The Top 6 Iceland Self Drive Itinerary Options (With Maps)

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, there’s no better way to explore the island than following an expertly designed Iceland self drive itinerary. Renting a car gives you the freedom to access remote attractions that day tours simply can’t reach, allowing you to travel at your own pace. The perfect Iceland self drive itinerary will depend on the season and the length of your stay, ensuring you experience the best of what this diverse island has to offer.

In this article, we look at the top six Iceland self drive itineraries, complete with recommendations for the ideal rental cars for each route. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended adventure, in summer or winter, you’ll discover local insights that will help you tailor an itinerary perfectly suited to your needs.

• Related links: available rental cars in Iceland; Iceland car rental requirements

Table of Contents:

• Route 1: Iceland Stopover Road Trip (12 hours to 3 days)
• Route 2: Iceland South Coast Road Trip (5 days)
• Route 3: South Coast + Snæfellsnes Peninsula (7 days)
• Route 4: Northern Lights Winter Iceland Route (7 Days)
• Route 5: West Iceland (8 Days)
• Route 6: The Complete Iceland Ring Road Journey (10 Days)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Route 1: Iceland Stopover Road Trip – 12 Hours to 3 Days

Route

• KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik (for 12 hours to 1 day stopover time)
• KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Golden Circle > KEF (for 2 to 3 days stopover time)

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Golden Circle
Best Time to Visit: ALL year, suitable for both summer and winter
Road Conditions: This Iceland self drive itinerary uses only paved roads, so it is very easy to drive in the summer. It may become slightly slippery with snow in the winter months.
Types of Travelers: Travelers with a limited time
Recommended Rental Cars:  2WD economy/compact in the summer (May to October), 4WDs are recommended for winter (November to April).

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: For this self drive itinerary, you will begin at KEF airport, where you can collect your rental car and head straight to the infamous Blue Lagoon. Your second day will have you exploring the Golden Circle and heading back to the airport on the third day. Alternatively, you can push the Blue Lagoon to day three, depending on your flight times.

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2:  Reykjavik > Golden Circle > Reykjavik 
• Day 3: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport

Road Trip Features: This road trip itinerary may be short, but it will still allow you to see some great attractions. First, you will visit the Blue Lagoon, which is an outdoor geothermal spa located in a lava field near Reykjavik. You will also drive the Golden Circle, where there are three main highlights to visit. These include Thingvellir National Park, The Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Route 2: Iceland South Coast Road Trip – 5 Days

Route

KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Golden Circle > South Coast > Reykjavik > KEF airport

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast attractions include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Skaftafell, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Höfn
Best Time to Visit: ALL year, suitable for both summer and winter
Types of Travelers: First-time Iceland travelers
Road Conditions: This itinerary will use mainly paved roads, so they are easy to drive all year round. Roads can become slightly slippery due to snow in the winters.
Recommended rental cars: 2WD economy/compact in the summer (May to October), 4WDs are recommended for winter (November to April).

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: For this 5-day itinerary, you will begin at KEF airport, where you will pick up your rental car. This is similar to the previous itinerary except you will also have the opportunity to visit some amazing locations on Iceland’s South Coast. You can also choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on the first or last day depending on your flight times.

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2:  Reykjavik > Golden Circle  
• Day 3: South Coast Day 1 > Höfn
• Day 4: Höfn > South Coast Day 2 > Reykjavik
• Day 5: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport

Road Trip Features: Some of the main features of this road trip include the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the attractions around the Golden Circle like Thingvellir National Park where you can swim between two continents on a snorkelling tour! You will also visit the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. On the second half of your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to see more amazing waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, plus visit the towns of Vik and Höfn. And to top it all off you can visit glaciers, ice caves, and the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 

Route 3: South Coast + Snæfellsnes Peninsula – 7 Days

Route

KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes > Golden Circle > South Coast > Reykjavik > KEF airport

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast attractions including Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Skaftafell, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Höfn, Snæfellsnes Peninsula attractions including lava fields, waterfalls, Kirkjufell mountain, plus the villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi.   
Best Time to Visit:  ALL year, suitable for both summer and winter
Types of Travelers: First-time Iceland travelers
Road Conditions: The road conditions on this route are suitable for all seasons as they will be almost entirely paved, including on the Snæfellsnes. You will have no issues driving the roads in the summer, but they could become slippery with snow in the winter.
Recommended rental cars:  2WD economy/compact in the summer (late May to September), 4WDs are recommended for winter (October to early May)

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: This itinerary is the perfect way for first-time visitors to tour the entirety of South Iceland plus the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You will begin and end at KEF airport, where you can pick up and drop off your rental car. Over the 7 days, you will visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula and South Iceland’s most popular attractions and villages. You can choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on either the first or last day of your trip depending on your flight times.

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2: Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula > Golden Circle
• Day 4: Golden Circle > South Coast Day 1
• Day 5: South Coast Day 2 > Höfn
• Day 6: Höfn > South Coast Day 3 > Reykjavik
• Day 7: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport

Road Trip Features: This road trip is perfect for first-time visitors who have a week to spend in Iceland. You will get the opportunity to visit all of South Iceland’s best attractions including the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Northwest of Reykjavik. Your trip will begin in the capital, and you’ll spend the first few days checking out Snæfellsnes with its glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, cliffs, and the stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull. 

The second half of your trip will take you around the Golden Circle and down to explore the south coast. You’ll visit some of the epic waterfalls including Snæfellsjökull and Seljalandsfoss as you make your way around Eyjafjallajökull glacier. You’ll then visit the town of Vik, and you can stop by Reynisfjara, the gorgeous black sand beach. Next, you’ll move east to Vatnajökull National Park and see the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before making your way back to the capital.

Route 4: Northern Lights Winter Iceland Route – 7 Days

Route

1. South Iceland:  KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes > Golden Circle > South Coast > Reykjavik > KEF airport 
   
2. North Iceland:  KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > North Iceland > West Iceland > Golden Circle > Reykjavik > KEF airport 

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Golden Circle
South Coast Route Attractions: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Skaftafell, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Höfn 
OR
North Iceland Route Attractions: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn – Grjotagja Cave – Dettifoss Falls, Husavik & Godafoss waterfall
Best Time to Visit: It is only possible ot see the northern lights in Iceland during the winter season (late September – mid March) 
Types of Travelers: Northern light hunter
Road Conditions: Although this route will involve mostly paved roads the conditions can be variable since you’ll be visiting in the winter. There is likely to be heavy snow and icy roads on this route.
Recommended Rental Cars: 4WD SUVs are highly recommended

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: You have two options for this itinerary to see the northern lights in Iceland. You can either focus on the attractions along Iceland’s South coast, or head north and experience Lake Mývatn and other activities in North Iceland. For both routes, you can choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on either the first day or the last day depending on your flight times.

Southern Route:

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2: Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Day 3: Snæfellsnes peninsula > Golden Circle
• Day 4: Golden Circle > South Coast Day 1
• Day 5: South Coast Day 2 > Höfn 
• Day 6: Höfn > South Coast Day 3 > Reykjavik
• Day 7: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport 

Road Trip Features

If you’re looking for a trip that showcases the largest diversity of Iceland’s landscapes then Southern Iceland and the Snæfellsnes peninsula is the ideal route. Plus, you’ll still have a great opportunity to see the northern lights. As with all our itineraries, you’ll start at KEF airport. Begin with a visit to Reykjavik, then head over to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to check out Djúpalónssandur’s black pebble beach. For the best chance to catch the northern lights, consider staying at a more remote hotel on the peninsula.

Next, take a tour of the Golden Circle before heading south to explore the region’s glaciers. Be sure not to miss Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where iceberg fragments make the beach look like it’s covered in diamonds. 

Northern Route:

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2: Reykjavik > North Iceland
• Day 3: North Iceland Day 2 
• Day 4: North Iceland Day 3
• Day 5: West Iceland on the way back to Reykjavik
• Day 6:  Golden Circle One-Day Tour (a buffer day in case you encounter bad weather)
• Day 7: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport

Road Trip Features

The northern route is more isolated and less frequented, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The landscapes are dramatic, and in winter you might even have many attractions all to yourself. This region also provides the best opportunity to glimpse the northern lights. This itinerary also begins at KEF airport, with a day or two to explore Reykjavik before heading north. You’ll then travel along the Ring Road toward Akureyri, the unofficial capital of North Iceland. Along the way, you’ll encounter the striking Dimmuborgir lava fields and the impressive Dettifoss Falls. You can also stop at the Námaskarð hot springs near Lake Mývatn and explore other Iceland waterfalls and geothermal spots before heading back toward Reykjavik for a tour of the Golden Circle.

Route 5: West Iceland – 8 Days

Route:  KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes > Westfjords> Reykjavik > KEF airport 

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik,
Snæfellsnes Attractions: Lava fields, waterfalls, Kirkjufell mountain, villages Hellnar and Arnarstapi, Westfjords Attractions: Holmavik, Ísafjörður, Djúpavik, Bolungarvík, Suðureyri, and Flateyri, Látrabjarg, Dynjandi waterfall
Best time to visit: Summer (Late May to August)
Types of Travelers: Second visit to Iceland
Road Conditions: Different from our other Iceland self drive itineraries there are many gravel roads in the Westfjords, so you will need to have a sturdy vehicle in order to drive there. Some of the roads may be closed entirely in the winter due to poor road conditions. Other parts of the itinerary will have mostly paved and maintained roads.
Recommended rental cars: 4WDs are highly recommended, and even necessary in some sections.

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: If you have extra time and want to explore off the beaten path, this itinerary is for you. It focuses on the remote Iceland Westfjords and the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula—ideal for those who’ve already experienced the Golden Circle and South Iceland. And as with our other itineraries, you can choose to visit the Blue Lagoon either at the start or the end of your journey.

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2: Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Day 3: Snæfellsnes peninsula > Westfjords
• Day 4: Westfjords Day 2
• Day 5: Westfjords Day 3
• Day 6: Westfjords Day 4 > Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula > Reykjavik
• Day 8: Reykjavik > (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport 

Road Trip Features: If you’ve already seen all the tourist hotspots in Iceland then consider this 8-day road trip through the cultural and remote Westfjords. Start your adventure with a few days exploring Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—where you can visit Kirkjufell mountain, enjoy a unique Viking sushi boat trip, and wander through quaint fishing villages like Arnarstapi.

Next, head northwest to the Westfjords for four days of exploration. Your first stop in this rugged region is Holmavik, where you’ll spend the night. Along the way, you’ll drive past breathtaking fjords and historic sites, including the abandoned village of Djúpavik. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, consider a kayak tour to spot local wildlife like dolphins, seals, whales, and plenty of seabirds.

While you’re there, make sure to check out the Iceland puffin colony at Látrabjarg cliffs, which is best seen between April and August. The Westfjords also offers unique stops at museums like the Jón Sigurðsson Museum and Ósvör Maritime Museum. Finally, as you make your way back to Reykjavik, consider visiting Iceland’s largest lava tube in Viðgelmir Cave for a memorable finish to your journey.

Route 6: The Complete Iceland Ring Road Journey – 10 Days

Route

KEF airport > Blue Lagoon > Reykjavik > Snæfellsnes > Golden Circle > South coast > Reykjavik > KEF airport 

Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Attractions along the Ring Road
Best Time to Visit:  ALL year, suitable for both summer and winter
Types of Travelers: First-time Iceland travelers
Road Conditions: This route will mainly use the Route 1 Ring Road, which is a paved road that is accessible year-round. There may be some slippery patches in the winter due to snowfall.
Recommended Rental Cars:  2WD economy/compact– summertime (late May to September), 4WDs are recommended for winter (October to early May)

Daily Iceland Self Drive Itinerary: This itinerary is your ticket to seeing some of Iceland’s best attractions in one go. You’ll get to drive the iconic Route 1 Ring Road around the entire island, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you can even take a quick detour to explore the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. And when it comes to the Blue Lagoon, you can decide whether to kick off your adventure with a dip or end your trip on a relaxing note, it all depends on your flight schedule.

• Day 1: KEF airport > (Blue Lagoon) > Reykjavik
• Day 2: Golden circle
• Day 3: South coast 
• Day 4: South coast
• Day 5: East Iceland
• Day 6: East + North
• Day 7: North Iceland
• Day 8: North to Snæfellsnes Peninsula (in the summer) / North Iceland (stay in North Iceland if visiting in the winter)
• Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavik (in the summer) / North Iceland to Reykjavik (a buffer day for visitors in the winter)
• Day 10: Reykjavik> (Blue Lagoon) > KEF airport 

Road Trip Features: If you’ve got 10 days to explore Iceland, this itinerary is perfect for taking in some truly amazing sights. You’ll start your adventure at KEF airport and spend your first two days exploring Reykjavik and the Golden Circle. Make sure to check out the geothermal areas, geysers, and the incredible Gullfoss waterfall. Next, head down to the south coast where you can visit even more Iceland waterfalls, take a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier, or explore the ice caves of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

From here you’ll cross the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on your way towards the Eastfjords where you’ll pass through charming fishing villages and admire beautiful coastal views. After that, make your way north to Lake Mývatn, a hotspot for natural hot springs and home to the famous Krafla volcano in Iceland. Don’t miss the chance to see Dettifoss Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, before heading towards Akureyri. Finally, wrap up your journey with a visit to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and then make your way back to Reykjavik.

Iceland Self Drive Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions

• • Are self-drive tours in Iceland worth it?
    Absolutely. An Iceland self drive itinerary lets you explore the island at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and remote attractions that organized tours might miss. It gives you the flexibility to change plans on the fly and truly customize your adventure.

 

• • How many days do you need to drive around Iceland?
    It depends on your goals. For a comprehensive tour of the main attractions along the Ring Road, plan on 7–10 days. However, if you’re short on time, even a 3–5 day trip can offer a taste of Iceland’s beauty, although you’ll need to focus on a specific region.

 

• • Can you self drive in Iceland?
    Yes, you can. Self-driving is one of the most popular ways to explore Iceland. With well-maintained main roads and clear signage, it’s an accessible option, especially if you’re comfortable driving in varying weather conditions.

 

• • Can I drive the Golden Circle in Iceland myself?
    Absolutely. The Golden Circle is a favorite for self-drive itineraries, thanks to its short distances and well-paved roads. It’s easy to navigate and allows you to explore top sites like Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss at your own pace.

 

• • Is it easy for tourists to drive in Iceland?
    Generally, yes. Most tourists find driving in Iceland straightforward, especially during the summer when weather conditions are favorable. Just be prepared for occasional changes in weather, and if you venture off the main routes, take extra caution on gravel roads.

 

• • Is it safe to drive around Iceland alone?
    Iceland is considered one of the safest destinations for solo travelers. That said, always check weather and road conditions, particularly in winter, and let someone know your travel plans. With proper preparation, solo driving in Iceland can be both safe and incredibly rewarding.

 

Explore the Top 6 Iceland Self Drive Itinerary Options

No matter when you plan to visit Iceland or how much time you have, an Iceland self drive itinerary like one of these six seasonal road trip options will deliver an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or diving into the cultural treasures of the Westfjords, Iceland is ready to be explored at your own pace. Just remember to book your rental car online in advance, especially during the busy summer months. And if you need any help choosing a route or booking your car, feel free to reach out to us at hertz@hertz.is. Book your rental car with Hertz Iceland today to receive an instant discount.