What Type of Car Should I Rent in Iceland?

Without a doubt, hiring a vehicle is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in Iceland. The winding roads and remote destinations mean that driving is not only a joy but also sometimes the only way to reach the places you’re keen to tick off your bucket list. However, choosing the right model and type of car can make or break your time on this curious island. You’ll need to consider factors like time of year, weather conditions, your trip type, and more to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of this important decision.

Driving Conditions in Iceland

Iceland is blessed with unique and fascinating geography, which is oftentimes the reason that tourists make their way here. On the flip side, driving conditions can be negatively impacted by the same systems that drew visitors here. This is something to think about during your planning steps, especially if you’re planning to visit in the Autumn or Winter months.

Iceland’s Weather Conditions

Precisely what time of year you’ve planned to visit can mean radically different vehicle choices for you and your fellow holiday-goers. If the weather in Iceland is more likely to be pleasant, chances are that you won’t need to consider slippery roads or icy conditions when debating your rental vehicle choices. On the other hand, if visiting in Winter and planning to embark on long road trips, think again about renting that compact hatchback!

Terrain Variation

Where you visit should be as much of a factor in your rental car selection as when you visit. This might go without saying, but you need to think about the terrain you are likely to encounter on your trip. If you only have a few days and will be sticking to the paved and maintained roads of Reykjavik or the Golden Circle, then your small car should be sufficient. But if you want to expand your trip into the rugged Highlands or even further East to where fewer people roam, the terrain is much more challenging. For the Highlands especially, a 4WD is imperative. 

Seasonal Changes

It’s also worth remembering that during the Winter months, the F-Roads in Iceland’s Highland areas will be closed. This might influence your decision to plan a longer road trip and therefore the need for four-wheel drive.

Woman looking out of a car window at an icy landscape in Iceland.

Choosing the Right Car for Your Itinerary

One of the main perks of hiring a car in Iceland is that it allows you to explore according to your own schedule. Therefore your vehicle should match the itinerary you have planned for your time in Iceland. 

  • Reykjavik City Break: Reykjavik is a quirky and charming city, easily explored within a weekend or a few days. This will only require a hatchback or a fairly small car to complete.
  • Ring Road Sightseeing: If you plan to stick to paved roads but perhaps a little further afield, you might need to look to weather and road conditions for your trip to make a more informed rental vehicle decision.
  • Highland Exploration: The Highlands call many adventurers to its peaks and valleys, and it’s a stipulation that 4WD vehicles are required on F-Roads in these areas.

Hire Car Comparison

Not sure what your options are? There are a wide selection of car types available when looking to rent a car in Iceland – let’s take a look at the most common:

Small Cars

Our small hire cars typically fit at least 4 people with minimal space for luggage, available with manual or automatic transmission. Small cars or hatchbacks are great for keeping fuel costs low as they are on the more efficient side. These are ideal for city driving or day trips on paved roads in good weather. We stock reliable brands including Mazda, Hyundai, and Toyota.

Mid-size/Large Cars

If you’re traveling with more members of the family or a group of friends, you might need a little more luggage space or more seats. If you’re sticking to main roads but still wish to maintain fuel efficiency, our mid-size models are ideal for your Iceland journey. Again, manual and automatic models are available from GO Iceland’s fleet. We stock brands including Renault, Mazda, and Ford.

Wing mirror view at mossy Icelandic countryside.

4WD

If you want to be ready for anything or the Highlands are on your Iceland itinerary, 4WD SUVs are the rental vehicle choice for you. Winter driving conditions might also warrant four-wheel drive for ultimate peace of mind. Our 4WD models include Dacia, Hyundai, and Mazda.

Campervans

If you’re interested in saving on accommodation and combining your travel and stay in Iceland, campervans might be the option for you. What’s more, we also offer 4WD campervans so you can take to the F-Roads in your rental camper. Our camper models include reliable brands like Renault and VW. 

Regardless of the type of car you choose, all of our rental vehicles include our additional services, such as:

  • CDW Insurance
  • Fully inclusive prices
  • Free airport pickup
  • Free cancellation (until 25 hours before pickup)
  • No deposit

Browse our full range of rental models today and ensure you make the most of your time in Iceland. The open road awaits!