Driving in Iceland: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

Driving in Iceland unlocks the island’s rugged beauty and hidden gems. Whether you're exploring the Golden Circle or venturing into the highlands, here’s everything you need to know — from vehicle choice to road conditions — before starting your Icelandic road trip.

Yes — but safety depends on preparation and the right vehicle.

• 👉 Iceland’s roads range from paved highways to rugged F-roads, and sudden weather changes can challenge even experienced drivers.
• 👉 Always check road.is for up-to-date road conditions before departure.
• 👉 For tips on choosing the right vehicle, see our guide to affordable 4x4 car rental in Iceland.

Choosing the right car makes all the difference:

• 4x4: Essential for highland routes and F-roads.
• Economy or Compact: Perfect for city driving and main roads.
• Electric: Eco-friendly and increasingly popular — explore our electric rental cars.
• 👉 Discover our full fleet to find the perfect match.

Yes — we recommend comprehensive coverage due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather and road conditions.

• 👉 At Saga Car Rental, we offer flexible protection packages tailored to every traveler.
• 👉 Check our car rental terms and conditions for details.

• Urban Areas: 50 km/h
• Paved Roads: 90 km/h
• Gravel Roads: 80 km/h
  Always adjust your speed for weather conditions — black ice and loose gravel are common hazards.

👉 Learn more at the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

One of the first things visitors ask before renting a car is which side of the road Iceland drives on. In Iceland, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road, and vehicles are left-hand drive, meaning the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. Drivers keep right and use the left lane only for overtaking slower vehicles.

For travelers from the United States, Canada, and most of mainland Europe, this will feel completely familiar. However, drivers from countries that use left-side traffic, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or Japan, may need a short adjustment period when they first start driving.

If you want a full explanation of Iceland’s driving orientation and what it means for visitors, read our detailed guide on what side of the road Iceland drives on.

• Warm, waterproof clothing
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Maps or GPS
• Snacks and water — remote areas may have limited services
• Valid driver’s license and credit card

👉 For more tips, visit our Driving in Iceland FAQ.

Summer (June to August) offers mild weather and nearly endless daylight. Winter driving can be magical — but challenging.

👉 If driving in winter, see our Winter Driving Guide.

No. F-roads are mountain tracks that require a 4x4 by law. Driving a regular car there is illegal and dangerous.

👉 See our affordable 4x4 options.

• Check road conditions daily at road.is.
• Avoid driving in extreme weather — wind and snow can close roads suddenly.
• Never drive off-road — it’s illegal and harms Iceland’s fragile ecosystem.
  
• 👉 For safety resources, check our useful information page.

Need More Help?

Our friendly team at Saga Car Rental is ready to assist. Contact us any time via our Contact Us page.

Driving in Iceland is an unforgettable adventure — with the right preparation and vehicle, you’ll explore its wonders with confidence. For the best Iceland car rental experience, choose Saga Car Rental — your partner in Icelandic road trips.