Car rental gives you the flexibility to explore Iceland at your own pace, from waterfalls and small towns to scenic coastal roads. If seeing the northern lights is part of your plan, a rental vehicle makes it easier to reach viewing spots away from towns when Icelandic road and weather conditions allow.
Renty brings together offers from verified rental companies across Iceland on its website. Each available vehicle is presented clearly, whether economy models, sedans, or 4x4s for different routes, each season and driving conditions. Choose your rental location and car category, then compare the total rental cost, gearbox, mileage limits, deposit, insurance cover and other car rental terms for your dates.
For summer trips along the Ring Road, the Golden Circle and the paved roads of the South Coast, a compact car is good to book. A rental car also makes it easier to visit places such as the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula. For a longer road trip, consider a larger car with more passenger and boot space. If your route includes the Highlands, check the road conditions and vehicle requirements before booking.
On Renty, choose the economy category to find offers that help keep rental costs down, or browse luxury vehicles for business trips and special occasions. Compare available offers by total rental price and terms for your dates to find the right rental car for your plans.
F-roads are highland tracks numbered with an F in front. They are typically open only in summer, and umferdin.is shows the current status of each one. A 4x4 is required, but not every SUV is permitted on F-roads. Check the rental terms to make sure the car is permitted on your planned route and whether additional insurance coverage is available. River crossings carry separate risks, and many insurance policies exclude related damage.
Planning to rent an electric car? Check its range and the location of charging stations along your route before booking. The rental company can explain the specific charging options, cards, or apps you may need during your trip for a more convenient driving experience.
Iceland is one such place where driving should be undertaken with due precaution since the weather tends to change very quickly. Strong winds can pull a car door out of your hand or damage it when opened. Make sure to park facing into the wind and hold the door firmly.
Icelandic roads can have unexpected animal crossings, especially in rural areas. From May to October, sheep frequently cross roads. During this season, stay alert and be prepared to slow down or stop.
Most car rental locations in Iceland are concentrated around Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavik. You can start your trip straight from the airport. A city pickup may suit a rental that begins with a few days in Reykjavik.
Keflavik Airport (KEF): handy straight after an international flight
Reykjavik: the city pickup and Reykjavik Airport (RKV)
South Coast towns: Hveragerdi, Selfoss and Hella, east of the capital and used by some offers
Before booking, check the pickup address. If you plan a one-way rental, select "Different drop-off" and enter your preferred return location.
Renty offers a wide choice of rental vehicles, from economy models and vans to 4x4s, with rental insurance coverage varying by offer. The daily rate is only part of the cost: check the excess, gravel and sand-and-ash cover, and fuel policy — each offer provides detailed information about its terms.
For a road trip around Iceland, estimate how far you plan to drive and check whether the mileage limit covers your route. Compare the total rental price and other terms for your dates, including offers with unlimited mileage.
The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards a claim. A collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection may be included in the rental price, but your potential liability depends on the excess and any exclusions. Check which types of cover are included in each offer and read the rental agreement carefully.
Flying stones, sand and ash can damage a car’s paint and glass. Check whether the car rental offer includes gravel protection, sand-and-ash cover, both or neither.
Most offers use a level-to-level fuel policy, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you collected it. Check the detailed information in your rental offer’s terms and conditions.
Pricing and Booking
Driver Requirements
General Information
Iceland charges a road usage tax for every kilometer driven. It is not part of the rental price: you pay it to the car rental company when you return the car, so on a long route it is worth counting into the budget. The rate and the way it is charged are set out in the rental terms.
The most demanding day of the route decides. A compact car is enough for paved roads in summer. Winter and highland routes call for a 4x4 that the rental terms allow on those roads. Check the available fleet to find a car that suits your planned route.
Rental Procedures
The daily rate is only a start. Add the deposit and the card it is blocked on, the mileage limit and the cancellation terms to see the real cost of the planned dates. Check out the possible fees and extras too.
Booking early widens the choice on the chosen dates. An offer with free cancellation keeps the plan flexible.
Many suppliers want a credit card in the main driver's name, and a prepaid or debit card may be turned away. At pickup, a deposit is held on that card, and the amount differs from supplier to supplier.
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