Everyone knows that the best way to travel Iceland is to go on a road trip. There are so many things to do in Iceland and other details. So here is a comprehensive guide to doing an Iceland Road Trip!
Useful Maps of Iceland Road Trip
Iceland Road Trip Supermap: Must See, Other Points of Interest, Grocery/Supply Stores, Camping/Hostels (Credits u/aimetafamille)
Iceland Recommendation: Based on recommendations by locals and travellers
Food for Car, Food for You: Gas Station & Supermarket Map
What To Pack For Iceland
- Swimsuit: look out for natural pools other than the Blue Lagoon. There are plenty of cheap geothermally heated swimming pools!
- Raincoat & Fleece: it will still be cold during the summer season
- Good shoes: especially good hiking boots
- T-shirt: something light to layer up with
- Sunglasses: it gets really sunny, especially in summer
- Drone: drones are legal and many people fly their drones in Iceland
When Is The Best Time To Go?
- Cheap season: Mar-May. Warmer because it’s springtime; possibility of rain and snow.
- Outdoor activities: Sunny 24/7, literally! Best to explore, go hiking, go camping! NO northern lights.
- Northern lights: Aug-Mar. Winter is long; expect bad weather/heavy rain.
So… about that Northern Lights
Most people travel to Iceland in hopes to see the northern lights. However, there are some conditions before you can see the northern lights.
- There has to be aural activity.
- Sky needs to be clear. Aka good weather.
- Needs to be really dark outside. Aka Nov-Feb.
Driving a Car in Iceland: Safety 101
- Practice safe driving, especially when it’s winter and roads are slippery!
- Check the conditions and weather before your trip: Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. If a road is closed, go your ass out. You don’t want to die.
- Drive ON THE DAMN ROAD. Fine for driving off road: 500,000 ISK (US$4,800).
- Don’t stop on the road randomly.
- Check the road conditions that you want to visit. Some roads are bad gravel roads, muddy from the snow/rain, etc. Get a 4×4 if unsure not a tiny little winny car.
- Not really trustworthy because of the road conditions.
- Stay within the speed limit. Lots of speed camera around. Look out for “Löggæslumyndavél” signs, which means speed camera.
- 90km/h on highways
- 70km/h in tunnels
- 80km/h on the rural gravel road
- Fines are payable ON THE SPOT with credit/debit card. Otherwise, free ride in a police car!
Other important driving tips in Iceland: drive.is
Renting A Car
- Travel during low season (Mar-May) for a better price in car rental: international rental brands have similar prices as local brands with better perks.
- Consider gas mileage when renting a car: fuel efficiency is very helpful for the bank account.
- Research, research & research! There is no one “best car rental in Iceland”. Check all options available before hiring the car. Negotiate prices when you have done your research.
3 Cheaper Expensive Things in Iceland
- Eating out is expensive. Since you’re doing a road trip, maybe visit Krónan and Bónus to stock up on food before you start your trip.
- The only place to buy alcohol other than bars: Vínbúðin. Buy them before you start your trip. NO drinking & driving!
- You’re driving, so you need to know this. Buy gas at Orkan, ÓBand Atlantsolía.
Food for Car, Food for You: Gas Station & Supermarket Map
General Tips about Iceland Travel
- It’s 2018. Don’t use cash, use cards. Iceland mainly uses debit/credit card.
Other Websites & Resources
- Check Aurora forecast 1
- Aurora forecast 2
- Visit Iceland
- Wikitravel
- Inspired by Iceland
- World Travel Guide: including latest travel advice
Region Specific Guides
I started trevelling since I was 16 and share my methods here. My goal is to change the world through inspiring others to travel. Follow me on my journey on Instagram.
📍 MNL – T3 – Pacific Club Lounge
