Frequently asked questions - What to know before your Iceland trip

We’ve been on the ground in Iceland for over 8 years. We built a Facebook community for travelers helping travelers, and it grew to 106,000 people asking questions, sharing tips, and getting excited together.

When you kept asking where to find reliable rentals and tours, we decided to build a business around the answers. Today, we've helped many travelers explore Iceland, and we're still that same community at heart.

We only work with local Icelandic providers. Why? Well, they’re people who know these roads, these glaciers, and this ever-changing weather. From there, we look for a proven reputation, a solid and varied fleet, and service we’d trust for our own trips.

We want you to book with confidence, not cross your fingers. That’s why we do the homework so you get to enjoy the ferð (trip). 

Cancellations are rare, but your peace of mind is our priority. If a provider can't deliver, we'll work to find a replacement right away. If we can’t find the perfect fit, you’ll receive a full refund.

Pro tip: to guarantee your first-choice gear and the most stable rates, we always recommend booking as far in advance as possible. 

For immediate logistics like a flat tire or a tour pickup, your local provider is the fastest point of contact.

But you’re never alone... Our customer team is available to help you find the right solution or connect you with the right person. You booked with us, and we’ll help you from booking to boarding. Takk for trusting us! 

Yes, we're here for you every day of the year from 6:00 to midnight, Icelandic time.

Our support team speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish. We'll make sure you're understood and taken care of, no matter where you're from. 

We love talking about Iceland. Ask us about tours, routes, or where to find the best kleina; we’re pleased to share!

While we don’t offer custom itinerary planning or personal travel design, we are here to help you feel confident and point you in the right direction. 

We work with multiple providers to give you as many options as possible, but even then, availability gets tight. So, if you’re traveling to Iceland in the summer, we always recommend booking as early as you can.

As a general rule, the earlier, the better. For summer travel (June through August), we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance. That's when you'll find the best availability and the most competitive prices.

If you're planning to visit during the peakest of peak months (think July or early August), give yourself even a little more breathing room. Popular vehicles and 4x4s tend to go first.

Are you sticking to the Ring Road or exploring Reykjavík and nearby sights? A standard 2WD vehicle will serve you just fine. It's comfortable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for paved roads and well-maintained gravel routes.

Planning to drive any F-roads or head into the Highlands? Then a 4x4 is mandatory…no exceptions. Those fjallavegir or mountain roads require the clearance and power that only a 4x4 can provide.

Traveling during winter (October through April)? We strongly recommend a 4x4 regardless of your route. The extra traction makes a real difference on snow and ice, even on main roads. 

If you have questions about a specific itinerary, just reach out. We'll give you honest advice based on roads we've driven ourselves.

Yes, many of our trusted providers do offer one-way rentals.

The most common setup is between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport (and vice versa). That means you can pick up your bílaleiga (car rental) at the airport and drop it off in the city, or the other way around. It's a handy option if you're starting or ending your trip in a different place than where you landed.

Most providers require you to be at least 20 years old to rent a standard car. For larger SUVs or more powerful vehicles, the minimum age is usually 23.

That said, each provider sets their own age limit. Some may have slightly different rules, especially for younger drivers or premium models. You'll always see the specific requirements clearly during the booking process, before you commit. 

To pick up your bílaleiga (car rental), you’ll need three things:

• A valid ID or passport, so the providers know it's actually you.
• An original driver’s license that has been held for at least 12 months. No photos, no paper or electronic copies, please!
• A valid credit card in the name of the main driver. 

If your driver’s license is not in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, or Russian) and lacks an English translation, you must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license.

Most of our trusted providers have pickup and drop-off locations in two key spots:

• Near Keflavík Airport (KEF): perfect for grabbing your bíll right after you land or dropping it off just before you fly home.
• Downtown Reykjavík: ideal if you're spending a few days in the city first or if you want to return the car and then explore the capital on foot.

We'll always show the exact address and hours during booking, so you know exactly where to go.

Most providers allow a couple of hours of leeway if your flight is delayed. They know Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, and so can travel schedules.

That said, if you believe you’ll be delayed significantly, please contact the provider directly or let us know as soon as possible. We'll help make sure your bókun (reservation) stays active and doesn't get canceled.

Já, yes. Most providers charge a small extra fee for an additional driver. Why? Because that driver also needs to be covered by the insurance, and that comes with a cost. You’ll see the exact price during the booking process.

As for requirements, they're exactly the same as for the main driver:

• Valid ID or passport
• Original driver's license (held for at least 12 months)
• Meet the minimum age rules (usually 20, or 23 for larger vehicles)

Yes, of course! At Travel to Iceland, we work with providers who want to make your trip as comfortable as possible. That means offering the extras that turn a good rental into a great one.

You'll see exactly what extras are available for each vehicle during the booking process, along with their prices. 

Yes, most providers allow it. Taking your bílaleiga (car rental) on a ferry can be a wonderful way to explore more remote corners of Iceland, like the Westfjords or the island of Grímsey.

Now, while your rental provider may say yes, the ferry company has its own rules. You'll need to check with them directly to make sure your specific vehicle is suitable for the crossing. Some ferries have size restrictions, weight limits, or other conditions you'll want to know ahead of time. 

CDW (collision damage waiver) and PAI (personal accident insurance) come included in every rental. Additional coverage is indeed available depending on the vehicle and provider you select.

Whenever possible, opt for complete, zero-deductible options. That way, your ferð (journey) is nothing but a stress-free adventure.

Usually, there is. The deposit amount depends on two things: the provider and the insurance level you choose. In some cases, if you opt for a zero-deductible insurance package, the provider may waive the deposit entirely.

Every provider handles deposits differently. So before you book, take a moment to check their specific terms and conditions. We show them clearly during the booking process, right there on the vehicle page.

The deposit is held for the entire rental period, so once you return the vehicle and everything checks out, the deposit is released back to you.

Yes, every rental comes with access to a roadside assistance line. With Travel to Iceland, you're never completely on your own out there!

That said, it is important to note that providers may charge a fee if you need a tow, a battery jump, or a lockout service. If you want peace of mind with no surprise costs, look for providers that offer full roadside assistance coverage as an extra add-on should you wish to have all of those possible costs covered.

The renter is fully responsible. So, if you get a ticket or run through a toll, know it is on you.

In most cases, the provider will charge the fine and an admin fee directly to the credit card you used for the rental. If a deposit was held, it may be deducted from there.

Yes! Unlimited mileage is included with every rental. No daily limits, no surprise fees per mile.

Drive the Ring Road, chase the northern lights, or take that detour to a hidden waterfall you always wanted. However many miles your adventure needs, with Travel to Iceland, you're covered.

Returning earlier is okay! But know that most providers won’t refund for unused days. 

Returning late? This is where it gets trickier. Most providers offer a short grace period, especially during rough weather or road conditions. But if you miss your agreed drop-off day and time without warning, you'll typically be charged for an extra rental day.

Size and comfort, mostly.

A campervan is built on a standard van chassis, so it is more compact, easy to park, and good on narrow roads. The bed usually folds out from the seating area, which works perfectly well for people who don't mind a little coziness.

On the other hand, a motorhome is larger, so you get a proper separate sleeping area, a real kitchen, and usually a bathroom. It's a better fit for families or anyone who wants a bit more breathing room.

Both will get you around Iceland just fine. It really comes down to how much space matters to you.

It depends on the vehicle type:

• Campervans and rooftop tents: 20 to 23 years old
• Motorhomes: typically 25

Some providers may have slightly different rules, especially for younger drivers or larger vehicles. You'll see the exact age requirement clearly on each vehicle page during the booking process.

Only if the vehicle is a 4x4 model that the provider has specifically authorized for F-road use. Not all campervans qualify, and taking an unauthorized vehicle onto an F-road voids your insurance entirely.

Use the F-roads filter when searching through our site, and you'll only see vehicles that are cleared for the Highlands. That's the safest way to make sure you're picking the right one.

Larger motorhomes catch more wind than cars. That said, if you drive carefully and use common sense, you'll be fine.

Iceland does have official wind warnings. If the forecast shows wind stronger than 15 m/s (about 54 km/h), you really shouldn't be driving. Not just for comfort but for safety. Check vedur.is before you head out each day. If the wind is high, wait it out. A delayed drive is always better than a dangerous one.

You must camp in designated campsites. Since 2015, Icelandic law no longer allows sleeping outside of permitted areas. That means no parking your campervan by a random waterfall and calling it home.

The rules exist to protect Iceland's fragile nature and, of course, to keep you safe. Stick to official campsites. They're not hard to find, and they usually have the facilities you need anyway. 

Unfortunately, the Camping Card is not included with any rental. You can, of course, buy it separately on their official website if you want it. Whether it's worth buying depends on your trip length, so make sure you do the maths before you buy.

Greywater and waste tanks must be emptied at designated locations only. Never in the wild or in nature.

Your best bets are:

• Campsites: most have dedicated tæmingarstöð (drainage stations)
• Service stations: major fuel chains like Olís and N1 offer waste disposal at many locations
• Specialized dump stations: found along popular routes

Plan your route with emptying in mind. Don't wait until your tanks are full to start looking. A little foresight keeps Iceland beautiful for everyone!

Before you head to the drop-off, run through this quick list:

• Trash removed.
• Dishes washed.
• Reasonably clean inside.
• Grey and black water tank emptied.

A full professional clean is included in your rental, so you don't need to scrub every corner. A quick wipe-down with water if it's muddy, dishes done, rubbish out.

If the camper is returned very dirty, think caked on mud, food stains, or sand everywhere, providers may charge an extra cleaning fee.

Yes, though this depends on the tour, as some activities are directly not suitable for children. Please read the tour information carefully before booking. If you’re still unsure, please feel free to contact us at info@traveltoiceland.com.

Most tours, like glacier hiking or snorkeling, do include specialized gear such as helmets or dry suits. However, you will still need to wear proper clothing underneath, such as waterproof gear and sturdy shoes.

This will be specific in the tour description, so make sure to read it before booking.

Yes, tour operators in Iceland are required by law to have basic third-party liability insurance. So if something goes wrong on their end, you're covered for the essentials.

That said, third-party liability is not personal travel insurance, so this won’t help with lost luggage, sickness, or last-minute cancellations. 

Here’s what travelers are loving right now, by season:

Summer:

• Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching: because who doesn’t love whales? And since it is close to Reykjavik, it’s magical and easy to fit into any trip.
• Húsavík Original Whale Watching: Húsavík is known as Iceland's whale-watching capital for a reason. Here, sightings are almost guaranteed.
• Grindavík, Krýsuvík & Eruption Site Half-Day Tour: Volcanoes, geothermal areas…Iceland in a nutshell!

Winter:

• Northern Lights Small Group Tour (with hot chocolate, kleina, and photos): A great option to share a magical moment just with your loved ones! 
• Northern Lights Super Jeep: Perfect for nights when the lights are hiding behind bad weather.
• Grindavík, Krýsuvík & Eruption Site Half-Day Tour: Já, yes… it's on both lists. Volcanic landscapes don't take a season off.