Experience true Nordic winter with these Iceland and Canada tours!

To offer the best price possible we have fixed multi-day self-drive packages that have been optimized for the best possible experience. We also offer a huge selection of day tours all around Iceland for those who already have a rental car.

Self-Drive Tours in Iceland

Self-Drive Packages include accommodation and a rental car, some also include exciting adventure tours.

All our self-drive packages include:

 Hotel breakfast

 Private bathroom

 No hidden fees

 No booking fees

Ring Road Self Drive tours

Activities for Self-Drive Day Tours

Drive & Meet Us On Location - For those who have rented a car

South East & Skaftafell Area

Exciting glacier tours in the amazing Skaftafell nature reserve. Take a glacier walk on Europe's largest glacier, explore blue ice caves and more.

South West Iceland & Reykjanes Peninsula

Take a cool stroll on the amazing Solheimajokull Glacier, hike the hills of the sleeping giant known as Fimmvorduhals Volcano or explore the geothermal activity of Reykjanes.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle route offers many exciting detours to take advantage of. Go snowmobiling on a glacier or plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir national park!

Snaefellsnes & The Westfjords

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a mesmerizing mosaic of natural elements. It's no wonder it has been called "Iceland in a nutshell", since it really has it all: Dramatic coastlines, glaciers, lava fields & more. The Westfjords, known for it's mystique and seclusion, is something not to be missed while in Iceland.

North & East Iceland

North Iceland is the home of Iceland's largest town, Akureyri, as well as numerous amazing pearls of nature. Go whale watching in Dalvik, explore the geothermal area of Myvatn & more.

Reykjavik Area

Meet on location tours in the heart of Iceland's capital. You don't necessarily have to venture far from your accomodation for great Icelandic adventures. Reykjavik offers a multitude of great sightseeing tours, activities & hikes for you to enjoy.

Guide to Self-drive in Iceland

Possible Challenges on Icelandic Roads

  • Narrow passes: Extreme caution must be taken when two cars meet on a narrow pass, which occurs often in the Highlands
  • Blind hills and curves should be approached with caution. There is a sign that indicates a blind summit ahead.
  • Single lane bridges: The rule is that the car closer to the bridge has the right-of-way
  • Gravel roads: There is a sign that indicates that paved road changes to gravel. Reduce your speed before approaching the gravel surface.
  • Animals (sheep, reindeer, arctic foxes and birds): never exceed the speed limit and don't drive when you are tired. You can expect sheep and other animals to jump in front of you on the road anytime. Some birds build their nests close to the roads on the ground. Usually, road signs indicate places where this commonly occurs.
sheep walking on the ring road
  • Blinded by the sun: sunshine can be especially bothersome when the sun sits low and stays there for hours. During the day in winter and during the night in summer it is often completely in the driver's line of sight which can be blinding. Don't forget your sunglasses!
  • Ice and snow: if you have no experience driving on ice and snow, it might be better to go on a small group tour instead. Make sure to check weather conditions and decrease your speed in the icy/snowy areas.
icy snowy winter road near skaftafell in iceland
  • Distracted by the view: don’t let the enchanting landscapes or the Northern Lights’ might distract you from your driving and never stop on the side of the road randomly. Find a proper resting area where you can stop safely.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, travelling to Iceland is highly recommended! The panorama along all of Iceland’s Ring Road is nothing short of legendary! No wonder it is one of the world’s most popular road trips.

You will drive through some incredible landscapes. Enjoy the view of active volcanoes, blue glaciers, stunning waterfalls and much more.

Explore the fabled south coast, where you’ll find Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and black volcanic beaches. Drive around the popular Golden Circle route where you can experience the incredible power of the Earth. Witness erupting geysers, walk between the continents and visit one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls.

skogafoss and seljalandsfoss waterfalls in south iceland

Enjoy Freedom and Get the Best Value for Your Money

If you have your own rental car, you have freedom. Spend as much time at any locations as you want, and make extra stops whenever you feel like it. You can head out in the middle of the night for a northern light hunt or to take a walk in the midnight sun.

Be spontaneous and tour Iceland at your own pace without having to share the experience with strangers. Explore the wonders that Iceland has to offer on your own!

campervan roadtripping in iceland

Sharing the expenses with your travel buddies will make it the most budget-friendly way to explore Iceland. Why not get the best value for money?

Enrich your self-driven tour in Iceland with exciting activities. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to go on adventure tours or day tours. Whale watching, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, ice caving and more. These tours are always cheaper if you drive to the location by yourself and meet the guides there.

Choose a Self-Drive Tour and Receive Instant Confirmation

Do you have limited time for planning or perhaps you don’t even know where to start? Choose the self-drive package that fits your budget and time frame. Our local professionals have already worked out the logistics so you can get instant confirmation.

We have already taken care of your car rental, the accommodation, and the self-drive tour itinerary. All you have to do is choose your activities.  Book and receive your detailed Guide to Iceland that is based on our local knowledge. We designed it to lead you along the most beautiful places and some lesser-known treasures.

No hidden expenses & no customization!

We've simplified the process to make it clear and easy for you - no complications! We do not allow customizations but in return, you won't get a large bill or any hidden expenses. Your package includes a rental car, accommodations and you can choose from a list of activities in the areas. But don't worry, the itinerary along with accommodations, car rentals and activities have been carefully selected by our team of professional travel experts. It includes all of the best attractions, directions and activities along the way... leave it to the experts!

woman spreading arms near godafoss waterfall

Feel free to add activities and attractions on the way as long as it doesn't interfere with the pre-made self-drive agenda. Accommodations, car rentals and chosen activities cannot be re-arranged. You are also welcome to adjust days before or after the self-drive yourself. Our motto is:

Simple and easy - no hidden expenses!

Practical Information on Driving in Iceland

  • Standard speed limits:
    • 30-50 km/h (18-31 mi/h) within cities and populated areas
    • 80 km/h (49 mi/h) on gravel/dirt roads in rural areas
    • 90 km/h (55 mi/h) on paved roads
  • We drive on the right side of the road in Iceland
  • Authorities have zero tolerance for drunk drivers
  • Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Older children must wear seatbelts and younger children and infants must be seated in car-safety seats
  • Headlights are required around the clock while driving
  • Stopping in the middle of the road or even at the side of the road by solid or double white line is considered a violation of traffic rules
  • In Iceland any driving off roads or marked tracks is prohibited
  • Off-road driving and leaving the marked gravel roads (F-roads) is strictly prohibited by law

Icelandic Roads

The Icelandic road system is easy to navigate and drive. Many of the popular tourist attractions are accessible by a regular car - depending on weather conditions, of course.

The most travelled road is the Road 1 or, as it is often called, the epic Ring Road. It leads around the island, passing the most famous tourist attractions in the country. Its total length is 1,332 kilometres (828 mi).

The Ring Road is two lanes in width: one lane going in each direction. Aside from a short stretch of gravel surface in eastern Iceland, the Ring Road is paved for almost all of its length.

The road is maintained year round. Closures can occur due to floods, sandstorms or poor weather conditions anytime, especially in winter. The speed limit is generally 90 km/h.

speed limit sign on ring road in iceland

Petrol Stations

Petrol stations are numerous along the Ring Road. You’ll find at least one in the towns and villages. Most stations accept credit or debit cards.

There are no gas stations in the Highlands. Drivers taking longer journeys, especially in the Highlands, are advised to be adequately prepared

Gravel Roads, F-roads and Offroad

There are specific highlands roads, so-called F-roads which lead to amazing hidden secret places in the Icelandic Highlands. They are also known for the most difficult driving conditions.

The F-roads are closed until the end of June or later, depending on actual weather conditions. The highland roads are not regularly maintained. They have a gravel surface, which is often loose and muddy. Big stones, bumps and potholes can occur on the road and, occasionally, unbridged rivers to cross.

4x4 offroad driving in iceland in highlands

The F-roads and the mountain roads require an experienced driver, appropriate vehicles, slower speed and extra care. F-roads can only be driven by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and it is strongly advised that two or more cars travel together.

F-road is not to be confused with Offroad! F-roads are marked with signs and can be found on maps. Leaving the marked roads - even if it’s a dirt road - is against the law and can be fined up to 5000 USD.  Driving off-road can cause serious damage to Icelandic nature and it can take decades for the vegetation to heal.

How to Dress for a Road Trip

Since you will spend long hours in the car, you need comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing tight items of clothing. Dress for the variable weather conditions and dress in layers. You will need a warm coat in winter or a windstopper softshell jacket in summer.

woman with a winter jacket in iceland

Make sure the layers are easy to add, adjust or remove when you hop out and back into the car. You will probably stop once or twice every hour and spend at least 30 minutes outside of the car each time, for instance, on your way around the Golden Circle or along the South Coast.

Make sure your boots are comfortable and not too warm for sitting in the car for the whole day. Leather boots are recommended: they are waterproof and warm enough for walking outside. Avoid wearing high-heeled boots or sneakers.

Take a look at our guide on What to Wear in Iceland with helpful tips for every season.

FAQ

It is a package tour that includes accommodation, car rental, and suggested itinerary. We provide you with all information to make sure you know where to go and what to see in Iceland along with general practical information about Iceland, as this is a self-guided tour.

Included with our tours are accommodation and car rental, as described for each tour, itinerary with suggested points of interest along the way, GPS points for each stop (accommodation, activities, points of interest), and a detailed self-drive handbook with lots of practical information.

We use a very varied mix of local accommodations.

Comfort rooms are private rooms with private bathroom in guesthouses, hotels, motels, lodges, etc. Approximately 3-star rating.

During winter months (October-April) we recommend 4WD vehicles but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a jeep, it is safest to drive a vehicle that you are comfortable with so if you’re not used to driving large cars then a smaller, but 4WD might be a better option.

In summertime any vehicle is good,
depending on how many are traveling together, how much luggage you carry along and how much you’re willing to pay.

That depends mostly on the itinerary, some are faster paced while others are more relaxed. Days can range from 200-400 km, though very few days exceed 350 km. You are of course your own driver and guide while on a self-drive tour so you are free to make detours as you wish.

You never know what might happen while in a foreign country so we highly recommend you to have good travel insurance. Sure it costs a bit extra, but it can take a load off the mind and end up being a totally worth it in case something sudden could happen.

Take a look at what type of insurance is provided with your credit card, alternatively buy special travel insurance from an insurance provider.

As for the car rental, you can opt to buy extra insurance at the time of collecting the car. It may be wise to buy extra insurance such as windshield protection, as a cracked windshield from a stone being thrown off another car is among the most common incidents on Icelandic roads.

Other extra car insurances would be for example sand and ash protection, or additional insurance to lower the self-risk in case of an incident.

Our self-drive adventures have been optimized for the best value experience, which includes doing some thrilling activities in the amazing Icelandic nature. As the packages are offered at the best possible price no partial refunds or modifications to the itinerary can be permitted. That includes opting out of an included activity and getting a refund for that activity. You can, of course, choose not to do the activity but as mentioned there would be no partial refunds of the package price.

You should contact the service provider in question: If there is a problem with the car, contact the car rental. If you have troubles finding the hotel (which shouldn’t happen as you will be provided with the address and GPS coordinates), you should call the hotel.

If you have questions about an activity, contact the activity provider. You will receive all the necessary contact information from us.