Welcome to Iceland, a land of fire and ice, where the adventure of a lifetime awaits you! If you’re planning on driving in Iceland, especially in one of our Cozy Camper vans, you should know some key things to make your journey as magical and seamless as possible.
From driving laws and seasonal conditions to the quality of roads and spotting the Northern Lights in Iceland, we’ve got you covered.
So, buckle up! Let’s dive into the 14 essential tips for your Icelandic road trip adventure.
1. Licenses and Laws for Driving in Iceland
First things first: driving in Iceland with a US license? Absolutely! Iceland permits drivers with a US license to navigate its roads.
Just ensure your license is valid and you’re at least 20 years old to rent a camper van and 21 for certain larger vehicles. Additionally, you should have at least one year of experience driving before renting a vehicle in Iceland.
2. Iceland has Right-Hand Traffic, Just Like the US
If you’re an American, driving as a visitor to countries like India or the U.K. comes with a steep learning curve. Those countries, and roughly 45% of countries across the globe, have left-hand traffic.
The good news is that Iceland uses the same system as the US, Canada, and many other countries: Right-hand traffic. You won’t have to worry about adjusting to driving on what feels like the “wrong” side of the road, or even checking the opposite direction first as a pedestrian crossing the street. This makes driving in Iceland that much easier.
3. Quality of Roads
Roads in Iceland vary from well-paved highways to more adventurous gravel roads. The Ring Road, which encircles the island, is mostly paved and offers a smooth ride. However, venturing off into the countryside might introduce you to gravel paths that are more challenging but equally rewarding.
The general rule is that roads in more populated areas, like Reykjavík, are well-maintained. So is the Ring Road, although its length means conditions could be rougher in some spots.
The farther away you get from those roads, the more likely it is that you’ll encounter more potholes and other issues. Don’t let that stop you! All of our camper vans are designed to handle Iceland’s standard roads. Our 4×4 campers can carry you across the F-roads that cross the Icelandic Highlands as well.
4. High Winds When Driving in Iceland
Strong winds are a fact of life in Iceland. They aren’t constant, but they are common, especially at higher elevations.
Heavy winds can push your vehicle across the road to a degree. Strong headwinds will slow you down as the wind works against your vehicle’s engine driving you forward.
There simply isn’t much you can do when it comes to the wind — it’s a force of nature. When winds aren’t particularly strong, you can continue to drive in them. If you feel the wind is making driving too difficult or dangerous, look for a safe spot to pull over and wait until it starts to die down.
5. Winter Driving & Ice
Driving in Iceland in the winter months can be a vastly different experience from summer adventures. When driving in Iceland from November to December, expect snow and ice on the roads. That makes winter tires a must-have.
There will be times when certain roads aren’t safe for travel due to winter storms, ice, and other issues. Road closures are common, so always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.
6. Seasonal and Daily Driving Considerations
Planning on driving in Iceland in March or November? These transitional months can offer the best of both worlds, though be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. High winds and sudden snowfalls can occur, so stay vigilant.
Even within a single day, the weather in Iceland can change quickly. A sunny, clear day may become much less pleasant in not much time. Keep the potential for changing weather in mind, and don’t try to power through severe weather if you can avoid it.
7. Navigating Winter Darkness
The winter season brings its own set of challenges, including limited hours of daylight. In December, daylight can be as short as 4-5 hours, so plan your driving schedule accordingly. It’s also the perfect time for traveling to Iceland if you’re eager to catch the Northern Lights.
8. Summer Vibes
Conversely, the summer months in Iceland are marked by almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for extended exploration times. The weather is milder, and most roads, including those in the highlands, are accessible. Check out how some of our travelers have worked the long days of daylight to their advantage!
One key point to remember during the longest days of summer is that, in many countries, daylight and nighttime are roughly equal. Extended daylight can make it easy to lose track of time.
Our advice is to keep tabs on how long you’ve been driving. Take breaks, switch off driving duties if you have more than one qualified driver with you, and don’t push it. Tired driving is distracted driving, after all.
9. Unpredictable Weather Changes
The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable throughout the year. Whether it’s sudden snow and ice in winter or high winds and rain in the summer, always be prepared. There are also volcanic eruptions (!) and other natural phenomena that can have a major influence on travel conditions.
It’s highly recommended to check the weather and road conditions daily.
The good news is that you can check more than just your phone’s weather app for information about weather and road closures. Safetravel is the official source for this information in Iceland. You can check out regularly updated road closure info as well as download the Safetravel app so you’re always on top of the changing conditions.
10. Gas Stations and Amenities
While exploring, you’ll find that gas stations are more than just places to refuel. They often serve as mini-markets and cafes, making them ideal spots to stock up on supplies or grab a hot drink.
Gas stations are easily found in populated areas and around most of the Ring Road. If you’re sticking to these parts of the country during your trip, you usually won’t have much trouble finding a gas station during the day.
However, gas stations can be sparse in remote areas. And, whether you’re on the Ring Road or in a more remote area, not all stations are open on a 24/7 basis.
So, keep an eye on your fuel level and don’t push it. It’s far better to prioritize filling up once you get to about half a tank of gas than it is to let the needle dip close to empty. It’s also a good way to break up your drive, stretch your legs, and refuel yourself with a snack, especially on travel-heavy days.
Iceland Dream shares a map of gas stations in Iceland that can make finding fuel a little easier. It’s always a good idea to confirm that the station you plan to stop at is open before committing to it.
11. Dealing with Road Closures
Road closures can occur without much notice, especially during the winter months. Always have a backup plan and check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) website for real-time updates.
12. Securing Your Car Doors
A seemingly minor but crucial tip: always hold onto your car door when opening it, especially when facing high wids. Windy days in Iceland can cause damage to car doors when opened casually, a common issue for travelers.
13. What to Do in an Emergency
The emergency services number in Iceland is 112 (and not 911). If you experience an emergency on the road, that’s the number to call.
14. Experiencing the Northern Lights
Lastly, no trip to Iceland would be complete without attempting to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland. Winter, with its long nights, offers the best chance to see them, making a camper van rental the perfect way to chase those auroras.
Embarking on a road trip in Iceland offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. By renting a camper van with Cozy Campers, you’re not just getting a vehicle; you’re unlocking the door to an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
Whether you’re navigating the gravel roads in the highlands, marveling at the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying the freedom of the open road, your Cozy Camper van is your home away from home.
Remember, driving on the right side of the road, respecting local driving laws, and being prepared for Iceland’s capricious weather are key to enjoying your trip. And if you’re considering driving in Iceland in December or any winter month, rest assured that with the right preparation, it’s an incredible experience.
So, are you ready to explore the land of ice and fire? Visit our camper van rental page today and start