, especially on the Ring Road. There are also stops in more remote regions such as the Westfjords.

Some N1 stations also offer oil changes, auto repair, and tire services. You can also get a prepaid card with a PIN here, which makes paying for fuel easy. 

Costco Gas 

For American travelers, it can be a comfort to know there’s a Costco in Iceland. It’s located in the town of Gardabaer, which is a 15-minute drive from Reykjavík airport. And your Costco membership is valid worldwide, which means you can seize those discounts wherever you are. 

Orkan Gas Stations 

Orkan is one of the cheapest gas station companies in the country. There are 65 self-service stations (mostly along the Ring Road) and they’re open 24/7!

Olis Gas Stations

Olis has 50 stations in Iceland. The Olis Discount Card gives you 5 ISK off every liter of fuel, free WIFI, discount coffee, a 10% discount at their restaurants, and lots more offers. 

Gas stations - Google My Maps

Gas stations

Gas Prices in Iceland

Gas prices in Iceland are among the most common queries visitors to Iceland have. There is no hiding the fact that Iceland is an expensive country so you’ll want to save in areas where you can. Knowing what to expect, and with a few simple techniques, you could save significantly on fuel costs on your trip.

Iceland’s gas consumption is influenced by a combination of varied factors. An understanding of these can not only help you budget realistically for your self-drive itinerary but also get a glimpse into how gas prices influence daily life in Iceland and its economy.

• Location – Within the island nation itself, prices tend to vary considerably, with remote regions costing more than easily accessible mainland cities such as Reykjavík.
• Economy – The Icelandic Króna (ISK) exchange rate against major currencies, especially the US dollar (USD), also affects domestic gas prices which spike upwards when the króna weakens against the dollar, thereby increasing import costs.
• Your vehicle – Based on the model and brand of the car, gas consumption can vary. Diesel cars, especially 4WDs, use more fuel than cars running on petrol, which tends to be cheaper.
• Driving routes – Road conditions vary across the country. You’ll need less fuel for the neatly paved Golden Circle, compared to the rugged Highlands. Similarly, you’ll end up paying more on gas for day trips which involve driving back and forth between an attraction and your accommodation, as opposed to round road trips.
• Season – Road trips in Iceland are dependent upon weather conditions, which also influence fuel prices. Driving in the winter can be challenging due to snow and the biting Icelandic wind.

How Much Does Gas Cost in Iceland?

Fuel prices in Iceland can vary based on gas stations and suppliers. Currently, Orkan is the cheapest supplier with petrol costing approximately 315.21 ISK (2.25 USD) and diesel being 326.05 ISK (2.33 USD) per liter. ÓB, Olis, and N1 are some of the more expensive suppliers, especially in Reykjavík. If you have a Costo membership in your country of residence, you can use it to get discounts on fuel in Iceland. 

Tips for Saving on Gas in Iceland

Although you can’t do much to change gas prices in Iceland, there are definitely ways to make the costs more manageable. 

• Drive efficiently – Little things such as maintaining a steady pace, and not accelerating frequently can go a long way in saving fuel. If you avoid speeding and keep under the limit of 50 km/hr in Iceland, you could save up to 25% in gas consumption.
• Choose the right vehicle – Camper rentals can vary based on fuel efficiency so picking the right one is crucial. Although diesel itself is more expensive, diesel cars tend to be more efficient than gasoline ones.
• Self-service pumps – Self-service stations are generally cheaper as they don’t have employees. You’ll need to use a pin and chip card to pay for gas, so make sure you have one if you’re planning to use it on your trip.
• Find discounts – Companies sometimes offer discounts for popular attractions and activities. This could also include a gas chip that could save you up to 3 ISK/liter at certain gas stations.

Whether you’re stocking up on essentials at the grocery stores on-site or fuelling up for the next leg of your journey, gas stations in Iceland are convenient places for a range of things. Before you hit the road, make sure to check out our guide to driving in Iceland so you’re well-versed in the country’s driving etiquette. Safe travels!

(*All prices are approx. as of January 2025)