Should You Rent a Car in Iceland During Winter? A Complete Guide

Imagine yourself driving through a winter wonderland with golden sun reflecting off frozen waterfalls and icy fjords. If you’re planning on Iceland winter trip, then you are ready for a treat. But, one big question often comes up: Should I rent a car in Iceland during the winter months?

This past year, I went to Iceland over New Years and it was an amazing holiday. We decided to rent a car and it was a fantastic decision. My husband and best friend are confident drivers that took on some pretty harsh conditions, but it allowed us to get out and see more.

Spoiler alert, I didn’t drive, I sat in the back seat. But, I learned a lot.

So, I’ve written this complete guide to help you decide whether you should rent a car on your Iceland winter trip. I’ve included pros, cons, challenges, and tips for taking on the Iceland roads! So, you’ll be ready to have the best vacation.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this blog post. I may get a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for your support!

Deciding Whether to Rent a Car in Iceland in Winter

Quick Thoughts on Renting a Car in Iceland

Yes, if you’re a confident driver who craves flexibility.

But there are risks involved, so you’ll want to be well-prepared. Keep reading to find out what to expect and whether it’s the right fit for your trip.

👉 Book your 4WD rental car in Iceland here, so that you can take on winter driving conditions!

Pros of Renting a Car in Iceland in Winter

We decided to rent a car and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip. It allowed us to explore at our own pace, see remote destinations, and of course chase the Northern Lights.

Here are the pros:

✅ Flexibility

• Explore at your own pace
• Change your plans based on the weather (which changes fast)
• Stop wherever you want for photos and sights

✅ Cost

• Group tours in Iceland can cost $100+ per person.
• Our rental car was ~$400 for 3 days split between 4 people, that’s a huge savings.

✅ Northern Lights

• You can drive away from cities into dark sky areas
• Certain areas may have Northern Lights where others don’t

✅ Access to Remote Areas

• You’re not limited to tour routes or the main drives
• Get off the beaten path
• Explore areas like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or West Fjords

If those sound like great reasons to rent a car, then you should do it!

➡️ I always compare rates on Discover Cars, they include local rental companies too!

Cons & Challenges of Driving in Iceland in Winter

That being said, there are things you should consider before renting a car. Iceland winters are harsh and road conditions can be really hard to navigate. On our trip, I didn’t drive at all and knew I wouldn’t be comfortable on the road.

At points we had complete white out conditions, so you’ll want an experienced winter driver to handle the wheel.

Here are some cons or challenges you may face:

⚠️ Severe Winter Weather

• Snowstorms and strong storms can come out of nowhere
• White out conditions can occur. It was the worst conditions I’ve seen and we’ve driven all across the US!

⚠️ Rough Conditions

• Expect potholes, gravel roads, and unpaved roads at some points
• Some roads can be closed due to conditions

⚠️ Limited Daylight

• In the winter, sunlight hours can vary from 3-6 hours. We only had 4 hours when we were there!
• Night driving can be harder and more stressful

⚠️ Unreliable GPS

• There’s limited service out on the roads in Iceland
• GPS doesn’t always work, so I recommend downloading the maps in advance

Alternatives to Renting a Car

Now, if you are worried about renting a car and don’t feel comfortable driving. Don’t worry there are plenty of other ways to get around the beautiful winter landscapes in Iceland!

First, you can base yourself in Reykjavik and do group tours to see the sights. They have Golden Circle Tours, Ice Cave Tours, Snow Mobiling Tours, and Northern Lights Tours that will pick you up downtown!

If you have some money budgeted for this trip, then you can even do larger group tours around the Ring Road. These will cost a bit more, but are worth it if you want to see far off places without renting a car.

Tips for Driving a Car in Iceland in Winter

If you decide that you want to rent a car in Iceland, you should take all of these things into consideration.

• Get a 4WD Car 🚗 – Honestly, getting a 4WD car with winter tires will make or break your trip! It can be harrowing to take on the roads, so you want a car you can trust.
• Check road conditions– Before you head out on your Icelandic adventures, you can get updated road conditions on road.is or Safe.is.
• Purchase auto insurance– Even the best laid plans can go awry. So, it’s important to get car insurance in case anything happens out on the road!
• Learn the road signs– This is something I wish we had looked into before heading out on the road! But, you should always know the road signs and what they mean.
• Drive slowly and cautiously– You can never tell if there’s black ice on the roads or any other road hazards. So, it’s best to go slowly and go below the speed limits at all times.

Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Iceland in Winter

So, now you can make an informed decision about renting a car in Iceland. I would recommend that individuals who like flexibility, have experience driving in winter, and want to get further from the crowds rent cars.

But, if you’re someone that is a nervous driver, you’re alone, or you like structure than you should consider an alternative.

I hope that this guide helped you too make the choice that’s right for you and that you have an amazing trip to Iceland!

🚙 Book your rental car in Iceland here and have an amazing winter trip!

Let me know in the comments if you liked this blog post!

📍Pin Should You Rent a Car in Iceland During Winter? A Complete Guide to Pinterest