One of the most common questions when planning a trip to Iceland is, “How many days do you need in Iceland?” Even more specifically, visitors wonder how many days you need to see Iceland with a car.
The quick answer? It depends on how many days of holiday you have. Iceland has so much to offer and your Iceland itinerary will probably fill up in a flash.
This guide is here to help you plan how many days you’ll need in Iceland and how to navigate the country efficiently by car. Whether you only have three days or a full week (or more!), read on to discover the perfect itinerary for your adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Intro to Iceland Travel Itineraries
There are endless different ways to explore Iceland, but a few tried and true routes reign supreme when it comes to planning a solid drive tour around the country.
Some of the most popular road trip routes in Iceland include…
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a 140-mile circular route (as the name suggests!)
It takes just one day trip to drive (about 10–12 hours with stops) and is easily accessed from the capital city, Reykjavik.
Just a few of the must-see attractions along this Golden Circle tour include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Just north of Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another day trip just under two hours away from the capital city.
With stops, the entire road trip takes about eight hours.
Some of the incredible sites you’ll see along the way include Kirkjufell Mountain, Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, Ytri Tunga seal colony and golden sand beach, and Berserkjahraun lava field.
South Coast Highlights
This route takes anywhere from two to three days, depending on how many sights you want to see and activities that are on your list, like ice caves and snowmobiling on a glacier.
Many travelers try to cram Iceland’s southern coast into one day, but it takes 4–5 hours to reach this region by car from Reykjavik one way! Two to three days will give you plenty of time to explore Iceland at your leisure.
A few of the highlights of Iceland’s South Coast include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and the tiny town of Vik.
Ring Road Adventure
Many travelers plan to fully circumnavigate Iceland’s Ring Road, the most important highway in the country. The route follows a perfect circle around Iceland and can be completed either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on your preference.
To comfortably see the best sites along the Ring Road, plan for at least seven days. The total route is about 821 miles in total.
Some of the highlights along the Ring Road are seeing Iceland’s southern coast, exploring the Eastfjords, the northern capital of Akureyri, and the Myvatn Nature Reserve. If you have extra time, you can also tack on the Golden Circle tour at the start or end of your trip.
Westfjords & Off-the-Beaten-Path
If you have more than a week in Iceland, count yourself lucky! You’ll have the chance to visit more off-the-beaten path places like the remote Westfjords and the Highlands, depending on the time of year (both of these places are closed or difficult to get to in winter).
With 10+ days, you can easily travel the entire Ring Road and plan for a few days of exploring the Westfjords.
Some of the Westfjords highlights include the Dynjandi waterfall, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Latrabjarg Cliffs, and beautiful villages like Ísafjörður.
A few extra off-the-beaten-path places you could add to your Iceland itinerary are Landmannalaugar in Iceland’s Highlands (during summer) and islands like the Westman Islands.
Travel Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Iceland’s weather and road conditions vary drastically, depending on the time of year. For summer trips, you can easily get by with a standard 2WD rental car, unless you’re planning to drive the F-roads to the Highlands—in which case you’ll need a 4WD vehicle. In the winter months, a 4WD is highly recommended if not necessary. It’s also a good idea to have previous experience driving in snow and ice, no matter where you’re headed.
Understanding Local Driving Laws
Basic traffic laws are the same in Iceland as most other countries, but there are a few unique exceptions. NEVER drive off-road, which is punishable by large fines and jail time. It’s also important to keep your headlights on at all times.
Laws around driving under the influence are stricter than some countries, like the United States. The legal limit is just 0.05%. Using cell phones while driving is also illegal.
- Make sure you read more about driving rules in Iceland before visting
Best Times to Rent a Car
There’s no bad time of year to rent a car in Iceland! It’s highly recommended to rent a car for summer so that you can travel on your own schedule, take advantage of long daylight hours, and visit less crowded areas.
In the winter, you’ll also want a rental car for chasing the northern lights—and you’ll likely find better rates compared to summer. That said, if you don’t feel confident driving in snow and ice, a guided tour might be a better choice.
Ideal Duration for Different Itineraries
A Weekend Trip
With just two to three days in Iceland, you can easily do a (very) quick road trip along the South Coast or combine Reykjavik with the Golden Circle or Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
If you have four days in Iceland, you’ll be more comfortable doing the South Coast with plenty of time to see its best sights.
One Week Adventure
With five days in Iceland you can combine a trip to the South Coast, Reykjavik, and another spot like the Golden Circle, or devote the trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords in summer to avoid the crowds.
If you have a full seven days in Iceland, there’s no better way to spend your time than by driving the Ring Road.
Extended 10-Day Road Trip
If you have an extended amount of time in Iceland, consider driving the Ring Road and adding another spot like the Golden Circle or the Westfjords. With 10 days you’ll have plenty of time to discover the country’s hidden gems and really take your time at the best sights.
Seasonal Considerations
Driving in Summer vs. Winter
Each season brings a unique set of challenges to driving in Iceland. While you won’t have to deal with snow in the summer months, crowds at popular sights and F-road driving (gravel or dirt roads) can be tricky.
Likewise, winter has its own set of issues with snow, ice, and high winds. Some roads will be closed completely in the winter months, including F-roads and throughout the country depending on fluctuations in snow and ice accumulation and winter storms.
Impact of Weather on Travel Time
In the winter months, snow and ice can make travel times double or even triple. Always make sure to check Iceland’s official weather and traffic websites to determine if it’s a good idea to head out.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, how many days you need in Iceland depends entirely on what you want to see! Eager to drive the Ring Road and fit in fun activities like whale watching or snowmobiling? Plan for seven days. Are you okay with seeing the sights on the Golden Circle, paling around Reykjavik, and soaking in the Blue Lagoon? You might only need two to three days.
Whatever you decide, book your rental car with Firefly Iceland and get started exploring the Land of Fire and Ice!
