Rent a car

The best way to see Iceland is at your own pace, then to step out of the car with a guide where it matters. We recommend these two local rental companies: they’re Icelandic, they hand over your car at Keflavík Airport, and their vehicles are ready for gravel roads and winter.

banner of motorhome Iceland campervan rental

Motorhome Iceland – campervans and motorhomes

  • Campers for 3, motorhomes for 5, 4×4 campers and rooftop tents
  • Heating, cooking equipment and bedding included
  • Pickup at Keflavík Airport or your Reykjavík hotel
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Drivers 25+ with a licence held for at least 1 year

See campers and prices →

car rental banner Reykjavik cars

Reykjavik Cars – cars, 4x4s and electric cars

  • Icelandic company, renting cars since 2013
  • Office at Keflavík Airport (open 05:00–02:00) and in Reykjavík
  • Small cars, 4x4s and SUVs, vans, electric and luxury cars
  • Basic insurance included; gravel and theft protection available
  • 24/7 support and a free fuel discount key
  • Rated 4.8 on Google and Trustpilot

See cars and prices →

Which vehicle do you need?

Your trip What to rent Why
Ring Road or South Coast, May–September Small car or camper All main roads are paved
Anywhere, October–April 4×4 Ice, snow and strong wind; better grip and clearance
Highlands: Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Þórsmörk roads 4×4 (required by law on F-roads) F-roads open roughly June–September and have river crossings
Budget trip with nights in nature Camper Bed and kitchen in one; camp only at campsites

Insurance in plain words

  • CDW (included): covers damage to the car, but with a high excess.
  • Gravel protection: our top tip. Stone chips on windscreens and paint are the most common damage in Iceland.
  • Sand and ash protection: worth it on the South Coast on windy days.
  • SCDW / premium packages: lower your excess; good value on trips longer than a week.
  • Never covered: river crossings and driving off marked roads (which is also illegal).

Drive there, then join a guide

Many of our tours meet you on location, so you can drive yourself and join us for the part that needs a guide. Tours are in English, and we also guide in Polish.

Planning your route? Read our Self-Drive Iceland guides, starting with Sólheimajökull in 2026.

FAQ

Do I need a 4×4 in Iceland?

Not in summer on the Ring Road. Yes in winter, and always on F-roads into the Highlands.

Can I pick up the car at the airport?

Yes. Both companies hand over cars and campers at Keflavík Airport.

Which insurance should I take?

At least gravel protection. On the South Coast in windy weather, also sand and ash.

Is booking through Zimno more expensive?

No. You book directly with the rental company at their normal price.

We recommend these partners because we trust them. If you book through our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.