After our winter Iceland trip, we have put together a useful guide to driving in Iceland in winter. Iceland is a wonderful country for a road trip, but winter road conditions and closures can make it a stressful experience for those who are not prepared. We cover everything you need to know before you go, how to be prepared for driving in Iceland in winter, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
We’ll tell you what road conditions are like in Iceland in winter, what kind of car to rent, rental car insurance options, the best areas of Iceland to visit (and avoid) in the winter, how to prepare for a winter Iceland road trip, and how to stay safe.
We also provide a list of alternative travel solutions for those who decide they do not want to drive in Iceland during the winter but still want to experience the winter highlights of Iceland.
Table of Contents:
Driving in Iceland in Winter: Know Before you Go
This first section will answer all the most common questions that people normally have about driving in Iceland in the winter. These include questions such as: What are road conditions like in Iceland during the winter? What kind of car do I need to rent in the winter? Should I drive the Ring Road in January? Are there alternatives to driving in Iceland?
Should I drive in Iceland during the Winter?
You can of course drive in Iceland in the winter, but whether you should or not, you’ll have to decide on your own. I’d base it on your driving experience in winter weather conditions and how comfortable you feel driving.
The obvious pros are that driving allows for more flexibility and spontaneity, and you can stop or go whenever you like. The cons of driving is that it requires more responsibility and planning, and it can be stressful to drive through bad winter road conditions.
If you are feeling unsure, I’d read this guide and hopefully it will help you decide whether driving in Iceland in winter is right for you. There are of course other alternatives to driving such as tours and public transit that we will discuss later.
What are the Road Conditions like in Iceland in Winter?
The main roads are kept open and cleared as much as possible throughout the winter, making it fairly easy to drive around the coastal areas of Iceland. Most of the main roads are paved although gravel and dirt secondary roads are common in the countryside. Most of the Highland roads (the roads in the more mountainous and interior area of the country); however, are not maintained and are closed to traffic throughout the winter. You’ll find warning signs posted if you happen to come across one of these closed roads.
The actual road conditions are going to vary greatly over the winter months. The roads may be completely clear during your trip (lucky you!), or you may find icy snow-covered roads following a storm. While roads may look clear, be sure to listen for any reports of black ice on the road which commonly lead to wrecks.
The urban areas and town centers are generally cleared quickly following a storm but it can take much longer for country roads to be cleared. The vast majority of tourist traffic accidents and injuries occur in the countryside.
Road closures are fairly common in Iceland, especially in the winter. The roads may be closed for a variety of reasons (e.g., snow, ice, flooding, strong winds, avalanche warnings) and these closures may last from a few hours to several days. Closures seem to be most prevalent in the northern and eastern parts of Iceland, and as I am writing this (in late January) two sections of the main Ring Road (Route 1) are currently closed to traffic.
The most dangerous situations are often when the weather changes quickly and catches people out driving who are unaware and unprepared. The weather in Iceland can change rapidly and the saying that “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes” has some truth to it. So it is important to keep up to date with the local weather forecast and be prepared.
It is also not just snow and ice that you should look out for while driving in Iceland. Strong winds and flooding are two other factors to be aware of when traveling. Many travelers have underestimated the power of the wind with consequences ranging from having their favorite hat blown into the sea to their door blown off the side of their rental car to their campervan being pushed into a ditch.
For example, in 2017 serious flooding in East Iceland closed and damaged a section of the Ring Road near the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, took out bridges, and stranded a number of people and animals.
Which Months have Winter Road Conditions in Iceland?
Winter, of course, technically lasts from December to March. However, the “winter season” in Iceland is longer than in some other parts of the world, running from about early November to the end of April. During these times, you may encounter winter conditions, including snow and ice on the roads. But it is not uncommon to encounter a winter storm as late as May, so do be prepared and check weather forecasts before you leave.
The Highland areas may have snow until the end of June or even early July, depending on the weather that year. These roads are closed throughout the winter season, and the weather will determine when these roads (as well as the Highlands hiking trails) are opened to the public.
Every year the Iceland Road and Coastal administration publishes a map detailing expected opening times for the roads for that year. This map is usually made available in the first weeks of summer in Iceland, and you can get that here.
What kind of Car should I Rent for Driving in Iceland in Winter?
What type of car or campervan to hire is probably one of the most common questions we get from readers about driving in Iceland during the winter months. Here are our thoughts and advice.
Renting a Car in Winter
You don’t need a “superjeep” or large 4X4 SUV for driving in Iceland in winter. We would recommend hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle that has good winter tires.
In terms of insurance coverage, third party insurance is mandatory in Iceland for all drivers but we’d recommend getting fuller coverage to protect yourself from high repair fees in case of an accident. We also had collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection as part of our rental car insurance.
We’d recommend comparing rental car prices on Discover Cars here and on specialist Iceland rental agency Northbound here. Northbound specialize in Icelandic car rental, and they allow you to add the Icelandic specific insurances such as sand and ash protection when searching as well
We had a rental car (saloon type) from Hertz Iceland for our winter trip that was a 4-wheel drive (4WD) car with a GPS and winter studded tires. We would highly recommend the same as although the main roads in Iceland are kept cleared, you are still likely to encounter some snow or ice on the road during your trip and it is always good to be prepared.
Many people will say you don’t need a 4WD car in Iceland during winter and this is true, but they can certainly come in very handy if you do encounter bad weather on your trip. We drove through a short snow storm at the end of our trip and we’re very happy to have a 4 wheel drive (4WD or 4X4) car with good winter tires which kept us from sliding off the road.
You don’t necessarily need studded tires like we had, but you will definitely want a good set of winter snow tires. Winter tires are specifically designed to be driven on roads with snow. Check the tread on your rental car to make sure it does not look too worn on the tires before driving off. Worn tires are more prone to slip on ice and slide off the road.
Note that most cars in Iceland have manual transmissions (“standard” or “stick”). If you are only able to drive cars with automatic transmissions, just be sure to book in advance to guarantee one and know that they will likely be more expensive than those with manual transmissions.
In terms of age limits, although you can legally drive in Iceland at age 17 with a valid license, you normally need to be at least 20 to rent a car. Most rental car companies; however, require you to be at least 23 or 25, especially to hire a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Extra charges often apply for drivers 25 or under. Those under the age of 23 may be better off considering a guided tour in the winter.
Renting a Campervan in Winter
If you are planning to hire a campervan or RV, you’ll of course also want to make sure you have good winter tires. Before you drive off, we’d also recommend checking the pipes to make sure the pipes and drains are working properly (they may freeze if they weren’t drained properly). You’ll also want to know how to drain the water tanks to keep them from freezing during your trip.
You can compare prices for campervan rentals in Iceland here.
Note that RVing and camping is less popular in the winter months for obvious reasons which means many campsites are seasonal. So we’d recommend booking camping and RV sites in advance. Many sites close during the winter months although some have started to extend their opening seasons in recent years as tourism has increased.
What Kind of Rental Car Insurance Should I get in Iceland?
A basic level of car rental insurance coverage in Iceland is legally mandatory as you must have basic third-party liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle. This is normally covered as part of the basic CDW (collision damage waiver) insurance included with your car or campervan rental. Be sure to check that this is included, but just about every rental comes with this included in the price since it is a legal requirement.
The Basic CDW coverage generally includes the mandatory third-party liability insurance and accident insurance for the driver and the owner. It may also include additional things like vehicle theft protection. The basic CDW that comes with most rental cars often comes with a fairly high deductible (often USD $1,500 to USD $3,000) so an accident can still cost you up to that amount. This basic insurance coverage normally does NOT cover general physical damage such as cracks, dents, windshield cracks, sand damage, etc.
We chose to upgrade the included “Basic CDW” rental insurance to what the rental company called “Super CDW” coverage. This decreased our deductible down to $0 and also included most types of physical damage to the car, such as dents, scratches, windscreen chips or cracks, etc.
Another common add-on insurance option is “sand and ash protection”. This protects your car from any damage caused by sand or volcanic ash. This is a less common form of damage but sandstorms do happen in Iceland, especially on the South Coast. Sand or ash in a storm can cause scratches and strip the paint off the car.
We chose to decline the sand and ash coverage on our first trip to Iceland and were just careful to check the road and travel conditions. On a second trip to Iceland, we did include this protection as it was a much longer trip.
You’ll need to use your own judgement as to what additional rental car insurance protection you want to purchase beyond the legally required insurance. We personally recommend upgrading to a coverage that will cover you for at least the most typical kinds of physical damage such as chips, dented doors, and cracked windshields. Having this coverage provided us with a much better piece of mind and is what we’d recommend to most travelers, especially in winter, to avoid any large surprise costs during your trip.
Of course no insurance coverage will cover you for any damage incurred during illegal activities (e..g, driving off road, speeding, driving on closed roads) or cover you for anything not allowed as outlined on your rental car contract (e.g., driving on Highland F roads, fording rivers). Be sure to carefully check your rental car contract.
Should I Drive the Ring Road in Winter?
You can drive the Ring Road in winter, but we don’t recommend it. Iceland’s Ring Road is a nickname for Route 1 which loops around the island at a length of 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). Most of the road is paved and has two lanes, however there are sections, especially in the east and north, that are unpaved gravel and there are blind curves and one lane passes along the route.
The Ring Road makes for a fantastic summer road trip, which we highly recommend. But in the winter months, this road can often be dangerous and hazardous. Even if you start the trip with good weather conditions, winter storms and icy conditions can occur very quickly and leave you stranded. Road closures and bad weather conditions can play havoc with your plans, and can turn a fun vacation into a stressful one.
If you are going to do it anyway, be sure to have a 4WD vehicle with studded tires, and carry emergency supplies. We’d definitely recommend avoiding the Öxi pass, a narrow and steep mountain pass in eastern Iceland. The Öxi pass is not actually part of the Ring Road but is often taken as a shortcut (and GPS units often estimate it to be quicker, it is not).
If you really want to drive the full Ring Road and experience all of its attractions and beauty, I’d visit between the June and October for the best and safest experience.
The good news is that you can safely drive the better maintained and traveled sections of the Ring Road in the winter (west and south) where you can see many of the road’s most popular highlights. You can see our winter Iceland itinerary for a suggested 1-week road trip itinerary.
Another alternative is to book a guided tour of the Ring Road highlights that are designed for winter such as this 8-night winter tour, or this 6-day winter tour.
Ways to Save Money on Driving in Iceland?
There are a few ways to save money in Iceland if you plan to drive yourself. These include comparing rental car rates, choosing the right car insurance coverage, minimizing car rental days, and getting a fuel discount card.
See our article about traveling to Iceland on a budget for 21 budget tips for Iceland which include several tips related to driving.
Can I drive the Highland roads in Iceland during Winter?
No, you should not attempt to drive the roads in the Highlands during the winter. Throughout the winter, the “highland roads” or “mountain roads” are closed and you’ll see signs marked “Impassable” posted. This signs are meant for everyone, including those in 4WD vehicles.
The one exception is that the F35 Kjalvegur road to the Gulfoss waterfall is usually open year round, but it is closed in the winter just past Gulfoss. This road to the waterfall parking lot is normally manageable in a normal car even in the winter months.
You’ll see the highland roads marked on the map as F roads such as F26 and F821. The F roads are typically narrow gravel roads with few bridges, and many require river crossings to pass. Crossing a glacial river, especially in the winter, can be very dangerous!
If you choose to go past the Impassable posted signs, note that it is illegal and you could receive fines if caught. It is also likely against your rental car agreement, and if you get stuck you’ll likely be waiting awhile to get towed/rescued and will likely be subject to heavy expenses and fines.
Some locals do access these roads at their own risk in the winter, but you’ll notice they are in heavy-duty SUVs or “superjeeps” and (hopefully) have experience doing so.
If you really want to explore the interior and highlands of Iceland in winter, we recommend that you consider a Super Jeep tour (such as this one) or helicopter or airplane tour (such as this) with a reputable travel company and local guides.
What are the best parts of Iceland to visit in the Winter?
You may be wondering what parts of Iceland we recommend in winter since we don’t recommend the Ring Road and the Highland roads are all closed. Don’t worry! There are many parts of Iceland you can visit safely in Winter.
The best part of Iceland to visit in the winter is definitely Reykjavík and Southern Iceland. The southern part of Iceland is kept temperate, even during the winter, by the warm waters from the Gulf Stream. This is also the area of Iceland that contains most of Iceland’s best known sites such as the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, several popular waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
The western part of Iceland, including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Borgarnes area, is also usually open to travelers throughout the winter months. If you have extra time, I’d plan some time there as well.
We have put together a 5 day any season self-drive itinerary and a 7 day Iceland winter road trip itinerary that includes all the highlights of these regions and avoids spots that are closed or harder to access in the winter months. We recommend these itineraries not only for the winter, but for anyone with a week or less of time in Iceland.
We also recommend taking advantage of the winter weather and consider doing some fun winter activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, holiday events, ice skating, or ice cave exploring.
Of course, visiting the northern or eastern part of Iceland in the winter can also be a fantastic experience if you are looking for an alternative to the more popular southern part. Northern Iceland is an especially good choice for a second visit to Iceland. I’d fly into Akureyri and then base yourself in the north. You can rent a car in Akureyri although just know you may need to plan your schedule by the weather or take day trips.
Northern Iceland in winter is a great place for winter sports, small museums, fishing villages, thermal baths, solitude, and a festive place to celebrate Christmas. There are several ski resorts in this area and if you are looking to ski in Iceland, this is the best place to do it.
In eastern Iceland, we’d also recommend considering a stay and doing activities at the Wilderness Centre which is a secluded hotel and activities center that includes rustic but comfortable accommodation, meals, hiking opportunities, a museum, special holiday activities, tours, and dining. This rural farm location is a great place for a chance to see the Northern Lights and there is an on-site observatory for stargazing.
Are there any alternatives to driving in Iceland in Winter?
Yes, if you have decided that driving in Iceland during the winter may not be the best choice for you, there are a few alternatives to driving. We don’t want to discourage you from driving in Iceland, as we think a self-drive trip is a great way to see the country. However, if you are not very confident in your winter driving abilities, have never driven in another country, or find driving stressful, I’d definitely check out the alternatives. The main priority of your holiday should be to enjoy yourself and be safe, and not be stressing over having to drive in an unfamiliar situation.
Alternatives to driving include day tripping from Reykjavík, an escorted private or group tour, or using public transportation.
Day Tripping from Reykjavík
First, you might want to consider basing yourself in Reykjavík and taking a number of day trips from the city itself with tour operators.You can visit just about any of the cities and attraction we recommend throughout southern and western Iceland via day trips.
We have written guides to the best day trips from Reykjavík, as well as the best winter activities in Iceland (many of which depart from Reykjavík), which should give you a good idea of what you can do from capital city without driving yourself.
Private or Group Guided Tours
A good alternative to driving is to take a guided group tour. This will take you to the destinations you want to go to in comfort, without having to worry about driving or planning. Tour prices usually include all your transportation, guided visits, accommodation, and some meals. They may also include some entertainment or activities. Be sure to check to see what all is included and what is optional when making your booking.
On our trips to Iceland, we’ve used a number of tour operators and booking portals for booking tours like these. These include Get Your Guide, Iceland Travel and Viator.
For more guided tour ideas, see this list of the best guided tours in Iceland from 2 day to 12 day trips, which includes both winter and summer tours. The list also includes trekking, adventure, and photography tours.
Most travel companies, including Iceland Travel, can also arrange private tours so that it will just be you and your travel companions along with a driver and/or guide. These private tours can then be customized to suit your needs. Just be aware that in a country like Iceland these will be expensive.
Public Transportation
This is probably our least recommended way to get around in the winter months in terms of sightseeing.
There is of course year-round public bus service in Iceland operated by Straeto. You can see timetables and destinations here. However, you are unlikely to be able to stop for sight-seeing outside of designated stops, and there are not many buses per day. Although we don’t recommend these for sightseeing, they are good ways to get from Point A to Point B.
In the summer, there are bus services that operate “bus passports“, which allow you to travel around Iceland by bus, getting on and off the bus at various points designed for sightseeing and hiking. Unfortunately though these are not available during the winter season.
Internal flights are also possible from Reykjavík to Akureyri throughout the year.
Driving in Iceland during the Winter Tips
The next section goes into more specific things you should know right before you begin driving in Iceland. These include things like driving laws and regulations in Iceland, finding local weather forecasts, personal safety concerns, emergency supply recommendations, and what to do if you are involved in a car accident.
How should I navigate in Iceland?
Many car rental companies will offer you a GPS for travel in Iceland. This is certainly nice to have, but is not a necessity. Iceland does not have that many roads, and if you are driving the main tourist routes like the Golden Circle and Route 1, they are very easy to follow. We’d suggest that you get hold of a paper map, and download an offline version of an Iceland map on your phone or tablet. You will not always have data as you travel in Iceland, so having something that works offline is very handy.
We found roads and attractions in Iceland were generally well sign-posted. We’d also add a little to the driving time estimates from GPS or Google Maps. We found that it often took a little longer than expected, particularly in winter conditions when going can be a lot slower than normal.
If you book a self-drive trip, they will often provide you with a GPS which can be useful for route planning and navigation. You can see self-drive trips on Tour Radar here and on Guide to Iceland here, both of which offer a variety of self-drive trips from different companies in Iceland.
Where can I find weather forecasts for driving in Iceland?
The weather in Iceland can change very rapidly, so having access to up to date weather forecasts is essential while you are traveling in Iceland. There are a number of good places to get up to date weather forecasts for Iceland. Three good ones are the official Iceland Meteorological Office website, the Safetravel.is road conditions website and the road.is website.
The Iceland Meteorological Office gives up to date and accurate weather forecasts across all of Iceland, as well as aurora forecasts, which is handy if you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights. Safetravel.is is operated by the Iceland Association for Search and Rescue and provides safety recommendations, road condition alerts, and safety advisories. Finally, road.is is managed by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, who have the responsibility for all of Iceland’s roads. They also have a helpline you can call for updates (including in English), which is 1777 from inside Iceland.
If you don’t have Internet or cell-phone coverage while driving in Iceland, you can often find the Safetravel.is website information displayed on screens in gas stations. Or if not, you can ask one of the clerks who will probably check the forecast for you. So these are worth stopping at to check the latest road conditions as you go, especially if the weather isn’t looking great.
Is it safe to travel around Iceland alone in terms of crime?
Yes, Iceland is considered one of the safest Europeans countries to visit based on crime statistics. Although gun ownership is high in Iceland, violent crime is rare and drug use is fairly low. So Iceland is certainly considered safe for solo travelers or those wanting to embark on a road trip. The major safety concerns for travelers are related to driving and weather rather than crime.
However, don’t let the crime statistic lull you into a false sense that nothing can happen as crime still happens in Iceland. Note that some crimes such as auto theft, pickpocketing, sexual assault, and vandalism seem to be increasing with increased tourism and immigration in the country. You will still want to take all normal safety precaution, such as locking your car & hotel doors, being vigilant of your surroundings, watching your drinks at bars, not leaving children unattended, letting someone know where you are going, keeping your valuables hidden, etc.
What rules should I be aware of before driving in Iceland?
Here are some general rule and regulations all drivers should be aware of to drive in Iceland during the winter or at any other time of the year:
- First, drivers drive on the RIGHT side of the road, as in the United States, Canada, and most of Europe. In most cases, roads are dual track, with a single lane on either side. Occasionally, roads will become single-track, especially on bridge crossings along country roads. There will be signs posted well in advance giving warnings of these, and usually the first person to arrive at the crossing has the right of way, unless otherwise signposted.
- Seatbelts are required at all times, for all the passengers in the vehicle. Children under 150cm in height must not sit in a front seat with an active airbag. Children under 135 cm in height must sit in a child car seat, with different seat requirements depending on their weight. These rules are outlined on the Iceland Transit Authority website here.
- Speed limits in Iceland are posted in kilometers an hour (km/h), and are usually 50km/h in urban areas, 80km/h on gravel roads and 90km/h on asphalt roads. Of course, these can vary depending on the situation, so always watch for signs and obey the posted speed limit. There are speed cameras posted throughout the country and fines for speeding.
- It is illegal to drive off-road in Iceland, you must always stay on the marked track, road, or designated parking area. This applies even with an off-road vehicle. It is also illegal to stop on the roadside, or to feed fenced animals. If you see something you want to stop and take a picture of, always use a designated parking area.
- It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving (unless hands-free), so as the driver it is best to hand over responsibility of the phone (as well as the GPS or maps) to a passenger if you have one. If you must make a call or use your phone, pull over where it is safe to do so.
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The blood-alcohol limit in Iceland is very low (0.05) and there is a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving (even if you just had one beer). So it is best not to drink at all if you will be driving.
- It is a legal requirement that your vehicle headlights should be on at all times when driving, both day and night.
- Third party insurance is mandatory in Iceland for all drivers. As mentioned earlier, we recommend fuller coverage to protect yourself.
- You can drive in Iceland unsupervised from age 17 with a license. However, to hire a car in Iceland most car rental companies will require you to be at least 20, and to have held your license for a full year. To hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle you will usually need to be at least 23. Also be aware that many rental car companies charge extra for renters under the age of 25.
- Note that free camping in Iceland is generally illegal, on both private and public lands, with a few exceptions. Free camping, which was previously allowed in more areas, has a negative environmental impact on the land in Iceland. See free camping guidelines here by the Environment Agency of Iceland.
What Emergency Supplies Should I have for Winter Driving in Iceland?
It is good to be prepared in the event that your car breaks down or you are in a car accident while driving in Iceland. The chances of an accident are much higher in the winter months and are most likely to occur in the countryside. What you want to carry with you will depend on what you feel is prudent, but we’d generally recommend that everyone carry a spare tire and tools to change it, a first aid kit, a paper map, extra phone battery, a flashlight or headlamp, a first aid kid, and an extra change of warm clothing.
If you are driving about in a caravan or RV (or plan to camp anywhere), you’ll want to make sure you have cold weather sleeping gear, lots of warm clothing, and emergency blankets. Other good things to carry are extra antifreeze, a supply of drinking water, an emergency medical kit, and a snow shovel in case you get snowed in overnight or get stuck in a drift.
Some of these things may come with your rental vehicle, but others are things you may wish to bring with you or buy once you arrive in Iceland. These items can be purchased in Reykjavík at automotive stores (many gas stations also carry many of these supplies) and you can also find outdoor gear and camping supplies at stores like Everest.
Here is a list of items you might want to consider:
- Good spare tire & gear to change it (check before you start your drive!)
- List of local emergency (112) & important numbers (hotels, rental car agency, family member)
- Paper road map
- Snow & ice scraper
- Flashlight or headlamp (and extra batteries)
- Extra phone battery
- First aid kit with emergency medical supplies
- Safety vest(s)
- Emergency blankets
- A warning triangle (included in most car rentals)
- Extra changes of warm clothing, check out our guide to what to pack for Iceland in winter
- Extra drinking water
- Collapsible snow shovel
- A strong rope – can be used to help pull your car out of snow.
- Road flares
- Emergency beacon – this can be rented at several location in Iceland so that local search & rescue teams can located you quickly if necessary. Recommended for hikers and solo adventure travelers.
What do I do if I have an accident in Iceland?
First, if you have an accident while driving in Iceland, you should dial 112. This is the main emergency number in Iceland, and the number to call in just about any kind of emergency (traffic accidents, injury, crimes, search & rescue, fires). The 112 number should work anywhere from any phone (SMS, voice, land lines, pay phones, etc). I’d program this number into your phone in case of an emergency.
If it is safe to do so, you should remain in your car rather than try to seek help on foot. If it is not safe to stay in your car due to its location, then you should stay near to your car. It is safer to be in or near your car in case of bad weather and it also helps the emergency services locate you. Passing local traffic will often stop to offer assistance to stranded drivers.
Next, you should contact your car rental company to let them know about the accident and they should be able to help you decide what to do next and help arrange towing, repairs, and car replacement services as needed. If you are traveling with a travel company or agency, you should also let them know about any accidents and any changes that will need to be made to your trip. Be sure to note the emergency 24/7 numbers of any company involved so that can be called as the regular numbers are normally only operated during working hours.
Before you set off we’d also recommend downloading the SafeTravel.is app to your smartphone. The app has an emergency feature which will send an SMS containing your GPS location to the emergency services. If you are traveling in a remote area of Iceland, you might not have sufficient cell coverage to make a call, but a text might still get through.
In addition, the SafeTravel.is app lets you check-in as you travel around Iceland. This is very useful feature, particularly if you are heading to more remote parts of the country. If something should happen to you, the search and rescue team will have an idea of where to start the search if you are not able to make contact.
Tips for Driving in Iceland in Winter
The following are more specific tips for driving in Iceland in winter, some important reminders, and some additional tips for being prepared for your winter trip to Iceland.
- Keep updated about the weather and road conditions throughout your trip via the official Iceland Meteorological Office website, the Safetravel.is website and the road.is website. I’d bookmark each of these to have them handy.
- Keep all emergency and important numbers in your phone as well as written somewhere in case your phone goes dead or is lost or damaged. Remember 112 is the country’s emergency number and is a good number to teach all the members of your group to call in an emergency.
- Be sure to check on your tires, spare tire, brakes, emergency gear, GPS (if you are renting one), lights, and signals before leaving the rental car agency. Make sure everything is working properly and that you know how to use everything.
- The English spellings of Icelandic words often vary which can make inputting locations into GPS or Google Maps a bit tricky. Be patient. Some quick tips is that generally: æ = ae, ð = d, and Þ = th.
- Pay attention to your rental car agreement and insurance coverage as car parts and repairs are very expensive in Iceland. Things that are not likely to be covered include wind damage, sand damage, damage due to an animal, water damage, and anything related to driving the Highland roads (F roads).
- Drive defensively. Know that there are going to be other people out there on the road who have never driven in winter conditions, in Iceland, or on the right side of the road. There are also (foolishly) those who have NEVER driven anywhere before! Keep a safe distance from others and avoid people who appear to be driving erratically or irresponsibly.
- Add extra time into your itinerary. We found that we stopped more frequently than we thought we would and some stops took longer than expected. Build in extra time for bad weather, extra stops, slow traffic, and the like. If you are not rushed, you are much less likely to get into a dangerous driving situation.
- Note that if you are outside a lot, cold weather can cause a battery to lose its charge more quickly than normal. You may want to keep a spare battery (for your phone and/or camera) in a warm place (such as in a coat pocket near you chest). You may also want to bring along your car charger if you have one.
- It’s very important when driving in Iceland to watch out for animals on the road, especially sheep, which are often not fenced.
- Be careful when pulling off the road. Don’t just stop on the road to look at something, check your maps, or take a photo as not only is it illegal, but you can cause an accident, block traffic, and/or get hit by another car!
- Slow down when going from a paved to gravel road and vice versa. Many people slide during these transitions if going too fast and turning at the same time.
- Be aware of strong winds and don’t underestimate their power! Strong winds can rip a car door out of your hands and damages to a car door can be a very costly repair. In addition, a car door can slam shut on your fingers in windy conditions, which can cause serious hand injuries. Strong winds may also cause rocks or other debris to crack your windshield or even push your vehicle off the road. Winds can be particularly dangerous for those driving a wider vehicle such as a van or caravan.
- One thing that can ruin a great winter trip is not packing properly or being properly dressed. Be prepared for cold weather, rain, and wind. You can check out our Iceland winter packing guide for tips on what to pack.
- Iceland is incredibly scenic so don’t forget your camera. If you are not used to shooting in cold weather, check out these winter photography tips so you are prepared with the right gear and knowledge for winter photography.
- Do your research so you can be safe and prepared. Hope for good weather but prepared for bad weather. Then you can come to Iceland and have fun no matter what happens!
So that is our guide to winter driving in Iceland! We hope that you have found this information to be helpful in planning your own winter trip to Iceland.
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Would you be interested in visiting Iceland in winter? Would you want to take a guided tour or drive in Iceland during the winter? Have you driven in Iceland in winter? We’d love to hear any of your own advice or experiences!
If you have any questions about driving in Iceland or planning a trip to Iceland, just leave them in the Comments section below and we’ll answer them as quickly as we can!
Neesha Patel Post author
Hi and thank you for such a detailed post about a winter visit to Iceland. I am planning to come with 15 family and friends the last week of December. Ive been trying to read as many articles as possible to be fully prepared. I was hoping you could give me some advice from your expertise! We plan to rent 3 SUVs and come for 6 nights. Our goal is to see some iconic winter sights and hopefully the Northern lights. We were thinking to do 2 nights in 3 separate places. I understand that we should stay on the path of the Golden circle. For the “city” stay as the end, we were thinking Selfoss. But for the other two locations we are torn with which direction we should go. Should we head south by Vik or west by the peninsula? We want to minimize staying near city lights to increase chances of seeing the lights.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Neesha,
Glad you are finding our Iceland travel guides and advice helpful. Happy to try to help with yoru Iceland trip in December.
So yes, if you have 6 nights and don’t want to move too much, then staying 2 nights in 3 locations can be a good idea. It just depends on what you want to do, how much, and where. So I would probably decide that first as it might help you decide which towns would be best for reach those places. I would consider how much time you have (especially daylight time), especially if the 6 days include your arrival or departure so you can better determine the time you’ll have in each place when you take away driving times.
But for instance if you want to avoid Reykjavik (the only real city) because of light pollution, you could do 2 nights in Selfoss, then 2 nights in Vik, and then maybe 2 nights in Borganes (which would give you chance to explore the small Borganes peninsula and Snæfellsnes Peninsula if you wish). You could really do them in any order that makes the most sense for your trip.
Or if you want to spend some time in Reykjavik, you could do 3 nights in Selfoss (doing day trip to Reykjavik, Blue Laoon, Golden Circle sites, winter activity tours) and 3 nights Vik (Lave Centre, beaches, waterfalls, winter activity tours, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, etc). That would give you more time to book activities for those places if you want to do guided activities like visiting ice caves, winter hiking/snowshoeing, horseback riding, snorkeling, etc.
But again, it really depends on what you want to do. I would go throught our Iceland winter itinerary and Iceland winter things to do articles and pick out the top things you want to do most so you can better plan your time. Are you planning to spend time seeing the sights and museums in Reykjavik or visiting the Blue Lagoon? If so, these are best to try to organize to do after arriving or before departing as they are close to the airport.
Once you know where you want to stay, I would be sure to book your lodging in advance as finding rooms for 15 people in the same place in some of the smaller towns can be tricky, especially if you wait until closer to your trip.
Best,
Jessica
Neesha Patel Post author
Thanks Jessica for this helpful information! After talking details of the trip over with everyone, we decided to visit Borganes and Snæfellsnes Peninsula for the first 2 nights in a . remote area with no light pollution. We were able to snag a 6 bedroom house at the Midhraun Lava Resort then head to Selfoss for the next 2 nights to explore the highlights of the Golden Circle then 1 last night in Hveragerdi before our flight out the next day. We will plan to visit the Blue and Secret Lagoons, Geysir, Gulfoss Waterfall. Kedrid Crater and Thingvellir National Park. Of course, we would also take any other recommendations . We would like to explore one ice cave, which would you suggest?
Laurence Post author
Hi Neesha,
You’re very welcome, glad I could help. And it sounds like you are making great progress in your travel planning for your trip to Iceland. I think that all sounds great, I would be sure to make reservations for the lagoons and any guided tours/activites you want to do before you leave for your trip.
So there are a number of ice cave tour options to choose fron. Obviously each year the ice caves vary a little due to the melt and refreeze (and safety issues), so hard to specifically recommend one, but some options to consider are this one to the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier from Vik and this one from Skaftafell.
Another option to consider might be the with Into the Glacier tourx which departs from Husafell. However just note this is a man made cave so isn’t quite the same as a natural ice cave but is a really interesting experience.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions!
Best,
Jessica
Beonca Post author
Thank you so much for sharing such good information on traveling in winter. We are pretty familiar with driving in snow and ice in our group but I am having trouble following road closures. I’ve been checking road conditions every couple days to see if what I have planned is feasible. I know you listed driving out to Diamond Beach from Reykjavik. Our plan is to drive there and we have a place to stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur on the way there and back. Are those roads relatively kept up with during January? We leave in less than 2 weeks. Thank you again for your help!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Beonca,
I think that sounds like a reasonable plan, and you’ll just want to check for road alerts once in Iceland since they can change at any time. The Safe Travel and Road.is are two websites to keep bookmarked and there are also alerts you can sign up for, number you can call, etc. as well. One of the sites linked off the Road.is one goes to this map, which shows that right now just the Highland roads have alerts and are impassable.
Currently, yes, that route to Kirkjubaejarklaustur looks clear and open. Winter weather is of course common in January so this could change with a storm, but yes, they generally keep the southern roads clear and will begin clearing them as soon as safe to do so. So even if a storm hits, it is unlikely the roads would be impassable for any long period of time. I think as long as you are prepared and keep checking the weather alerts and road conditions, and are willing to be flexible in case they do become dangerous, you should be fine.
We generally find that those who are prepared and heed weather warnings are OK, and that it is those who are not prepared and ignore weather alerts that get themselves into trouble.
Wishing you a wonderful trip to Iceland in January!
Best,
Jessica
Yunus Patel Post author
Hi Jessica & Laurence Norah,
We are thinking of travelling to Iceland for 7 days.
1. We plan to arrive at juts before Midnight on Day 1, in Reykjavik, then 6 Full days turing, on the Seventh day we catch return flight 7.30am.
2. There will Four of us (Two Couples, all aged over 50+).
3. We are hoping to self-drive by hiring a Vehicle, and then planning a 6 day road trip to take in the views and some activities. We thought if we plan it ourselves with your help then it would work out cheaper
4. We are praying we will catch the Northern Lights but we know it’s not guaranteed. Other sites we would dearly love to take in are Blue Lagoon, Waterfalls, geysers, , geothermal pool, Hot spring, Volcano.
Perhaps a couple of activities like an ice cave visit, whale watching tour, snowmobiling, glacier hike etc.
Do you have any recommendations on an Itenary. Based on this we would then arrange Hotels/Accommodations?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Yunus,
Yes, it sounds like you will have a good full 6 days. On Day 7 it may make sense to overnight near Keflavík as you will need to transfer to the airport very early. I’d probably recommend Reykjavik, Golden Circle, and South Coast. With a bit of extra time, you can head over to the Borgarnes area and/or Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
With 4 people, yes, I agree, it would probably work out to be less expensive to hire a car and plan your own itinerary than to join a tour or do day trips. Just make sure you have or purchase good car insurance coverage for driving in Iceland. I think you have already read about this in our winter driving tips.
For the Blue Lagoon, it is located not far from the airport so may make the most sense to on your first day or on Day 6 as you could relax there that afternoon/evening before you head to the airport the next day. One thing to consider though is you’ll want to get your swimwear dry before your flight. You can see our Blue Lagoon guide for tips for visiting. You’ll want to decide and book your entrance time before your visit.
Some of Iceland’s main and most visited attractions lie within the so called Golden Circle. You’ll want to leave at least a full day for doing those. You can see our Golden Cirle guide for info and tips on planning that day.
You can see our 7 day itinerary that is geared towards winter visits in Iceland for those renting a car. I believe it includes all the places you mentioned as possible visits, tours, and activities. For whale watching, you probably want to do that in Reykjavik.
Anyway, hope that gets you started. If you have further questions as you plan your trip and build your itinerary, just let us know.
Best,
Jessica
Yunus Patel Post author
Thank you Jessica,
You response is much appreciated. I hadnt realised you responded, I did not receive any notification, My bad.
We have reduced our trip to a 6 day tour.
Can I send you the itenary, unsure how.
Where would the best place be to try to catch the Northern Lights.
Day 1:
Blue Lagoon Iceland
Day 2:
Borgarnes
Kirkjufell
Budakirkja
Arnarstapi Fishing Villiage
Ytri Tunga Beach and seal colony
Deildartunguhver
Borgarnes
Day 3:
Goldern Circle
Pingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area
Gullfoss Waterfall
Hvolsvollur
Day 4:
Hvolsvollur
Seljalandsfoss
Skogafoss
Reynisfjara
Vik
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 5:
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Day 6:
Hvolsvollur
Reykjavik city tour
Reykjavik
Kind Regards
Yunus
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Yunus,
That itinerary seems reasonable to me, you are seeing a lot of the highlights and you will be plenty busy. Your first day will be a relaxing start. For Reykjavik, I’d recommend figuring out what you want to specifically see there if you only have part of a day so you can make the best use of your time.
In terms of the Northern Lights, you really have the chance to see them any night along your trip, but the city lights of Reykjavik generally make it hard to see them there (unless there is a particularly strong display). I would just be sure to monitor the solar activity and weather – you can only see them after dark when their is solar activity and relatively clear skies. There are various apps and websites where you can check this during your trip. Many hotels will alert guests as well. You could also consider a Northern Lights bus tour from Reykjavik.
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
Jessica
Judith Taylor Post author
Hi there
Loved your posts so informative. We are visiting Iceland at the end of December and are based in Reykjavik. My dad and brother will be out designated drivers and both are experienced lorry drivers in the uk but have also driven in Europe so well used to driving. I am the holiday planner and I’m a bit confused as to the roads, although others are driving I like to know where we are going and how to get there. When we visit we are hoping to drive the attractions on the golden circle and from your post I gather this is a main road and reasonably accessible? We would also like to visit the lava tunnel in Raufarhólshellir, would this be a suitable road? We will be very cautious when driving and will only go if it’s safe however I don’t want to end up on the wrong road and end up stranded.
This is our first time ever visit to Iceland so I just want to be as prepared as possible.
Many thanks
Judith
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Judith,
Sounds like a great family trip to Iceland! So yes, sounds like you are doing the planning and have good capable drivers in your group 😉 I think basing in Reykjavik and going out for day trips will work well.
So yes, for the Golden Circle, the roads are pretty good and easy to follow. That route is one of the most people for visitors and tours, so you should not have any issues (minus a storm or road closure or something of course). We have this Golden Circle guide that can help you plan that day out in detail.
So we have not personally visited the lava tunnel in Raufarhólshellir, but it looks like it is on a paved road so that should be fine.
I think you’ll just want to avoid the winter closure roads and any roads that have signage stating they are closed/icy/flooded or only certain vechicle types are permitted. If you head down a road and it doesn’t look safe, you can of course just stop and turn around when safe to do so.
Keeping up to date with road closures, weather conditions, and being flexible is definitely a key to Iceland in winter. See some of the recommended road/weather/safety websites and apps noted above.
We generally find anyone who does planning in advance and is concerned about it, generally does just fine. It is the people who are ununprepared that generally have the issues.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Iceland!
Best,
Jessica
Nantha Post author
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for such a clear post! It is so helpful and full of insights.
My wife and I are planning our first trip to Iceland this December around Christmas. I love driving and have been driving for a long time. I have driven in pouring rains many times but never driven in snow and ice. I have driven in right-side driving country once and found that I could adjust fairly easily. If we go fully prepared, cautious and avoid dangerous roads, do you think self-driving in our trip is manageable for someone like me?
Thanks,
Nantha
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Nantha,
Glad you are finding our tips about driving in Iceland in winter helpful. Yes, I think it is definitely something it sounds like you could do as you sound like someone who would be thoughtful and cautious. If you read through the tips and advice and feel comfortable driving in wintery conditions, then it sounds like doing a self drive trip in Iceland might be a good fit for you.
If you don’t, there are of course many tours you can take if you decide not to drive yourself.
Please let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Iceland. I would definitely start booking your trip now if you plan to go around Christmas as that can be a fairly busy time of year.
Best,
Jessica
Keng See Post author
Hi Laurence and Jessica, thank you so for sharing your travel experience and guidance in such a detail manner, feeling lucky to come across this blog. We have booked our family trip to Iceland in end Dec-22, as we are from Singapore, never drive in Winter and left hand drive before, we are very hesitate whether to drive or take the package tour. Place of interest we planned to go are – Reykjavik city tour, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and Jokulsarlon. After reading few of your Iceland blogs, self drive and go slow seem to be manageable. Please advise if it is not advisable for such foreign visitors. We have read some travel books, mentioned that petrol station further from town is fully self service without any staff. The payment is by credit card and require PIN number. The credit card issue in Singapore does not come with PIN and do not need PIN for transaction in Singapore too. Can you share some experience in this part. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Keng See
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hello Keng,
Thanks for your comment. So yes, it just really depends on what you want to do and what you feel comfortable with. Those areas have the best maintained roads and it is fairly easy to rent a car in Iceland. But if you are not used to winter driving or driving on the right side of the road, then it might be better to leave the driving to someone else for your trip.
If you stick to the main roads along the routes you are planning to take it should also have staffed petrol stations during the day. At night though, some may be unstaffed and your cards may not work. It’s only in the more remote parts of Iceland that you will encounter the petrol station without staff, in the locations you are visiting you should not have any problems. But I would recommend getting fuel during the day if you decide to drive to ensure you can always find a staffed station as needed.
Note that if you decide to drive, you should check to see if you need a International Driver’s License to be able to drive in Iceland. You can get these in Singapore before your trip.
So if you are a bit concerned and just want to take it easy, joining a multi-day tour that goes to all those places can be a good idea. For instance, you might do a tour like this 3 day tour and then explore the city Reykjavik on your own and take a bus out to the Blue Lagoon one day. Or one like this 5 day tour that includes those locations as well as a visit to an ice cave.
You don’t need a car to explore Reykjavik itself as it is easy to get around by public bus, walking, shuttle, or taxi. So that is pretty easy to do on your own.
Another idea if you don’t want to rent a car and drive yourself, but want to be more independent is to base yourself in Reykjavik and then book day tours or overnight tours out to all the places on your list. You can see this list of Reykjavik day tours here to give you some ideas of options.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan and book your trip to Iceland.
Best,
Jessica
Crys Chua Post author
Hi Keng See, fellow Singaporean here. Can I catch-up with you for a few tips?
Keng See Post author
Hello Crys,
We are just back from the trip yesterday, I’m happy to share our experience if I could help.
Greg Majors Post author
We are planning a trip around the Ring Road from October 5th through October 20th. We live in Colorado and are used to winter driving conditions. Would you advise 4 wheel drive and, other than Highlands where roads are closed, are there other areas we should avoid? Thanks so much for the information. This is are second trip to Iceland. Our first trip we stayed in the southern part of the country.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Greg,
So normally you don’t really get the winter weather conditions in Iceland until around November so you probably won’t even need to worry about winter driving at all in October. But it is good to read up and be prepared. It is still a good idea to have a 4WD but probably not necessary if you plan to stick to the main roads and avoid Highland roads (where 4WD is often required). So you can compare prices to see how much the cost difference would be and make a decision.
The Ring Road should be open, but road closures can, of course, happen any time of the year due to flooding, construction work, landslides, volcanic eruptions, etc. so always good to check the road conditions before setting out. Since the weather and road conditions are not easy to predict, our main advice would just to have the websites/apps needed to check the weather and road conditions before and during your trip.
For weather, road conditions, and road conditions, we recommend three websites above in the article that are good to have saved and to check before and during your trip – the official Iceland Meteorological Office website, the Safetravel.is road conditions website and the road.is website. SafeTravel also has alerts you can sign up for and an app you can download.
The other tip is to make sure you have good car insurance. We’ve known a lot of people whose rental cars were damaged in Iceland and without insurance, the repairs, even fairly minor ones, are often very expensive.
Wishing you a wonderful trip around the Ring Road, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. We’ve spent several weeks in Iceland in both summer and winter.
Best,
Jessica
Greg Majors Post author
Thanks so much Jessica. Great advice. Greg
Rohini Dave Post author
Hi! I really appreciate your efforts on sharing this information on driving in Iceland as a tourist. Really amazing. Thank you.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rohini,
You’re very welcome and thanks for taking the time to let us know that our tips for driving in Iceland were helpful to you. If you are planning a trip to Iceland and have any questions, feel free to ask.
Wishing you safe & fun future travels!
Best,
Jessica
Jerry Tan Post author
I am going to Iceland planning to drive from airport to Reykjavik town. Going to stay 5 nights there Is it very difficult to drive if I am planning to drive to the Blue Lagoon, black sand beaches, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon., Strokkur Gullfoss waterfall , Pingvellir national park
I am there from 13-18 Nov 2022. Nightly I am coming back to Reykjavik. Viable to rent a car? Is the travelling distance from Reykjavik to these places far?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jerry,
All of the places you list are within a day’s driving distance from Reykjavík. However, the furtherest place away is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is about a 5 hour drive from Reykjavík. So for there, I’d probably recommend either staying overnight in that area or joining a guided tour so you don’t have to do the driving. Otherwise you would be driving about 10 hours and returning in the dark which would make for a long day and a lot of time spent in the car driving.
YOu can see our Iceland winter itinerary for an idea of how you might organize your time if you want to rent a car and drive yourself. We have a lot of driving trips and advice above in the article if you plan to do that.
However since you are basing yourself in Reykjavik, you may be better off taking day trips from Reykjavik, especially if traveling alone. It makes it easy and simple. You definitely don’t need a car to go to these places as you could see them by taking a couple of popular day tours. For instance, if you took this Golden Circle Tour plus this tour out to the glacier lagoon, then you would visit all the places on your list (except the Blue Lagoon).
For the Blue Lagoon, it is located near the airport and not far from Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon can be reached by shuttle bus, taxi, or as part of a tour. So it is easy to travel here without a car. Be sure to book your lagoon entrance tickets in advance to be guaranteed entry.
So you might consider doing those 2 full-day tours above, a day out at the Blue Lagoon, and then spend the other couple of days exploring Reykjavik itself as it has a number of attractions and museums.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.
Best,
Jessica
Mark Rotlewicz Post author
My wife and I are planning a trip to Iceland in December. We were trying to combine Iceland and the possibility of the Northern Lights.
We are going with a group called Backroads, and we’ve had good experiences with the group.
We wanted to add before and after places like the Golden Circle, Blue lagoon and Fridheimar.
Our friends asked us about the northern section of the island such as “The Diamond Circle” My first reaction was, of course let’s try. Then I wonder, should we leave it for a summer trip.
Certainly your posting dissuade me from renting a car to reach the north, but perhaps renting for the southern part is reasonable.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Mark,
As you probably know from reading our Iceland driving tips and from reading other content about Iceland road conditions in winter, that the weather and road conditions are unpredictable. But the west and southern parts of the route are generally the easiest to access and best maintained.
The places you mention, like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, are popular and easy day trips you can do from Reykjavík. You can rent a car and drive yourself or join a tour. For the Blue Lagoon (which is about 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik), there are also regular shuttle buses that you can book between Reykjavik and the airport that stop at the Blue Lagoon.
For the Diamond Circle, as you noted, some of the places are not accessible in winter by car so that area is best explored in warmer weather.
Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Jessica
Caleb Post author
Planning my winter trip and was a bit hesitant on the winter roads especially considering ice and difficult driving conditions. You have no idea how much this information is appreciated! Thank you so much for his write. It was super informative and reassured me on my plans, showed me what to change, and made me more comfortable to tackle the winter driving. I love driving and would like to explore some of Iceland like this.
Really though, thank you so much! 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Caleb,
You’re very welcome and glad that our Iceland article was helpful. If you have any questions about driving in Iceland in winter or planning a trip there, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Wishing you safe and happy travels!
Jessica
Julius Sigurthorsson Post author
Here is video of conditions as they can be the worst.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLy9j9QGSqE&t=2s
Also include some driving tips.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Julius, Thanks for sharing your video from December 2014 in Iceland as it does show the roads in pretty bad conditions and snow covered. We definitely experienced similar roads on our winter trip in western Iceland on our first visit. Best, Jessica
Rachel Post author
Ah so glad I stumbled upon this blog post! It has so much useful information, my husband and I are going to be in Iceland for a few days in December on our way from the UK to the States for Christmas. We were starting to question driving or not and this has been very insightful and given us confidence that we will feel prepared to drive (or adjust according to the weather) in the southern part of the country!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rachel, So glad you found our winter driving in Iceland post helpful and thanks for taking the time to comment! It depends of course on the weather and road conditions but generally the roads around Reykjavík and the South Coast are in good condition and they get cleaned quickly. So you should be fine, just drive carefully.
There are also plenty of day tours from Reykjavík if you do decide not to drive or the weather forecast is not looking ideal.
Wishing you a great holiday!
Best, Jessica
Rob Post author
This site gave me all the information I was looking for about driving in Iceland in February. Very helpful, Thankss!!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rob, So happy to hear, and wishing you a great trip in February. Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your self-drive winter trip to Iceland. Best, Jessica
Esther Post author
Hi Jessica and Laurence,
Thanks so much for these fantastic tips for driving in Iceland in winter! I am planning to rent a car and drive along the South Coast in December in Iceland. It sounds like there is definiteily a chance of winter weather like snow and ice then, is that correct? We will be keeping to the main roads, do you think we would be OK in terms of safety?
Thanks in advance!
Esther
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Esther, Sorry for the short delay in responding! So glad you found our Iceland winter driving guide helpful! The weather is always unpredictable in Iceland but yes, I would expect that there will be snow in December. But the worst roads and storms are normally in the Highlands and further north of where you will be if you are going to be driving along the South Shore.
You should be fine and the roads may be clear for your whole trip but it is good to be prepared in case of bad weather. I would just be sure to get a car that is winter ready (e.g., winter tires), have appropriate winter clothing and gear, drive carefully, check the weather and road conditions each day before setting out, and have the emergency numbers handy.
Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Iceland!
Jessica
Issie Post author
Hi Laurence and Jessica . That’s a great experience of you! To be honest, I have never go road trip in Winter. Your tips for Driving in Iceland in Winter would be very helpful. It seems to be difficult for driving with the road and weather. By the way, I have plan for a road trip in my own country and now preparing for essential items. I’m thinking to buy a hitch bike rack. What do you think about that? Could you please suggest me best one? Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Issie, Glad you found our Iceland winter driving tips helpful! Unfortunately, we don’t have any experience buying or using bike racks so I can’t provide any recommendations and it will obviously depend a bit on your vehicle and how many bikes you want to be able to carry. I’d search around online and maybe stop at a local bike shop to take a look at models that are available to you locally (shipping costs are often high on such heavy items). Best, Jessica
Joy Post author
This article is very helpful to me – thanks for these great winter driving tips for Iceland!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Joy, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you found these helpful. Wishing you wonderful time exploring Iceland in winter! Jessica
Brad Post author
This is really useful for our upcoming winter trip to Iceland adn the best info we have found online, thanks. Still deciding between driving ourselves or taking a tour but this will help us decide.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Brad, Glad you found it helpful, and do let us know if you have any questions. Wishing you a wonderful winter trip to Iceland! Best, Jessica
Jay Koko Post author
I love this blog. These above tips are so useful and amazing for planning our trip to Iceland next winter. Thanks for these tips. I will bookmark this page for future reference.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hello Jay, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad you enjoyed our Iceland winter driving tips! Just let us know if you have any questions about planning your trip to Iceland – we’ve spent a lot of time traveling in the country in both summer and winter now and happy to help. Best, Jessica
Hannah Johnston Post author
THank you so much for all this useful information. My partner and I are going to Iceland on April 7th and we’re hiring a 4×4 to do a tour of the whole Island. I feel very prepared now and can’t wait to see all the wonderful sights. Thank you.
Hannah
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Hannah, I am so glad that our information on driving in Iceland was helpful in planning your trip. In April, the mountain roads will still all be closed to traffic so you won’t be able to go to visit the inland spots (although you can book guided Jeep tours if you want to see some of this part of the country) but all the coastal roads should be open if there is no bad weather. Just be sure to check the road and weather conditions before and during your trip as snow storms, flooding, avalanches, and ice are still very possible in early April in Iceland. Wishing you and your partner a wonderful trip! Best, Jessica
Riya Somani Post author
Thanks for this informative post about driving in Iceland. Driving in the winter can be a bit scary, but this makes me feel like I may go ahead and maybe book tours for the parts I feel less comfortable doing. I love these pictures!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Riya, Yes, glad this made you feel more comfortable about driving in Iceland during the winter. Both self driving and guided tours are both great ways to get around Iceland in the winter. I think you can definitely do part of the trip driving yourself for day trips and then take guided bus tours for the areas you want to visit further afield or are not reachable with a normal car (e.g., ice caves, glaciers). Wishing you a wonderful winter trip to Iceland! Best, Jessica
Lindsay Post author
Wow – what a lot of useful information. We have always wanted to go to Iceland and this is exactly the kind of post I want to read before I go. But working! Bookmarking!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lindsay, Yes, I think for travelers who want to drive in Iceland in winter, it is good to read up on it beforehand to be prepared. I think those that get in trouble are those who didn’t do much research or prep. The fines and costs for repairing a car in Iceland are really high and getting hit by a $1,000 extra cost can really spoil one’s vacation! Hope you get a chance to visit Iceland soon. Best, Jessica
Craig Makepeace Post author
I’ve never been to Iceland, but it certainly seems like a top road trip destination. I do much prefer road trips over tours for their flexibility, but I don’t have a lot of driving experience in icy and snowy conditions so that would be fun (or scary) and your practical tips are invaluable for someone like myself.
And I guess a winter road trip in Iceland means less traffic and having those incredible landscapes almost all to yourself.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Craig, I hope you guys get a chance to go to Iceland some day. It is a great country for a road trip – I’d recommend summer for the best time in terms of just driving and more stuff being open, but winter is a special time to go if you want to go when there are less crowds (or to ski or spend the holidays). I think the people who often end up having wrecks or getting tickets are those people who were not prepared and/or don’t listen to the safety warnings. Best, Jessica
Amanda Post author
This is a super thorough guide! I’ve been to Iceland twice in the winter, but actually have never rented a car there! I’m from Ohio and am no stranger to driving on snow/ice, but I’ve just never wanted to deal with it in Iceland. Maybe next time!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Amanda, As a fellow Ohio girl I remember those wintery roads 😉 But I dislike driving in the winter and it had been over 5 years since I had driven in proper winter conditions so Laurence was our designated driver – that also meant we could rent a car with a manual transmission! He doesn’t mind driving so it worked out well, but I can definitely see why people would rather not drive since it can be really stressful. Most of our trip was fine but there was one or two days when it was not pleasant and at least once when we just pulled over because visibility was so poor. Luckily there are lots of tour options for those who don’t wish to drive! Best, Jessica
Sam Post author
Thanks for writing this guide to driving in Iceland! It is so helpful and answered all the questions I had and helped me figure out what kind of car to rent. Thanks!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sam, You’re very welcome 😉 Just let us know if you have any further questions about your upcoming trip to Iceland. Best, Jessica
Shobha George Post author
We drove around the Ring Road in summer and it was delightful. However, we rented a car for driving when we visited Iceland this winter but then chickened out of going very far. We used it to see around Reyjkavik and its environs. We wanted to go up to Budir and that Snaefellnes peninsula but then decided the conditions could be treacherous. Living now in the UK, we aren’t used to driving in the snow at all!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Shobha, Thanks for sharing your own driving experiences in Iceland! Yes, the months between June and October are the best ones to drive the Ring Road as there is rarely snow or ice and closures are more unlikely. Sorry to hear that you weren’t able to use your car too much in the winter but you do have to be flexible as weather conditions and road closures are pretty unpredictable! But I am glad you got to drive the Ring Road in summer 😉 Best, Jessica
Seana Turner Post author
You always answer the small, detailed questions that we don’t think to ask before we get there! I am terrible at driving a stick shift car, so I’d definitely need an automatic. Good to know about the alcohol limitations as well. I think I’d have someone drive me, if I could swing it.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Seana! Haha, yes, we do try to put out all we know to help our readers make the most of their trip! All the car rental companies have automatic cars, there are just fewer of them than the stick shift cars. Driving in Iceland is not for everyone and it is easy to arrange a private or guided tour or maybe you could convince a friend or family member to come along as the designated driver? 😉 Best, Jessica