Iceland self-drive tours invite you to experience the country’s natural wonders with a sense of adventure and freedom. Explore the best routes, such as the Golden Circle or the Ring Road, in the comfort of your rental car. From ice caves to volcanoes, from mossy lava fields to glacier-fed waterfalls—escape the crowds and have miles of highway to yourself. Self-driving in Iceland makes the journey as memorable as the destination. And the journey is yours to shape!
Iceland self-guided tours are a great way to get to know the country at your own rhythm. With a flexible schedule and relaxed tempo, you can make spontaneous stops and venture off the beaten path to discover active geysers, hot springs, and hidden falls. The cost-efficient tour packages cover all essentials, from car rental to accommodation to the itinerary itself, so you can skip the planning and enjoy the drive. Uncover the benefits of the best Iceland self drive tours and see if this adventure is the perfect fit for you.
Icelandic sheep roaming freely along the scenic South Coast. Photo: Arctic Adventures.
One of the most significant reasons to choose a self-drive tour is flexibility. Self-navigated road trips allow you to journey as fast or slow as you like while enjoying pre-arranged accommodation and transport. You may visit the same locations as guided tours, but instead of a guide, you’ll have an information package with key facts about each attraction. What’s more, with self-driving, you get an included guided activity in the area you can't explore on your own, like a glacier hike.
Self-directed adventures provide you with much freedom. You can stop for a dip in a hot spring, pull over to take a picture whenever you see something worth documenting, or admire a flock of Icelandic sheep by the roadside for a moment.
Scenic drives reveal rugged mountains in all their raw beauty. Photo: Bessi Friðþjófsson.
Iceland is home to world-renowned natural wonders like the Gullfoss waterfall, Katla volcano, Vatnajökull glacier, Diamond Beach, and countless other breathtaking sights. But beyond these iconic highlights, some of the best things to see in Iceland are the lesser-known hidden gems you might not have heard about.
Self-driving tours include a detailed map with unique off-the-radar attractions that add depth to your journey in Iceland’s diverse regions. A slight detour off the Golden Circle leads you to the dreamy Faxi waterfall, the Friðheimar tomato farm, and other captivating spots. A self-navigated drive along the South Coast allows you to discover Gljúfrabúi falls and the striking Dverghamrar cliffs. A short diversion in the untamed Eastfjords takes you to Lagarfljót, one of Iceland’s most beautiful lakes. And if you're exploring the southernmost peninsula of Iceland, Reykjanes, a self-drive may lead you to the unique bridge between two continents. This is just a glimpse of what awaits. You’ll find more exclusive locations in your booked tour itinerary.
Cozy mountain huts in the Highlands of Iceland. Image by Gunnar Gaukur.
Self-drive tours allow you to travel at your own pace while being cost-effective and time-efficient. Carefully designed self-drive packages combine essential elements such as car hire, accommodation, and optional activities. Booking these individually is more expensive, especially in the summer when prices are higher due to demand.
What's more, with so many great places to explore in Iceland, it can be difficult to fit everything in. This can lead to underestimating your time, hurrying, or overbooking. With a pre-planned self-drive, you get easy-to-follow itineraries with the approximate time needed at each stop, allowing you to make the most of your trip without a rush.
A quick photo stop at the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain. Source: Arctic Adventures.
The legendary Golden Circle, the famous Ring Road, and the hidden gem, the Silver Circle, are among the most popular self-driving routes for Iceland road trips. These scenic paths are well-loved among adventurers because they pass many natural attractions like geysers, glacier lagoons, lava fields, and mountains.
If you’re looking for a shorter Iceland driving itinerary near the capital, choose the adventure-packed southwest area and explore the Golden Circle route. If you want a multi-day experience with visits to remote regions, follow the Ring Road through West, South, East, and North Iceland and see isolated beaches and wildlife.
The Golden Circle route in the south region is a short yet spectacular adventure. This 240 km (149 mi) loop is ideal for first-time visitors as it begins and ends in the capital and covers three of the country’s top attractions—making it a must-do in Iceland.
The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between two tectonic plates. The second sight, Geysir geothermal area, features steamy fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the erupting Strokkur geyser, which puts on a show every few minutes. The final attraction is the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall—a 32-meter (105-foot) giant with cascading water that trembles powerfully and creates a foggy mist.
The Golden Circle in Iceland is ideal for driving tours because it’s easy to access and navigate, with paved and well-maintained roads. You can complete the route in one day or pair it with a South Coast excursion for a 3-day Iceland itinerary.
Route 1, called the Ring Road, is Iceland’s main highway that circles the country. This 1,332-kilometer (828-mile) loop carves through the south, east, north, and west, passing majestic glaciers, towering falls, and charming coastal towns. It’s the primary path to follow on a road trip around Iceland.
This route can be driven in approximately 13 hours without stopping, but there’s so much to see along the way that the recommended trip duration is 7–10 days. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an enriching multi-day adventure or those wanting to experience the full range of Iceland in one trip.
Iceland Ring Road self-drive tours cover the most significant highlights of this diverse country. Starting in Reykjavik, you’ll see the Skogafoss falls, the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón lagoon, and the capital of the north, Akureyri. Along the way, you can take a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, explore hidden gems like Saxa cliff and Stóra-Víti crater, and uncover many more breathtaking sights included in your itinerary.
Our self-drive tours combine the flexibility of a solo trip with the convenience of a guided excursion. Self-guided experiences provide freedom and independence paired with detailed instructions and immediate assistance when needed. An Iceland self-drive tour includes an itinerary with stops and activities, accommodation with breakfast for all nights, car rental, and support services available throughout the trip. You can choose a 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, or 10-day adventure through the Golden Circle, Ring Road, South Coast, West Iceland, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and other regions.
After booking a self-drive tour, you’ll be sent a PDF itinerary of your desired route in the email you provided. The itinerary includes a detailed, mobile-friendly map, descriptions, and photos of the main destinations, and the approximate time needed at each location. In addition to all the highlights of the visited region, you’ll receive a list of hidden gems nearby and recommendations on the best restaurants in the area. If your chosen Iceland road trip features an extra activity, like a glacier hike at Sólheimajökull, detailed preparation instructions will be provided.
Your self-drive package includes pre-booked comfortable hotels at prime locations and daily breakfast throughout your journey. You'll receive the address and GPS coordinates for each accommodation. For 2 or 4 guests, twin or double rooms are provided. For 3 or 5 people, a mix of double/twin and family rooms is arranged. All rooms feature private bathrooms, and single rooms can be booked for an additional fee.
Your package also includes a rental car, with a range of vehicle options available for convenient pick-up at the Keflavik International Airport or in downtown Reykjavík.
Your PDF document has all the essential contact information for your accommodation, car rental, and activity providers. If you need help with navigation, attractions, or any other inquiries, you can contact us through the support number provided in the document.
If you have any questions about our self-drive tours before booking, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’ll help you choose the most suitable tour and provide details on what to expect during your experience. You can also check and manage your bookings online.
We offer the option of meeting at the location for a specific activity. This means you can enjoy the independence of your Iceland self-drive itinerary and still participate in a planned activity as a separate tour. If you have time, you can add snorkeling, Northern Lights viewing, snowmobiling on glaciers, and other guided adventures from your Iceland to-do list. Find more information about the meet-on-location option and explore Iceland's wide range of tour destinations.
Self-drive tours in Iceland are definitely worth it, especially if you like the freedom of independent travel but don’t want to plan every step. With detailed self-drive itineraries, you can enjoy the country’s highlights and hidden gems without the need to arrange accommodation, car rental, or schedule yourself.
Yes, tourists can drive in Iceland with a valid driver’s license. Most foreign licenses are accepted, but if your license is not in Latin script, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) or an official translation. Drivers must be at least 20 years old to rent a car, while SUVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles may require a minimum age of 23.
Self-driving in Iceland is easy if you stick to the main roads, like the Ring Road, that are paved, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. Secondary (F-roads) require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and are only open in summer. The best time for an easy self-drive experience is between May and September, when longer daylight hours and dry conditions make driving more manageable.
Yes, you can tour Iceland on your own. If you want to skip the hassle of planning car rental, accommodation, and itinerary, a self-guided tour with everything included lets you start your adventure right away. Visit iconic natural attractions and multiple hidden gems marked on the self-drive map.
The best self-drive tour in Iceland depends on your travel style, interests, and available time. If you're a first-time visitor looking for a short and scenic drive near the capital, the Golden Circle and South Coast adventure is for you. If you want to travel the length and breadth of the country, devoting a week or more, choose the self-guided Ring Road experience and discover the diversity of Iceland.
You can’t change the itinerary of your self-drive tour, but you can choose which attractions to visit and which activities to take part in. As the packages are offered at the best possible price, no partial refunds for skipped activities can be provided. If you want a fully customizable option, choose one of our private tours and create your dream itinerary.
Guided tours in Iceland are worth your time, especially if you value comfort, good company, and insider insights about the country you visit. You can choose from various attractions, activities, and durations—multi-day tours or single-day trips. Guided tours are an excellent alternative if you don’t have a driving license or are not confident driving in challenging conditions.
A self-drive tour is better for visiting Iceland if you want a flexible and independent experience with a pre-arranged rental car, accommodation, and itinerary. On the other hand, a guided tour may be better if you prefer a structured trip where transport, navigation, and timing are taken care of for you.
The best month to see the spectacular Northern Lights in Iceland is September to April. Winter in Iceland, with only 4–5 hours of daylight and clear skies, creates the perfect conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Most Aurora hunting tours begin at 8:30 PM or 9:30 PM because the best time to see the Northern Lights is around midnight.
The best season to visit Iceland depends on your interests, preferred weather, and budget. Summer and winter are the most popular times because of the warm temperatures in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. Spring and fall are less popular, making them better for traveling on a budget. You can enjoy the transforming nature with fewer crowds, but the weather is often unpredictable.
For a summer road trip in Iceland, pack light, bringing multiple layers to change into. For a winter trip, bring a waterproof jacket, pants, thermal underwear, and a wool sweater. Remember to grab a pair of woolen socks. For spring or fall, bring windproof, waterproof, and moisture-wicking garments. Make sure your shoes are sturdy and water-resistant. The weather in Iceland tends to change quickly, so planning what to pack significantly improves your experience.
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