10 Things to do in Iceland Besides Seeing the Northern Lights.
There’s a lot more to Iceland than the Aurora. The Golden Circle is an extremely popular tourist route, perfect for a road trip as it connects many attractions…
Car Hire in Iceland.
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Zest is mint!
Dermot - Keflavik Airport, 1 month ago
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For natural beauty, Iceland is in a league of its own. From the geothermal Golden Circle to the awe inspiring Gullfoss, Iceland is a wonderful country that you won’t want to leave.
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Which car rental company should I book with in Iceland?
Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience.
Whether you decide to book with Europcar, Wheego or any of our other providers in Iceland, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Iceland
Renting a car in Iceland provides the ultimate freedom to explore the dramatic "Land of Fire and Ice," a spectacular island shaped by powerful glaciers, active volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, and bubbling geothermal fields. At Zest Car Rental, we strive to make your subarctic road trip as clear and straightforward as possible. By cutting out confusing terms, hidden extras, and including comprehensive Excess Protection in every single quote, we help you book a reliable car with complete peace of mind. Whether you collect your vehicle at Keflavík International Airport or in the capital city of Reykjavík, you can start your journey with total confidence.
Unlock the real Iceland
Having a rental vehicle gives you the absolute independence to experience Iceland's jaw-dropping natural wonders far beyond the limits of organized excursion buses. You can begin by driving the iconic Golden Circle route, stopping at your own leisure to witness the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting hot springs of Geysir, and the dramatic tectonic rifts at Þingvellir National Park. With your own set of wheels, you can leave rigid tour group timetables behind to spend unforgettable days cruising the scenic South Coast, tracking routes down to the black sand beaches of Vík and the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Venture further afield and your car becomes an indispensable asset for discovering Iceland’s quieter, untamed landscapes. A complete road trip along the legendary Ring Road (Route 1) leads you to the dramatic fjords of the east and the bubbling volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn in the north. Having total control over your travel itinerary also allows you to explore the dramatic cliff sides of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or head toward remote fishing villages, tracking down spectacular coastal vistas and hidden geothermal hot springs completely at your own comfortable pace.
Our Fleet in Iceland
Our vetted providers in Iceland supply a diverse fleet of modern vehicles tailored to the island's unique geographical infrastructure and shifting weather patterns. Fuel-efficient economy models and compact cars are highly practical and absolutely perfect for navigating the well-paved Ring Road and coastal highways during the milder summer months. However, if you plan to venture onto the unpaved interior gravel paths, carry substantial outdoor equipment, or are exploring during the winter when snow and ice are prevalent, choosing a robust 4x4 or a spacious SUV ensures optimal traction, control, and necessary ground clearance.
One Way Rentals in Iceland
If you want to experience an expansive journey across the country without needing to double back, a one-way car hire provides excellent logistical flexibility. You can easily arrange to pick up your rental car upon arrival at Keflavík Airport and choose to drop it off at a different domestic hub, where available, such as Akureyri in the north after an unforgettable cross-island expedition. While one-way bookings offer fantastic freedom, keep in mind that provider-specific local fees will apply to cover vehicle relocation costs, and these will always be clearly detailed during the booking process on our website.
Driver Age Requirements in Iceland
Can I rent a car in Iceland if I am under 25? Minimum age requirements and specific restrictions vary by provider, though options are often available for drivers who have held a full, valid driving license for a minimum duration. Rental partners may require additional documentation or impose individual policies depending on the chosen vehicle category, with certain larger models or 4x4 vehicles requiring a higher minimum age. Drivers under the age of 25 are generally subject to a daily young driver surcharge, which is collected locally by the provider at the rental counter when collecting the keys.
Can I rent a car in Iceland if I am over 70? Age restrictions and insurance requirements vary by provider. Some rental partners may require additional documentation or impose specific restrictions for older drivers, so always check the terms of your chosen rental.
What is the best time of year to explore Iceland by car?
Spring brings rapidly changing weather and beautifully lengthening daylight hours, offering a quiet, atmospheric backdrop for coastal driving as the winter snows begin to recede. Summer delivers the mildest temperatures and the incredible phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, providing endless daylight hours that are absolutely ideal for long-distance cruising, beach-hopping, and accessing mountain routes. Autumn brings crisp air, spectacular golden tones across the volcanic valleys, and the first early opportunities to spot the Northern Lights. Winter transforms the country into an ethereal frozen landscape, bringing stunning arctic scenery but also challenging conditions like heavy snow, black ice, gale-force winds, and heavily restricted daylight. While main roads are regularly ploughed, extra caution must be taken on rural routes, and vehicles will be equipped with specialized studded or winter tyres to match the season.
Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. The vast majority of the highway network is free of toll roads, though a small number of specific infrastructures, such as the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in northern Iceland, utilize an electronic toll system requiring automated registration online. Some rental vehicles may be equipped with electronic toll payment devices; you should confirm how these fees are handled with your provider when collecting your vehicle. Iceland takes drink-driving offences seriously and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drive, the safest approach is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited and may result in penalties.
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are a strict legal requirement at all times, 24 hours a day, all year round, regardless of the visibility conditions or daylight hours. Many visitors are required to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their domestic driving licence, and rental providers may require one. Check the requirements that apply to your nationality and rental agreement before travel. When driving outside urban zones, maintain a highly alert and defensive driving style to look out for unique regional hazards. It is critical to note that standard passenger cars are strictly prohibited from driving on interior mountain tracks marked with an 'F' (F-roads), which are reserved exclusively for authorized 4x4 vehicles. Furthermore, remain alert for sudden single-lane bridges where oncoming traffic closest to the bridge has the right of way, unmarked speed limit drops near gravel transitions, and free-roaming sheep grazing or unexpectedly crossing right in front of the vehicle along rural roads.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Iceland
- Akureyri Airport (AEY)
- Egilsstadir Airport (EGS)
- Hafnarfjordur
- Isafjordur Airport (IFJ)
- Keflavik Airport (KEF)
- Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV)
- Skagastrond
- Talknafjordur
Average customer rating for car hire in Iceland
(4.59 out of 5.00) based on 41 responses to our customer survey.
Our top 5 tourist attractions in Iceland
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Jökulsárlón
This glacier lagoon, located in the south-east of Iceland is absolutely breath-taking.
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Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Good luck!
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Imagine Peace Tower
Yoko Ono’s memorial to John Lennon. It is only lit from October 9th (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8th (day of his death).
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Landmannalaugar
Geologically stunning, Landmannalaugar is a great hiking spot. Relax in the wonderful natural geothermal pool too.
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Seljalandsfoss
Just off Route 1 in the south, marvel at this wondrous waterfall which you can even walk behind!
