The Iceland Ring Road is the single best way to explore the vast, dramatic landscapes of the island. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or plan to spend longer in the country, your trip will inevitably intertwine with this popular road.
The road is known by many names including Route 1, Road Nr.1 and Highway 1. The locals call it Þjóðvegurinn and Hringvegurinn, translated as the “national road” and “ring road”.
To truly get the most out of your road trip on the Ring Road in Iceland there are some important things to know. Where can you book a car rental? What attractions are on the Ring Road and what can you expect regarding gas prices and weather? In this article, we will cover everything that you need to make your Ring Road excursion a success.
- Check the current car rental rates in Iceland
- Discover types of rental vehicles available in Iceland
Table of Contents
- What is the Iceland Ring Road?
- Map of the Ring Road in Iceland
- The Driving Conditions on the Ring Road
- Rental Car Recommendations
- How much does it cost to drive the Ring Road?
- Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
- The Best Time to Drive the Ring Road
- Can I Drive the Ring Road of Iceland in the Winter?
- Tips for a Self-Drive Trip on the Ring Road
- Frequentely Asked Questions
What is the Iceland Ring Road?
The Ring Road in Iceland is the ultimate travel route around the country. As the name suggests, this 1,322 km (821-mile) highway circles the entire country, providing an incredible road trip through Iceland’s various landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and black sand beaches. It takes about 7-10 days to explore fully, with highlights like the South Coast, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri. The road is mostly paved and accessible year-round, but weather conditions can be unpredictable, especially in winter. Renting a car (preferably a 4×4 in winter) and planning fuel stops are essential for a smooth journey.
Map of the Ring Road in Iceland
The Driving Conditions on Iceland Ring Road
While the Ring Road in Iceland is mostly well-maintained and paved, the driving conditions will vary depending on the weather. The weather conditions in Iceland change dramatically during the year, especially between summer and winter. During the winter, parts of the road can become snow-covered, although they are typically cleared quickly. Some areas of the Ring Road are also susceptible to avalanches in the winter.
In the summer, the driving conditions are generally great! The road is well paved, except for a short stretch in East Iceland, and easy to navigate with a 2WD vehicle. If you do plan to venture off the Ring Road though then make sure you rent a 4X4 vehicle. If you are visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) you may still encounter unpredictable weather, so it’s always better to be on the safe side and rent a 4X4.
The Ring Road is a two-lane highway, except for some single-lane bridges. Even though there are no dedicated passing lanes, there is typically little traffic on the Ring Road and it’s very unlikely that you would even encounter a traffic jam. The road is also easy to drive and very safe, provided you follow the speed limit, take caution around hazards and keep a safe distance between yourself and other cars.
What Rental Car Is the Best for the Ring Road in Iceland?
When you’re choosing the best rental car to book for your Iceland Ring Road adventure there are multiple factors to take into consideration. It can be tempting to just go for the cheapest 2WD economy car, and that may very well suit your needs, but it’s not always the best option.
A 2WD compact car will suit solo travelers or those in small groups of 2 to 3 people. That said, you’ll only want to rent a 2WD if you’re driving the Ring Road in the summer season, since they aren’t as sturdy for shoulder season and winter driving.
A 4WD rental car is the best option for anyone traveling in the shoulder season or winter, or for groups of over 2 people. When you’re on the road for weeks then you want to be comfortable. Even if a vehicle seats 7, like a Land Cruiser, you need to consider the space that luggage will take up as well. If you fill it with people, there will be limited space for suitcases.
Maybe you want a more luxury experience, so you could choose a luxury car, or if you want to minimize your carbon footprint you could choose an electric car. You can choose from a variety of car options at Hertz including 2WDs, 4WDs, camper vans and even minibuses that can accommodate from 1 to 17 people.
*You will need a driver’s licence D for renting and driving a passenger van for 9 passengers (1 driver + 8 passengers) or more
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car for an Iceland Ring Road Trip?
The cost of renting a car in Iceland depends on what car you’re renting, what time of year and the length of your rental.
Summer is the most expensive time of year to rent a car in Iceland because the demand is much higher. Winter is the cheapest since there are fewer tourists visiting at that time. In general, if you choose to rent a 2WD economy car it is going to be much cheaper than renting a 4X4 SUV. If you want to determine exactly how much it will cost you to rent the perfect road trip car, enter your dates and times here for bespoke pricing.
How Much Is the Price of Gas in Iceland?
The price of gas in Iceland fluctuates throughout the year, but you can check the current gas prices in Iceland here. The gas in Iceland might seem expensive, and that is because it is. Like many of the resources in Iceland, gas has to be imported from off the island. The cost of transporting it to Iceland drives the cost for consumers up.
Pro tip: If you are looking for cheaper options for gas, try checking the self-service gas stations. Atlantsolia, ÓB and Orkan.
Additionally, if you rent a car with Hertz, you’ll receive a discount keychain that you can use to get cheaper fuel at affiliated gas stations.
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
We have prepared a map with all the top attractions along the Iceland Ring Road listed for your reference. The most popular Iceland attractions are clustered on the Iceland south coast. If you want to maximize your time in Iceland it’s a good idea to plan to spend the majority of your time along the south coast.
Ring Road Attractions in South Iceland
- Hveragerdi
- The Roadside Glaciers and Islands Views
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Seljavallalaug Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- DC3 Plane Wreck (for visiting this attraction, you will need to hike/take a shuttle bus from the parking lot next to the ring road)
- The Dyrholaey Peninsula
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vik
- Kirkjubaejarklaustur
- Fjadrargljufur Canyon
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Hofskirkja Church
- Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Ring Road Attractions in East Iceland
- Hofn
- Vestrahorn Mountain
- Egilsstadir
- Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
- Hengifoss Waterfall
- Seydisfjordur
Ring Road Attractions in North Iceland
- Lake Myvatn
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
- Grjotagja Hot Spring
- Hverfell Volcano
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Asbyrgi Canyon
- Husavik
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Akureyri
Ring Road Attractions in West Iceland
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula (This area is away from the Ring Road. You will need to spend extra days on the road if you want to visit this area)
- Westfjords (This area is away from the Ring Road. You will need to spend extra days on the road if you want to visit this area)
- Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
- Reykholt
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
- Borgarnes
- Mount Esja
You can start and end your Ring road trip from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
The Best Time to Drive the Ring Road
As a rule of thumb, the warmer months from March to November are the best time for driving the Ring Road Iceland. But this will largely depend on your personal needs, and what you want to see on your trip.
Some tourists prefer to visit when it is less crowded and the rates are cheaper for accommodation and car hire due to low demand.
Can I Drive the Ring Road of Iceland in the Winter?
You can definitely drive the Ring Road during the winter in Iceland. Since it’s Iceland’s most popular road it is generally well-maintained. That said, Iceland has unpredictable weather in the winter. The roads are often very slippery and snowstorms can strike at any moment. So even though the Ring Road is smooth and paved you could still end up having to wait out a storm for your own safety.
The winter season means taking extra caution by hiring a 4×4 car and driving slower than you would during warmer months because of the unpredictable weather and conditions. That means it will take you longer to get around the island, so take that into consideration when planning the length of your trip and booking your rental car to ensure you are giving yourself plenty of time.
It is not all doom and gloom, as you will enjoy cheaper rates on Iceland Ring Road accommodation during the winter season and on car rentals since demand is lower during this time. And best of all, winter gives you the chance to see the northern lights in Iceland!
Tips for Self-Driving on the Iceland Ring Road
- Make sure that you drive on the correct side of the road. In Iceland, you will need to drive on the right side of the road. If you’re from the UK, Australia or other countries that typically drive on the left then take extra care to remember this tip.
- Be patient while driving the Ring Road in Iceland. Iceland is full of dramatic landscapes, and the road reflects that. The unpredictability of the weather means that the road conditions can vary from day to day. Drive slow, and give yourself extra time. Plus, taking your time will ensure you don’t miss anything!
- Be on the lookout for hazards as you navigate the Ring Road. East Iceland has some gravel patches that you’ll need to be aware of. And take extra caution on steep inclines, bridges, tunnels, and bridges.
- Make sure you take every opportunity you can to fuel your car and use the bathroom. There are some very remote areas (like between Vik and Myvatn) where you will go a long way without the opportunity to refuel.
- Don’t go off-roading. Although Iceland may seem like an off-roader’s dream it’s actually illegal to drive off-road and you risk a hefty fine. If you want the experience of off-roading you’ll have to book an adventure tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Iceland Ring Road
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- How long is the Ring Road?
When you look at a map, Iceland’s Ring Road looks pretty long considering it basically circles the entire island. In reality, the road is quite short. The entire Ring Road is about 1333km or 825 miles in length.
- How long is the Ring Road?
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- How long does it take to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?
If you were to drive the entire Ring Road non-stop from start to finish, it would take you between 14 -16 hours. That is presuming an average speed of around 90km/h. Realistically, you won’t be driving around the Ring Road without stopping, but in theory, that’s how long it would take. Also – the time it takes will also depend on the season and weather conditions in Iceland, since snow and ice can slow you down.
- How long does it take to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?
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- How many days should you spend driving the Ring Road in Iceland?
Ideally, we would recommend spending between 10 to 15 days driving the Ring Road if you want to see everything it has to offer, without rushing. You can likely stop at all the Iceland attractions in 7 to 8 days, but you won’t have any buffer time. Also, you might want to branch off the Ring Road in the summer to visit areas on the Iceland F-roads like the Highlands. In the winter, it’s important to note that weather is unpredictable and you could end up stranded to wait out a storm, which could push back your itinerary.
- How many days should you spend driving the Ring Road in Iceland?
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- What’s the Ring Road speed limit?
Ring Road has a speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour or 55 miles per hour on most of the roads. In some areas, the speed limit may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the Iceland road signs.
- What’s the Ring Road speed limit?
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- Is the Ring Road paved?
Yes, the majority of the Ring Road is paved. Only about 2% is not paved. Some caution should be taken for the gravel roads you will find in Eastern Iceland. The road is also mostly two-lane, but there are some bridges that are only one lane.
- Is the Ring Road paved?
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- Where to stay on Iceland Ring Road?
You can stay in hotels, guesthouses and even camp along the Ring Road. Some of the best locations to stay to maximize your trip include Reykjavik, Vik, Höfn, Egilsstaðir and Akureyri. Booking in advance is essential, especially in peak season!
- Where to stay on Iceland Ring Road?
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland
Driving the Iceland Ring Road will allow you to experience many of the wonderful sites, villages, vegetation, mountains, hot springs, and waterfalls that Iceland has to offer. But before you start your journey, you need to consider how you’ll get around, the weather, and what your want to see so you can plan the best itinerary.
Booking the perfect car rental will ensure that you are safe and comfortable on your Ring Road adventure. Always make sure to book your car well in advance, especially in the high season when the demand means limited availability. If you are struggling to choose the right vehicle for your Ring Road trip, or need any advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at hertz@hertz.is.
Renting a car with a reputable rental company like Hertz Iceland means you will have a well-maintained vehicle that you can trust to get you everywhere you need to go. And best of all, it will be ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
Get started with your Iceland adventure by booking a car.
