Iceland car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Iceland

These are the best prices for Jun 26 - Jul 3.
Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Iceland car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Iceland with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Iceland?

You should book your car hire in Iceland around 85 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Iceland?

Hires in the SUV category (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Iceland, costing R1 281/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R593/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Iceland?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Iceland is February at an average cost of R803/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Iceland when prices are R1 967/day on average, which tends to be 2 630% above the yearly average hire price for Iceland.

Which car hire company in Iceland has the most locations?

Avis operates 8 locations in Iceland, more than any other car hire company.

Iceland car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Iceland by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R573 - R1 446

All Car Types

R1 589 - R2 948

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Iceland?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Iceland?

Small car hire in Iceland typically costs around R816 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R573 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 59% cheaper than the average car hire in Iceland, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Iceland typically costs around R1 477 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 210 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 25% cheaper than the average car hire in Iceland, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Iceland typically cost around R1 923 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 647 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Iceland, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Iceland typically costs around R2 300 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average R1 674 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 15% more expensive than the average car hire in Iceland but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Iceland typically costs around R3 279 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average R2 677 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 41% more expensive than the average car hire in Iceland but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Iceland typically costs around R2 750 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R1 770 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Iceland but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Iceland typically costs around R2 479 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 999 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 22% more expensive than the average car hire in Iceland but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Ice Rental 4x4
Medium
R979/day
R634/day

Top tips for hiring a car in Iceland

  • Visitors who wish to explore the island’s famous wildlife and scenery would do well to rent a car in Iceland: public transportation is generally limited to larger towns and cities. The majority of agencies are represented in the capital city of Reykjavik and at Reykjavik International Airport, meaning it’s easy to pick up a vehicle and enjoy travel flexibility as soon as you arrive. Popular road trip routes include the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes Peninsula (plan around 2 days for each), or a 10-day journey around the ring road.
  • Mountain roads in Iceland are known as "F roads" and are open only seasonally; the first drivable day is usually between the end of June and the middle of July. While these roads are a great way to access some of the country’s areas of natural beauty, it is important to note that it is only legal to travel them in a four-wheel drive or jeep.
  • Drivers using the main ring road in Iceland may pass through the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel, which is located in the north of the island and extends for 7.5 km (4.7 mi). The tunnel is a convenient way of shortening your journey and avoiding difficult driving conditions in the winter months. Payment is required online through the tunnel website, costing 1,500 ISK (12 USD) if paid within 3h of your trip, or 2,500 ISK (20 USD) if paid later.
  • There are several additional regulations that are important to know when renting a car in Iceland, particularly the use of headlights. Even during daylight hours (including during the summer), headlights are to be switched on at all times. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers, and it is forbidden to use a cell phone while driving, unless it’s a hands-free kit over the front controls. Finally, please be mindful that off-road driving is illegal and is punishable with a high fine or even jail time.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Iceland for R634 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Iceland are around 65% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Iceland

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Iceland?

    On average a car hire in Iceland costs R979 per day.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Iceland?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Iceland?

    On average a car hire in Iceland costs R6 855 per week (R979 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Iceland?

    On average a car hire in Iceland costs R29 378 per month (R979 per day).

  • What is driving like in Iceland?

    Driving in Iceland can be an adventurous experience: aside from the main ring road, which goes around the island, you will find plenty of gravel roads and roads with other loose surfaces. During the winter months or in rainy conditions, many of these become impassable due to snow or mud, so it is always important to drive carefully and leave plenty of time to make even a simple trip.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in Iceland?

    To rent a car in Iceland, the driver needs to be at least 18 years old and have held his or her license for a minimum of 12 months. Those who wish to rent a minibus or four-wheel drive, however, must be at least 23 years old. Drivers between 18 and 20 years old may have to pay an additional surcharge of approximately 620-1240 ISK (5-10 USD) per day with an agency like Avis. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is not necessary for renting a car in Iceland, but the driver’s domestic license must be in English.

  • How much does petrol cost in Iceland?

    Petrol prices in Iceland are generally quite high, and four-wheel drives can cost a lot to fill up (expect to pay around 10,000 ISK (80 USD) for a full jeep tank). Petrol stations require drivers to use a credit card with a pin number and commonly offer extra things like fresh groceries or a free car wash. As stations can be few and far between, it is important to refuel regularly and never let your petrol levels drop below half a tank.

  • What are the speed limits in Iceland?

    Speed limits in Iceland are generally quite low thanks to unpredictable weather and road conditions. In towns and cities, drivers are limited to 50 km/h (31 mph), while paved highways in rural areas have a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h (56 mph). Gravel roads, as found in many parts of the country, have a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph). Speeding fines are high and speed cameras common even on rural roads.

Car hire directory

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Iceland

    21 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Iceland

    21 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car hire locations in Iceland

    18 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Iceland

    16 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car hire locations in Iceland

    11 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in Iceland

    8 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in Iceland

    8 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car hire locations in Iceland

    8 Locations

  • faircar

    Fair Car car hire locations in Iceland

    7 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car hire locations in Iceland

    7 Locations

  • icerentalcars

    Ice Rental Cars car hire locations in Iceland

    6 Locations

  • icerental4x4

    Ice Rental 4x4 car hire locations in Iceland

    6 Locations

Car hire locations in Iceland

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.