Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
There’s no better way to experience Iceland than on your terms. With a self-drive tour, you can travel across the island’s diverse landscapes at your own rhythm — from active volcanoes and vast lava fields to black sand beaches and quiet fjords.
Based here in Iceland, we’ve spent years helping travelers discover the real beauty of our country. Each self-drive package comes with a thoughtfully crafted itinerary, built by locals who know the land inside and out. You’ll visit well-known highlights like the Golden Circle and South Coast, but also have the chance to explore lesser-known places that many tourists miss — hidden hot springs, quiet valleys, and charming fishing villages.
You’ll drive a comfortable, reliable rental car and stay in handpicked accommodations that match your travel style. Everything is arranged in advance so that you can focus on the journey, not the logistics.
Explore Iceland at Your Own Pace
Personalize Your Journey: Custom Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
Want more adventure? Customize your trip with optional day tours like glacier hikes, whale watching, ice cave visits, or boat rides through glacier lagoons. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or soaking in a natural hot spring under the midnight sun, our self-drive tours are designed to help you experience Iceland in a personal and unforgettable way.
We know that no two travelers are the same. That’s why we work closely with you to shape every detail of your journey to fit your interests.
Because we live here, we can point you toward places most tourists miss — hidden hot springs, quiet coastal towns, and local spots that never make it into the guidebooks. Our team is passionate about showing you the real Iceland, far beyond the typical tourist trail.
Let us help you create the Iceland trip you’ve been dreaming of—completely customized, seamless, and unforgettable.
Summer Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
There’s something truly magical about Iceland in summer. With nearly endless daylight thanks to the midnight sun, this is the perfect season for a self-drive tour — offering you more time to explore, more freedom to roam, and unforgettable views around every bend.
Summer in Iceland means mild temperatures, accessible mountain roads, and open routes across the country. It’s the ideal time to visit iconic sites like Þingvellir National Park, the steaming Geysir geothermal area, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and the sparkling Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The long days also allow you to dive deeper into the landscape — to hike remote trails, explore lava fields, and soak in natural hot springs far from the crowds.
What makes summer special is access to Iceland’s Highlands — a wild and rugged region only available for a few short months. Here, you’ll find places like Landmannalaugar, with its rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains and geothermal rivers, waiting to be discovered.
Our locally designed summer self-drive tours are tailored to make the most of this vibrant season, which promises endless adventure and unforgettable memories!
Winter Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
A winter self-drive tour lets you see the island in its most enchanting light with snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the quiet beauty of long, crisp days. Fewer visitors mean you’ll enjoy popular sites in peace, and with the Northern Lights dancing above, the season becomes nothing short of magical.
Our winter self-drive tours are crafted to accommodate the colder months. You’ll visit iconic spots like the Golden Circle, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, transformed into icy masterpieces. The winter light brings a soft, otherworldly glow to the scenery, turning familiar views into something new and unforgettable.
Winter also unlocks unique experiences you can’t have at any other time of year. Step into a natural ice cave beneath Vatnajökull glacier, ride a snowmobile across vast snowy plains, or explore the icy shoreline of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The shorter days are balanced by unforgettable moments, like watching the Aurora Borealis shimmer across the night sky.
Your self-drive journey includes a 4×4 vehicle, pre-booked winter-ready accommodations, and a custom itinerary designed for safety and scenic beauty. With our local knowledge, you’ll stay ahead of changing weather and enjoy the very best of Iceland’s winter wonderland.
Most Common Questions About Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
What is a self-drive tour in Iceland?
A self-drive tour in Iceland is a pre-planned road trip where you drive your rental car and follow a custom itinerary. It typically includes accommodation, a rental car, a travel plan, and 24/7 support, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace while benefiting from local expertise.
Is Iceland safe for self-driving tours?
Yes, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world for self-driving. Roads are generally well-maintained, and crime is extremely low. However, stay alert to changing weather conditions, especially in winter, and check daily road updates on road.is.
What's the best time of year for a self-drive tour in Iceland?
The best time for self-drive tours is from May to September when roads are clear, highland routes are open, and the weather is more stable. Winter self-drive trips are possible but require extra planning and a 4×4 vehicle due to snow and limited daylight.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for a self-drive tour in Iceland?
A 4×4 is recommended if you’re traveling during winter or planning to explore the highlands or F-roads (mountain routes). For summer road trips along the Ring Road or Golden Circle, a standard vehicle is often sufficient, depending on your route.
Can I drive in Iceland with a foreign driver's license?
Yes, most foreign visitors can use their valid driver’s license from their home country. If the license is not in Latin script (e.g., Chinese or Arabic), an international driving permit is required. Drivers must also be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland.
What are the most popular self-drive routes in Iceland?
Top self-drive routes include the Ring Road (Route 1) for a full-circle tour of the island, the Golden Circle for a short escape from Reykjavík, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, South Coast, and East Fjords for more focused adventures. Each offers unique landscapes and hidden gems.
How long should a self-drive tour in Iceland be?
A self-drive tour can last anywhere from 3 days to 14 days or more, depending on your itinerary. A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal for covering the Ring Road, while a 3- to 5-day trip works well for regions like the South Coast or Golden Circle.
Are accommodations included in self-drive tour packages?
Yes, our self-drive tour packages in Iceland include pre-booked accommodations, often with breakfast included. Lodging ranges from guesthouses and boutique hotels to countryside hotels, all selected based on comfort, location, and reliability.
What's included in a typical self-drive tour in Iceland?
A standard self-drive package usually includes a rental car, accommodation, a detailed itinerary, GPS or digital maps, and emergency support. Some tours can also include Wi-Fi in a rental vehicle or admission to popular attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon.
Do I need to book a self-drive tour in advance?
Yes, especially in the summer months (June–August) when availability is limited. Booking early ensures you get the best accommodation options and preferred vehicle type. Even in the shoulder seasons, it’s wise to reserve at least a few weeks ahead.
Can I customize a self-drive tour itinerary in Iceland?
Absolutely. We offer custom self-drive itineraries, allowing you to choose specific regions, activities, and trip lengths. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, photographing landscapes, or seeking solitude, the itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
What should I watch out for when driving in Iceland?
Be cautious of changing weather, gravel roads, one-lane bridges, and wandering sheep. Avoid off-road driving—it’s both illegal and harmful to the environment. Also, always keep fuel levels up in rural areas, as gas stations can be far apart in some regions.
Can I visit the Icelandic highlands on a self-drive tour?
Yes, but only during the summer (usually mid-June to early September) and with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The highlands offer raw, untouched beauty, including destinations like Landmannalaugar, Askja, and Þórsmörk, but they require good planning and awareness of F-road conditions.
Are there winter self-drive tours in Iceland?
Yes, winter self-drive tours are available and often include Northern Lights hunting, ice cave tours, and frozen waterfalls. A 4×4 car with winter tires is essential, and itineraries are designed with shorter driving distances and flexible plans to accommodate weather conditions.