Destination guide
Car hire in Reykjavik for crew on a break
Iceland is one of the rare destinations where a car isn't optional — it's the whole point. Public transport outside Reykjavik is minimal, and the country's biggest draws (waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, the Golden Circle) are strung along roads a bus route simply won't cover on a short break.
Why bother with a car here
Reykjavik itself is small and walkable, but almost everything worth seeing is outside it. The Golden Circle loop (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is a comfortable day trip from the city. The full Ring Road circles the whole island and is a multi-day undertaking — realistically more than most layovers allow, but even a partial drive along the South Coast delivers waterfalls, black-sand beaches and glacier views that aren't reachable any other way.
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Search car hire →What to know about driving here
- Driving side: right-hand side.
- Weather changes fast. Check road conditions (road.is) before heading out, especially outside summer — wind and ice can close routes with little notice.
- F-roads (highland mountain routes) need a 4x4 and are usually only open in summer — a standard rental won't be permitted on them, so check your car's category against your planned route.
- Fuel stops thin out fast once you're outside Reykjavik — don't let the tank run low on longer stretches.
Good use of a day off
The Golden Circle is the classic, manageable one-day loop from the city. If you've got a bit longer, driving even a few hours along the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls is a spectacular use of the time — just keep an eye on the return drive and daylight hours, especially in winter.
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Search car hire →Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a car in Iceland?+
For anything beyond Reykjavik itself, yes — public transport outside the city is minimal, and the country's main attractions are spread along roads with no practical bus alternative.
Can a standard rental car handle Iceland's roads?+
The main ring road and coastal routes are fine in a standard car. The F-roads (highland tracks) need a 4x4 and are usually closed outside summer — check your route against your car's category.
How much of Iceland can I see on a short break?+
The Golden Circle is a comfortable one-day loop from Reykjavik. The full Ring Road is a multi-day trip — a partial South Coast drive is a realistic option for a shorter break.