General questions about renting a car with Hertz
- Do you need a car in Iceland?
Unless you plan on visiting only downtown Reykjavík, most visitors will want a car in Iceland. Most of the attractions that draw people to Iceland, including the Golden Circle, Northern Lights and numerous waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes, are best explored by car. A road trip around Iceland on the ring road is truly the adventure of a lifetime!
- Why rent a car with Hertz Iceland?
With a wide variety of quality vehicles, Hertz Iceland offers a car for every occasion. And our network of offices around the country provides support and service no matter where you need us. With over 50 years in the business, Hertz Iceland enjoys the reliability and professionalism of the Hertz global brand. Hertz is a name you can trust.
- What kind of vehicles can I rent in Iceland from Hertz?
Hertz offers a variety of vehicles for every budget and traveler type—economy vehicles for a quick couple’s getaway, and motorhomes and campers for roughing it around the ring road, 4WD vehicles to explore the highlands and other rough terrains, green cars for eco-conscious visitors and luxury rentals for people looking to experience Iceland with all the modern comforts of a luxury car.
- When are the Hertz offices open?
The rental car office at Keflavík Airport is open to service all scheduled arrivals and departures 24/7. Our rental car office in Reykjavík and call center is open 8 to 17 during the week (and to 15 on weekends). Most of our other offices are open during regular business hours (see Locations for details). Note that some remote offices may operate on reduced schedules during the off-season. Hertz Iceland offers support for its renters 24/7 through its emergency contact number +354 858 0499.
- How much does it cost to rent a car in Iceland?
Hertz Iceland offers a wide selection of vehicles and options to suit a range of budgets; daily rate starts from 45 EUR. Please use our booking engine for precise pricing information according to your rental period.
- How old do you have to be to rent a car in Iceland?
When renting a passenger car from Hertz Iceland, drivers must be at least 20 years old. Drivers who want to rent a jeep, minibus, camper or motorhome vehicle from Hertz Iceland must be at least 23 years old.
- Where can I pick up my car rental car with Hertz?
Many visitors to Iceland choose to pick up their rental cars from the Hertz office conveniently located in the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport. But with our large network of offices, renters have the option to pick up all around Iceland, including our car rental office in Akureyri in North Iceland, Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords and the Westman Islands off the South Coast of Iceland.
- How do I pick up my vehicle at Keflavík International Airport and how do I return it?
You’ll find the Hertz desk in the arrival area at Keflavík International Airport, which is the area you enter after leaving baggage claim and clearing customs. It’s a small arrivals hall, so the desk is easy to find. And once you’ve picked up the keys the vehicles are parked right outside the terminal — no hassling with a shuttle bus.
To return your vehicle, simply follow the signs for Car Rental Return as you approach the airport. If you want to enter the address into your navigation system, use: Blikavellir 1 235 Keflavíkurflugvöllur Or you can open the drop-off location directly in Google Maps. Once you’ve returned your vehicle, we will drop you off at the departures hall (which is only about 250 meters from the drop-off location). You also have the option of returning your vehicle at any of our offices around Iceland, but be aware that the rental may then be subject to a one-way return fee.
- What if my flight is delayed?
As long as you provide us with your flight information as part of your reservation, we will hold your vehicle for you until you arrive. If you did not provide your flight information when you initially made your reservation, please contact us with your flight info so we can add it: +354 522 4400 or hertz@hertz.is.
- Is the car I have chosen suitable for driving around Iceland in all seasons?
Hertz makes sure that all of our cars are equipped with tires appropriate for the season and have been winterized as necessary.
- What kind of car do I need to drive in the highlands of Iceland?
When driving in the highlands of Iceland, typically on “F-roads”, drivers will require a 4WD vehicle. All vehicles that are appropriate for highland driving and F-roads are marked as such in our vehicle catalogue.
- How are the roads in Iceland?
Iceland’s most popular route, the ring road, is entirely paved and very well maintained. Other heavily traveled routes, i.e., to and from major and around towns like Akureyri, Ísafjörður and Egilsstaðir, are likely paved and also maintained. Other roads may be gravel roads or require 4WD vehicles. Bear in mind that weather is unpredictable in Iceland and can have a serious impact on road conditions. Please check safetravel.is for tips on traveling in Iceland and for live updates on road conditions.
- How many car rentals are in Iceland?
In recent years many car rental agencies have sprung up in Iceland. When choosing a rental agency it’s important to find a reliable company with a good reputation for maintaining safe vehicles. In Iceland especially, it’s essential to rent from a company that can offer you local support wherever you are as you travel around Iceland. Hertz is a trusted global brand with over 50 years of experience in providing drivers with safe, well-maintained vehicles.
- Do you need an international driver’s license in Iceland?
The renter’s license is valid as long as it is printed in the Latin alphabet and is valid for at least 12 months. Other drivers must obtain an international driver’s license to rent a car.
- Which side of the road do you drive on in Iceland?
Iceland drives on the right side of the road.
- Is it safe to drive in Iceland?
Iceland is an exceptionally safe country. But as in all situations on the road, for the best trip possible, drivers must observe all laws and safety regulations. In Iceland, it’s especially important to check out the weather and road conditions before you leave and heed all weather advisories and warnings. Check out safetravel.is for live travel information.
- How can I extend my rental period?
To extend your rental period, contact us at +345 522 4400 or hertz@hertz.is.
- What happens if my vehicle breaks down?
Our fleet consists of some of the newest vehicles in Iceland and we pride ourselves on our excellent maintenance. But in the unlikely event that your vehicle does break down, please contact us at our 24/7 emergency number +354 858 0499. We will do our very best to find the quickest and most convenient solution for you depending on your location. If we cannot resolve the issue through our extensive service network, we will provide you with a replacement vehicle as soon as possible. You can find our emergency number on the dashboard decal of our rental vehicles, so don’t worry about memorizing it. You can also always turn to one of our local offices around the country if you are nearby.
- What sort of tires do I need in Iceland?
Drivers in Iceland typically use some kind of winter tire in the winter and switch back to summer tires in the summer. Studded tires are the only kind of tire that is regulated. Studded tires may not be used from April 15 to October 31.
- Are one-way rentals possible in Iceland?
Hertz Iceland offers one-way rentals. You may pick-up your vehicle at any location convenient for you and return to any other location. A one-way fee may be accessed.
- My flight is landing at Reykjavik KEF airport. Where should I book my vehicle?
Keflavik International Airport is sometimes referred to as Reykjavik KEF airport although it is actually a 45-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavík. This means that the large international airport in Keflavík is sometimes confused with the small domestic airport in Reykjavík, and some visitors accidentally reserve their vehicles for pick-up at the small domestic airport in Reykjavík. Please be aware of this confusion when booking and remember to reserve your car at Keflavík International Airport if you are arriving on an international flight (with the exception of flights from Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which often land at the domestic airport in Reykjavík).
