There are few places in the world that test your sense of adventure like Iceland. The landscapes feel otherworldly, where lava fields stretch endlessly, waterfalls tumble beside the highway, and the horizon seems to change color every minute. I spent 16 days driving the full Ring Road in mid-September, weaving through the Westfjords, Eastfjords, and everything in between.
This wasn’t just a normal vacation it was a journey through fire, ice, and pure wilderness. Planning an Iceland road trip can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it’s one of the most rewarding adventures you can take.
Grab my detailed 16-day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Guide here.
Table of Contents
When to Take an Iceland Road Trip?
Choosing when to go is one of the most important decisions for your own road trip around Iceland. Each season offers a completely different experience.
Summer (June to August)
The most popular time to visit Iceland. Expect nearly 24 hours of daylight, lush green landscapes, and easy driving conditions. Most F-roads (mountain routes) are open, and you’ll have access to Iceland’s remote Highlands. On the downside, it’s also the busiest season with higher hotel rates and crowded attractions.
Shoulder Season (May or September)
This is when I went, and honestly, I think it’s the sweet spot. In mid-September, the crowds had thinned, the moss-covered hills were turning golden, and the Northern Lights were starting to appear. You might encounter snow and sleet in higher regions (I did around Mývatn and the Eastfjords), but the trade-off is worth it.
Winter (October to April)
A completely different adventure. The landscape turns into a frozen wonderland with icy roads, shorter daylight hours, and the best chances to see the aurora. You’ll need to plan carefully and definitely rent a 4×4 vehicle (see my guide to 4×4 rental in Iceland for detailed tips).
How Long Do You Need for an Iceland Trip?
The full Ring Road (Route 1) loops around the island for about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). You can drive it in a week, but it’s much more enjoyable with at least 10 to 14 days. That gives you time to explore slower, detour into fjords, and spend more than five minutes at each waterfall.
I spent 16 days on my 2025 trip, including extra time in the Westfjords and Eastfjords. Those regions turned out to be my favorite because they felt untouched and almost secret compared to the South Coast’s crowds.
If you have less time, focus on one region, like the South Coast or Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll still get the essence of Iceland without spending your entire trip in the car.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Trip
If you’re planning to drive the full Ring Road, your car choice matters more than you might think. Weather can change in seconds, and some roads are steep, rough, or unpaved.
I rented through FireFly Iceland, a reliable and budget-friendly company connected to Hertz, and it was one of the best choices I made. My Toyota Rav4 4×4 handled everything from gravel switchbacks to icy roads near Mývatn without a single issue.
If your itinerary includes fjords or the Highlands, a 4×4 rental is a must. Otherwise, a smaller car will do for the South and Golden Circle.
Budgeting for Your Road Trip
Iceland is famously expensive, but smart planning helps keep costs under control. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect per day on a two-week trip:
- Car rental: $100–$200+ per day
- Gas: $8.50–$10.50 per gallon
- Hotels or guesthouses: $120–$300+ per night
- Food: $15–$35 for casual meals, $45–$90+ for a main course
- Activities: $0–$200+ depending on the day (many sights are free)
Pro tip: Stock up on groceries at Bonus or Kronan supermarkets and cook at airbnbs/guesthouses with shared kitchens. It’ll save you hundreds over two weeks.
Where to Stay During an Iceland Road Trip?
Iceland offers everything from cozy family-run guesthouses to luxury design hotels. Here’s a breakdown by region to help you plan your route:
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Arnarstapi or Stykkishólmur for coastal hikes and glacier views.
- South Coast: Base near Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur for easy access to waterfalls and black sand beaches.
- Eastfjords: Stay near Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir for colorful fishing towns and fjord views.
- North Iceland: Akureyri makes a perfect hub for exploring waterfalls and geothermal areas like Mývatn.
- Westfjords: Ísafjörður or Patreksfjörður for dramatic cliffs, birdlife, and remote beauty.
Must-See Highlights in Iceland
Even without listing my full itinerary, these are a few places that should be on every Iceland road trip bucket list:
Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
Two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, both located along the South Coast. Don’t rush through them because each waterfall has its own magic, especially under early morning light.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A surreal sight of floating icebergs and playful seals. Take the short walk over to Diamond Beach, where the ice chunks glitter on black sand.
Mývatn
In North Iceland, this geothermal area feels like another planet. When I arrived, an overnight freeze coated the roads in snow and ice, but my 4×4 handled it perfectly. The hot springs and steaming vents at Hverir were worth every slippery mile.
Eastfjords
Quiet, dramatic, and wildly underrated. I drove through sleet and fog here, the mountains vanishing and reappearing in clouds. It was one of the most peaceful moments of my trip with no crowds, no noise, just nature in motion.
Dynjandi Waterfall
The crown jewel of the Westfjords. The winding gravel road to reach it would make most small cars nervous, but the payoff is incredible. The roar of the falls echoes through the fjord, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
Even though these stops along the Ring Road are absolutely stunning, some of the most magical moments in Iceland happen off the main roads. Excursions like whale watching in Akureyri, snorkeling between tectonic plates, or a Zodiac boat tour of Jökulsárlón can’t be missed. See my full guide to top Iceland excursions for details and tips.
What to Pack for an Iceland Road Trip?
Packing smart is essential. Iceland’s weather can change from sunny to snowing in minutes, even in September. Here’s the top items I recommend bringing:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Layers: fleece, base layer, thermal leggings
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger & car adapter
- Offline Google Maps
- Bathing suit (for hot springs)
- Tripod & extra memory cards for photography
If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at all of my hiking essentials below!
Tips for Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is generally easy, but the conditions require attention. Here are my top tips from the road:
- Never stop in the middle of the road for photos. It’s tempting, but unsafe. Pull over in designated spots.
- Fuel up often. Gas stations can be far apart, especially in the Eastfjords and Westfjords.
- Watch the wind. Gusts can be strong enough to rip doors off cars—always hold your door when opening it.
- Check road conditions daily. The official site road.is updates closures and hazards in real time.
- Respect speed limits. Cameras are frequent, and fines are steep.
The Magic Moments You Can’t Plan
The best part of an Iceland road trip is the unexpected. The times you pull over for a rainbow stretching over a glacier. The evenings when the Northern Lights dance above your guesthouse. Or the mornings when fog rolls off a fjord and makes you feel like you’ve discovered the edge of the world.
I had countless moments like these. Watching sheep cross the road in the Westfjords, stumbling on hidden hot springs, or sipping coffee beside my car while a light drizzle fell over a mossy field. Those are the memories that make Iceland unforgettable and worth every kilometer.
Final Thoughts: Why Iceland Is Best Explored by Road?
After 16 days and more than 2,000 kilometers behind the wheel, I can confidently say: there’s no better way to see Iceland than by road. The freedom to stop anywhere, chase the light, and take spontaneous detours turns your trip into an adventure instead of an itinerary.
If you’re dreaming of your own Iceland road trip, plan carefully, pack smart, and give yourself time to truly explore. This country rewards curiosity and patience like nowhere else.
Grab my full 16-day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Guide here.
✨ And if you’d like to plan your own Iceland adventure without the stress, my travel planning services are here to help! From personalized recommendations to detailed trip planning, I’ll ensure your Icelandic getaway is seamless and memorable. Let me take the stress out of planning—reach out today and let’s craft your dream Iceland adventure together.
Until next time, happy wanderings!
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