Meet the VW Up, one of Firefly Iceland´s most compact and affordable rides, the kind of car that makes driving around Iceland simple, cheap and fun.
It´s made for travelers who like things easy: easy parking, easy fuel bills and easy exploring
Perfect for city brakes, short road trips or anyone looking to stretch their budget while still enjoying Iceland´s famous roads and views.
It´s also a great match for solo travelers who want an easy, cheap way to explore Iceland´s main attractions at their own pace.
Your travel buddy for city and road trips
When you don´t need a big SUV the VW up is a smart choice. It´s lightweight, nimble car that feels right at home in airport drives, Reykjavík or scenic Golden Circle stops.
- ✅Compact and simple to handle, perfect for first-time visitors
- 🧳Space for light luggage, ideal for two travelers
- 💰Great fuel economy, keep your trip cheap
- 🛣️Best for summer and shoulder-season driving on paved roads
- 🌿Modern petrol engine, efficient and eco-friendlier
Practical, compact and ideal for smooth drives across Iceland´s main roads.
Quick facts
A quick rundown of what the VW Up offers for your Iceland trip.
- 🚗Seats: 4 passengers, 4 doors
- 🧳Luggage: 1 large suitcase or 2 small bags
- ⚙️Transmission: Manual
- 🛞Drive: Front-wheel drive (2WD)
- ⛽Fuel: Petrol, low emissions (95 g/km)
- ❄️Comfort: Air conditioning, power steering, fog lamps
- 🔌Features: USB port, power windows, remote locking
Perfect for city driving and short road trips on Iceland´s paved routes.
Driving comfort that surprises
Step inside and you´ll find the VW Up surprisingly spacious and well designed.
Good legroom, supportive seats and a simple dashboard layout make it a relaxing drive, even on long stretches of the Ring Road. Connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB, turn on the heater and enjoy the ride.
Its small size make it easy to navigate tight streets and parking spots, a real bonus in Reykjavík city.
Drive with confidence, the VW Up includes ABS, traction control and multiple airbags for added safety on Iceland´s ever-changing roads.
When to rent a small car in Iceland
If you´re visiting between April and October, small 2WD cars like this are a great option. Roads are clear, weather is mild and Iceland´s main attractions are all accessible.
In winter, it´s suitable for driving around Reykjavík and nearby areas, as long as you stay on the main roads and take it slow. Firefly provides winter tires during the cold season for safe driving.
❄️For longer trips or snowy conditions, we recommend renting a 4×4 for extra safety and comfort.
👉Check road.is and safetravel.is for daily updates before heading out.
Pick-up made easy
You can grab your car right after landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
No shuttle bus. No waiting around. Just walk to the Hertz/Firefly desk inside the arrivals hall, sign your rental and you´re good to go.
You can return your car at Keflavík or downtown Reykjavík if you´re staying in the city.
Thinking about a bit more space?
If you´re two to three people travelling together or just want a little extra room, the VW Polo is a comfortable step up from the VW Up.
It offers more luggage space, a smoother drive on longer summer routes and feels steadier in windier conditions, a good choice for travelers planning to explore beyond Reykjavík or take longer day trips.


Why rent with Firefly Iceland
Renting a car in Iceland should be simple, and that´s exactly what we do at Firefly. Here why travelers choose us for an easy, cheap start to their trip:
- 💸Always low prices, no hidden fees
- ⏱️24/7 roadside assistance and customer support
- 🚘Reliable fleet with 2022-2024 models, regularly serviced for safe and smooth driving
- 📍Located inside the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport, an easy start to your trip
- ✨Friendly team with real local knowledge of Iceland
FAQs
- Can I drive the VW Up on gravel or F-roads?
No, it´s only suitable for paved roads. F-roads require a 4×4 vehicle.
- Is the VW Up okey for winter?
Yes, as long as you drive on main roads and watch the weather. All firefly cars have winter tires fitted when needed.
- What´s the luggage space like?
Enough for one large suitcase or two cabin bags. If you´re traveling heavy, check our compact SUV options.
- How old do I need to be to rent this car?
At least 20 years old, with a valid driver´s license held for one year or more.
- Where can I pick up my rental car?
Directly at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) or in Reykjavík city. Easy and fast.
Basic Rental Requirements for Volkswagen Up
- You must be at least 20 years old to drive this vehicle
- A valid credit card is the main renter´s name is required to reserve and rent the car
- The driver must present a valid driving license held for minimum of one year at the time of rental
- An international Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License (IDL) is required if your national license is not written in Roman script
Driving Restrictions
This car is designed for Iceland´s paved and well-maintained roads, perfect for routes like Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
It´s not allowed on F-roads or highland tracks, where a 4×4 is required for safety.
Please Note
- Booking are made by a car category, so a specific model cannot be guaranteed
- More details about car coverages, visit our Protection Info page
- Vehicle features may vary slightly depending on model year and availability
- For full rental terms and requirements, visit our Rental Requirements page
Book your VW Up or Similar now
Ready to explore Iceland the easy way?
Book your VW Up or similar today and pick it up right at Keflavík airport.
👉Check availability here