Self-driving in Iceland includes Route 1, about 1300 kilometers around the country, and the Golden Circle loop of roughly 230 to 300 kilometers. Guided day tours follow a fixed route and schedule, and most Golden Circle day trips take about 6 to 8 hours, with around 3 to 4 hours of driving alone. Thingvellir National Park is about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik.
What self-driving in Iceland actually involves
Iceland's main highway is Route 1, known as the Ring Road, and it is about 1300 kilometers long, circling the whole country.
The Ring Road is fully paved along its length and is open year round, including in winter.
In Iceland you drive on the right side of the road.
Icelandic law requires vehicle headlights to be on at all times, both day and night.
Seatbelts are mandatory for every person in the car, not just the driver.
The general speed limit is 90 kilometers per hour on paved rural roads, 80 kilometers per hour on gravel roads, and 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas.
Single-lane bridges are common on Route 1, and the first vehicle to reach the bridge has priority.
Driving off marked roads and tracks is illegal in Iceland because it damages fragile vegetation and soil.
To rent a small car in Iceland drivers usually must be at least 20 years old, and at least 23 years old for a large vehicle or 4x4.
Rental drivers must have held a valid driving licence for a minimum of 1 year, and longer for larger 4x4 vehicles.
If a driving licence is not written in Latin characters, an international driving permit is required.
F-roads are rugged mountain tracks in the highlands, and by law only 4x4 vehicles are permitted on them.
Driving a two-wheel-drive car on an F-road is prohibited and invalidates the rental insurance.
F-roads are typically open only in summer, from around mid June to early September, depending on weather and conditions.
More facts are in Driving in Iceland.
How guided tours work and what a guide adds
On a guided tour a professional driver-guide handles the driving, navigation, and route, while providing commentary along the way.
Guided day tours follow a fixed route and schedule and depart on set dates, so travellers do not plan the driving themselves.
Guided tours remove the need to rent a car, learn local road rules, or judge road and weather conditions yourself.
Comparing flexibility, driving effort, and seasonal access
The Golden Circle is a loop from Reykjavik of roughly 230 to 300 kilometers, depending on the route and detours taken.
Most visitors spend about 6 to 8 hours on the Golden Circle as a day trip, and the driving alone is around 3 to 4 hours without stops.
Thingvellir National Park is about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik.
You can use the driving distance tool for route distances.
Which option suits your route, experience, and season
The three core Golden Circle stops are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
A set route is outlined in this Golden Circle itinerary.
Comparing Golden Circle self-drive and guided options
You can compare Golden Circle tours to see the current options.
