Car Hire Iceland

Our Iceland car hire services cover the full range of of rental options along with an Avis Preferred service and out of hours key drop options.  

Our range of cars are perfect for navigating Iceland’s roads. With a large variety of models to choose from – including economy, sedans and 4x4s – you can be sure to get the very most out of your stay.

If you’re planning a trip for friends or family, check out our range of large cars, estates and 7-seaters.

Embarking on a one-way trip across Iceland in your hire car? Let us know your destination in advance and our teams will ensure that your journey is seamless, wherever you decide to pick up or drop off your rental vehicle.

For the full range of Iceland car rentals, see our Avis car rental fleet.

Can I cancel or amend my booking?

Yes, you can cancel, amend or extend your Iceland car hire with us via the manage your booking section online or on our Avis app. Avis offers free cancellations up to 48h before pick-up.

What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car in Iceland?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Iceland is 18. In Iceland, a young driver surcharge will apply to drivers between the ages of 18-19. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and for larger and luxury vehicle categories where the minimum age to hire is 20, young driver surcharges apply up to the age of 22.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car but you’ll be told if there are any age restrictions for the vehicle you request on booking.

Is it worth hiring a car in Iceland?

With so much to see and do, a visit to Iceland will never disappoint. And with a single, 1,332km road passing through some of the island’s most spectacular sights, it’s very easy to get around. The island lies just south of the Arctic Circle, and due to its low population density and abundance of things to see and do, driving is a must. Hire a car with Avis in Iceland to get the most out of this extraordinary country, starting with the capital, Reykjavík.

Do I need to rent a 4x4 in Iceland?

It is not necessary to hire a 4x4 in Iceland, especially if you're just planning to stay in Reykjavik. However, a 4x4 might be helpful if you want to go to places like the West Fjords or the northern regions.

When’s the best time to go to Iceland?

Iceland is truly a year-round destination offering different highlights through each season. In summer, you can make the most of outdoor activities, hiking and wildlife spotting as well as the midnight sun. In spring and autumn, enjoy emptier spaces and the changing seasons while winter offers sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling as well as the magical northern lights.

Hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore Iceland. The country has a good, well-maintained road network focussed around the Ring Road which encircles the island and will get you to most of the main attractions. If you are planning on driving in Iceland in winter or wanting to tackel highland routes, consider hiring a 4WD to enable you to make the most of your trip.

Iceland driving laws

Be aware that in Iceland as in mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right, buses and emergency vehicles have priority.

• Use dipped headlights day and night, all year round
• Horns may be used when overtaking or in cases of immediate danger.
• If you meet another car on a rural road, cut your speed to reduce the risk of windscreen breakage from loose chippings.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise familiarising yourself with the road rules for driving in Iceland

The island lies just south of the Arctic Circle, and due to its low population density and abundance of things to see and do, driving is a must. Iceland’s colourful and historic capital Reykjavík is just a 40 min drive away from Keflavik International airport on Route 41.

In Reykjavík, a walk through the old town is highly recommended, as is a visit to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, a church devoted to the Icelandic clergyman and poet Hallgrímur Pétursson. Pétursson’s collection of religious poetry, Passion Hymns, is one of Iceland’s most celebrated cultural works.

As well as being famed for its pop up Christmas markets in Reykjavik, Iceland is renowned for the range of the magical outdoor experiences it can offer tourists from caving to whale-watching, white water rafting and snow-boarding. Iceland also has a busy annual calendar of events from winter light festivals to film and music festivals.

From Reykjavik, join the famous Route 1, or Ring Road, which encircles the island almost in its entirety. Or head eastward on the smaller roads, along the route known as the Golden Circle. This will take you Geysir, where you can watch erupting hot springs, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, which is consistently named one of the top waterfalls in the world. From here it isn’t far to Thingvellir, a vast and beautiful volcanic national park containing giant lakes and serpentine rivers with snow-capped mountains looming in the distance.

Follow Iceland’s Ring Road as it curves to the east, and you’ll come across Svartifoss, a waterfall that runs down giant hexagonal black columns of basalt. East of Svartifoss is Jökusárlon, a stunning glacial lake. Each year, the lake grows in size as the glaciers around it melt. Since the 1970s, it has increased fourfold in size. It is also believed, at 248m in depth, to be the deepest lake in all of Iceland.