So, how long does it take to drive around Iceland?
In an ideal world, the answer would be: as long as you’ve got?
But in reality, most travelers have to balance annual leave, flight prices, and the cost of traveling in Iceland with ambitious road-trip plans. The good news is that Iceland’s famous Ring Road (Route 1) makes it easy to design a self-drive itinerary that fits your schedule, whether you have a few days or a few weeks.
In this guide, we break down exactly what you can realistically see if you try to drive around Iceland in 1 day, 4 days, 7 days, or longer, and help you find the sweet spot between rushing the Ring Road and actually enjoying it.
If you are planning to rent a cheap car in Iceland, this guide will also help you understand driving distances, road conditions, and where it makes sense to slow down.
Can You Drive Around Iceland in One Day?
Yes – technically.
Iceland’s Ring Road is approximately 1,322 km (828 miles) long and forms a loop around most of the country. With no major detours, light traffic, and good weather, it is possible to complete the full loop within 24 hours.
However, this would mean:
- No sightseeing stops
- No detours to the Westfjords or Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Minimal breaks
- A very long tiring day behind the wheel
Even in summer, when daylight is long and road conditions are best, driving the Ring Road in one day is something most travelers regret rather than enjoy.
You would pass waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanoes without stopping which defeats the purpose of a road trip in Iceland.
Possible? Yes. Recommended Absolutely not.
Less Than a Week in Iceland: What Can You Realistically See?
If you have 4-5 days, you can experience a compressed version of the Ring Road, but expect long driving days and limited flexibility. This option suits travelers who are comfortable prioritizing a few highlights over slower exploration.
Sample 4-Day Ring Road Overview
Day 1: Golden Circle & South Coast
- Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Driving time approx. 5-6 hours (excluding stops)
Start early and begin with the Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. After lunch, continue east along the South Coast.
Along the way, make brief stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then pass through Vík and its black sand beaches. End the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with time to walk along Diamond Beach before settling in for the night.
Day 2: South Coast to North Iceland
- Jökulsárlón to Lake Mývatn
- Driving time: approx. 6-7 hours
Day two is one of the longest driving days, taking you through remote East Iceland. If road and weather conditions allow, the Öxi Pass (Route 939) can shorten the journey, though it is rougher than the Ring Road.
In North Iceland, stop at Námskarð (Hverir) to explore bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Finish the day near Lake Mývatn, where a soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths is the perfect way to recover from the drive.
Day 3: North Iceland to West Iceland
- Mývatn to Hvammstangi
- Driving time 4-5 hours
Begin with a short stop at Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most accessible waterfalls. If time allows, detour to Húsavík for a whale watching tour, but be aware this adds several hours to the day.
Continue west trough Akureyri, North Iceland’s largest town, before following the Ring Road across wide valleys and open farmland to Hvammstangi, a quiet overnight stop on the northwest coast.
Day 4: West Iceland to Reykjavík
- Hvammstangi to Reykjavík
- Driving time: approx. 2.4-3 hours
The final day is shorter and more flexible. Drive south toward Reykjavík, with the option to detour into West Iceland if time permits. Depending on your schedule, you may arrive back in the capital early afternoon or continue sightseeing before returning your rental car.
Is a 4-day Ring Road Trip Worth it?
Yes, if you
- Are comfortable with long driving days
- Want a complete loop if Iceland
- Accept that many stops will be brief
If your prefer slower travel, fewer hours behind the wheel, and more time at each location, extending your trip to 7 days or more will dramatically improve the experience.
7 Days in Iceland: The Ring Road Sweet Spot
For most travelers, 7 days is the ideal amount of time to drive around Iceland. It allows you to complete the Ring Road without rushing, while still leaving room for short hikes, scenic detours, and weather flexibility.
Instead of spending every day behind the wheel, you can slow the pace, stay two nights in key regions, and actually enjoy Iceland’s landscapes rather than watching them blur past your window screen.
A 7-day Ring Road itinerary typically looks like this:
- Day 1: Golden Circle and South Coast
- Day 2: South Coast to Jökulsárlón
- Day 3: East Iceland fjords
- Day: 4 North Iceland and Lake Mývatn
- Day 5: Diamond Circle and Akureyri
- Day 6: West Iceland
- Day 7: Return to Reykjavík
This approach significantly reduces daily driving time and makes the trip far more enjoyable, especially for first-time visitors renting a car in Iceland.
What You Gain with a Full Week on the Ring Road
With seven days or more, you can:
- Spend real time at waterfalls instead of quick photo stops
- Explore black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and geothermal areas properly
- Adjust plans around weather conditions
- Avoid driving long distances late in the day
- Experience quieter regions beyond Iceland’s busiest stops
This is the point where Iceland stops feeling rushed and starts to feel immersive.
So, How Long Does it Really Take to Drive Around Iceland?
Technically, you can drive around Iceland in one very long day. Realistically, that’s not how Iceland should be experienced.
Our recommendations:
- 4-5 days: Possible, but rushed
- 7 days: Ideal for first-time visitors
- 10-14 days: Best for relaxed travel and regional exploration
Iceland rewards slow travel. The more time you allow, the more meaningful your road trip becomes. Most visitors leave already planning their return.
More Than a Week in Iceland: Where to Add Extra Time
If you have 10 days or more, Iceland becomes much more flexible. You can add entire regions that are difficult to fit into a shorter trip.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often Described as Iceland in miniature, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs glaciers, volcanoes, fishing villages and dramatic coastline into a compact area west of Reykjavík.
Highlights incliude:
- Kirkjufell
- Coastal cliffs and seal beaches
- Snæfellsjökull National Park, famously linked to Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Allow at least full day, ideally two.
Westman Island (Vestmannaeyjar)
South of the mainland, the Vestmannaeyjar are easily reached by ferry, and you can take your rental car with you.
On Heimaey, you can:
- Walk across lava fields from the 1973 eruption
- Visit puffin colonies in summer
- Hike volcanic craters overlooking the Atlantic
This makes a great addition if you have extra time on the South Coast.
The Westfjords
The Westfjords are Iceland’s most remote and least visited region, even in summer. Roads are slower, distances are deceptive, and scenery is wild and unspoilt.
Key highlights include:
- Ísafjörður
- Látrabjarg
- Rauðsandur
- Boat access to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
You’ll need at least 3-4 extra days to explore this region properly.
Highlands (Summer Only)
Iceland’s interior Highlands are only accessible in summer, usually from late June to early September, and require a 4×4 vehicle.
Popular Highland destinations include:
- Landmannalaugar
- Þórsmörk
Roads are rough, river crossings are common, and conditions change quickly. If you want to include the Highlands, factor in extra time and careful planning.
Don’t Skip Reykjanes: Close to the Airport, Easy to Miss
Many travelers only see Reykjanes Peninsula when visiting the Blue Lagoon or arriving at the airport, but this volcanic region deserves more attention.
Highlights include:
- Bridge Between Continents
- Lava fields and geothermal areas
- Hiking near Fagradalsfjall, which erupted from 2021 onward
Reykjanes is perfect for your first or last day in Iceland.
FAQ: Driving Around Iceland
- How long does it take to drive the Ring Road without stops?
Around 16-20 hours of continuous driving.
- Is 4 days enough for the Ring Road?
Yes, but expect long days and limited sightseeing time.
- What is the best time of year to drive around Iceland?
Late spring to early autumn offers the best balance of road conditions and daylight.
- Do I need a 4×4 for the Ring Road?
No. The Ring Road is fully paved. A 4×4 is only needed for Highlands routes or winter conditions.
- Can you drive around Iceland in winter?
Yes, but expect slower travel, fewer daylight hours, and weather-related delays.
- Is driving around Iceland expensive?
Fuel and accommodation add up, but renting a cheap car in Iceland and planning efficiently helps control costs.
So, How Much Time Do you Really Need?
While it is technically possible to drive around Iceland in a single day, it is not how the country is meant to be experienced. For most travelers, 7 days is the ideal amount of time to drive the Ring Road, offering a balance between seeing Iceland’s highlights and enjoying the journey without rushing.
Shorter trips are possible with careful planning, but the more time you allow, the more rewarding your road trip will be. Iceland rewards slower travel, flexibility, and the freedom that comes with exploring it by car.
