Find your perfect hire car in Iceland
If you’re travelling to Iceland, land of fire and ice, booking an Avis hire car from one of our convenient locations across the country is an easy way to experience its unique beauty from hot springs to dramatic landscapes and the Northern Lights.
Our Avis Iceland car rental desks are located at Keflavik International Airport, gateway to the island as well as the capital Reykjavik and popular destinations on the south, east and north coast. If you’re looking to hire a car after catching a ferry to Seydisfjiordur, you’ll find our desk at Egilsstaðir Airport.
Wherever you decide to collect your vehicle, our efficient teams will have you en route to the island's awe-inspiring mountains, rugged coastline and fjords in no time.
Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road quickly plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
Avis car hire locations in Iceland
Popular airport locations in Iceland
Your top rental locations in Iceland
Avis services in 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.
Iceland car rental FAQs
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.
Top tips for driving in Iceland
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
Explore Iceland with your hire car
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.
Road trips in Iceland
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.
Why choose Avis for your Iceland car hire?
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Fully flexible
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Savings on coverage
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Loyalty benefits
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
- Faster collection
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.
- VIP treatment