![]() ![]() If you don’t have one, you can purchase a prepaid card at an N1 station to use at automated pumps. All automated machines require a card with a PIN. Most small gas stations are unstaffed and pumps are automated. Gas stations are regularly spaced along Iceland’s main roads, but if you’re traveling into remote areas such as the highlands, be sure that you have adequate gas beforehand. Tips for filling up with gas: The rental agent will tell you which type of fuel to use (diesel vs gasoline), and usually there’s a sticker on the tank door if you forget. Common favorites include CampEasy or Go Campers. Many companies will throw in GPS or wi-fi hotspots, cooking gear, or fishing equipment. A cottage industry of Icelandic camper rental companies has sprouted up in the past few years, offering everything from family-sized behemoths to all-terrain setups equipped for the highlands. Most major rental agencies offer some type of motor home, but it pays to go local. Moreover, winter weather can derail even the best-planned trip. During winter, most infrastructure that services campers, such as campsites and public bathing facilities, close up shop. Summer is the best time to see Iceland in a camper. Unlike most accommodations, Iceland’s campsites don’t need to be pre-booked, so traveling in a motor home allows for an amount of spontaneity. Tips for renting a camper: Combining accommodation and transportation costs into one expense, campers are a popular way for travelers to explore Iceland. Motor home rentals give the ultimate flexibility for a traveler in Iceland © FEBRUARY / Getty Images Notify the rental agency and take photos of anything larger than a fingernail. Due to Iceland’s gravel roads, bumps, scratches and dings are common. ![]() Anyone heading out into the F-roads should consider gravel protection as well.īe sure to do a thorough inspection before signing for the keys. Most insurance policies don't cover these types of damage on regular damage waivers, so if you're traveling during autumn or spring when sand or ash storms can be particularly bad, get this extra insurance. In Iceland, car rental costs are often higher than in other countries, and it's worth booking in advance for a cheaper rate.ĭepending on where you're headed or when you're traveling, consider the additional gravel or sand and ash insurance protection. Still, local agencies like Blue Car Rental, A Car Rental, and Go Car Rental might be able to provide extra services like wi-fi hotspots or included insurance at better rates. International rental agencies like Europcar, Budget and Avis are available. Tips for renting a car: Renting a car is fairly straightforward in Iceland, although it pays to consider a few things like prices, insurance and what to do in the event of a breakdown. Many places will accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) provided by the automobile association of your home country. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website posts regular updates on closures.ĭrivers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries must have a valid driver’s license from their home country. Many mountain roads close in the winter, so plan ahead. Taking coastal routes is an especially scenic and enjoyable way to see the countryside, although navigating Iceland’s fjords can sometimes add an hour or more to a trip. Unless you have a 4WD, you should avoid the highlands or anything prefixed with an F (such as F88). During the summer, a 2WD car is all you need to navigate Iceland’s main roads. Route 1 (better known as the Ring Road) encircles the country, with other paved or gravel roads spiraling into the rest of the country like the roots of a vine. Have an iconic road trip on Iceland's Ring Road © Peter Duchek / 500px A car or campervan is the most flexible way to get aroundĮxploring Iceland on your own four wheels gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, and the network of roads is generally adequate with low traffic.
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