Car Rental Akureyri: Your Gateway to North Iceland

Akureyri is Iceland's Capital of the North, located 390km from Reykjavík on the Ring Road. It gives you direct access to the Diamond Circle's greatest attractions without the crowds of the capital region.

• Lake Mývatn: 65km (50 minutes) — geothermal landscapes and Mývatn Nature Baths
• Goðafoss waterfall: 45km (35 minutes) — Iceland's Waterfall of the Gods, directly on Route 1
• Húsavík whale watching: 90km (70 minutes) — Europe's whale watching capital
• Dettifoss: 140km (90 minutes) — Europe's most powerful waterfall

Why Choose Go Iceland for Your Akureyri Car Rental

• Flexible pickup: Akureyri Airport (AEY), downtown Tryggvabraut office, or cruise port coordination
• Transparent pricing: no hidden fees — all rentals include basic CDW and TP insurance
• 24/7 local roadside assistance from Icelandic experts with North Iceland road knowledge
• Free amendments up to 48 hours before pickup
• Winter equipment included: studded winter tyres (November–April), ice scrapers, emergency supplies
• One-way rentals available: pick up in Akureyri, drop off in Reykjavík, Egilsstaðir, or Keflavík

Economy and Compact Cars

Ideal for summer Ring Road trips (May–October) on paved highways. Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Polo. Excellent fuel efficiency for longer distances.

Pricing: $36–50/day in low season (March–April, October–November); $80–100/day in peak summer (June–August).

SUVs and 4×4 Vehicles

Essential for winter travel (November–April) on icy, snow-covered roads. Legally required for F-road access to the Highlands including Askja and Kverkfjöll. Popular models: Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Jimny.

Pricing: $90–140/day in winter; $150–200/day in peak summer.

Campervans

Ideal for Northern Lights hunters needing overnight flexibility. Equipped with heating, cooking facilities, and sleeping for 2–4 people. Book 2–3 months in advance for summer availability (June–August).

Pricing: $120–180/day depending on size and season.

Day Trip Destinations

• Lake Mývatn (65km, 50 min): Dimmuborgir lava formations, geothermal pools, Mývatn Nature Baths
• Goðafoss (45km, 35 min): Free parking, directly on Route 1 — easy stop on any route north
• Húsavík (90km, 70 min): Year-round whale watching tours, puffin colonies in summer
• Dettifoss (140km, 90 min via paved Route 862): Europe's most powerful waterfall
• Grjótagjá Cave (70km, 55 min): Famous Game of Thrones filming location near Mývatn

Ring Road Connections

• West to Reykjavík: 390km (4.5 hours) via scenic north coast on Route 1
• East to Egilsstaðir: 260km (3.5 hours) toward the East Fjords
• Diamond Circle loop: 260km circuit covering Mývatn, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss — a full-day experience

Akureyri Airport (AEY)

Just 3km from the city centre (5-minute drive). Rental desks are near baggage claim. Standard hours: 8:00–18:00 daily, extended to 20:00 during peak summer (June–August). After-hours pickup available for a $30 fee with advance notice. Served by multiple daily domestic flights from Reykjavík (45 minutes) plus seasonal international routes from London and Copenhagen.

Downtown Akureyri Office

Located on Tryggvabraut, within walking distance of major hotels and guesthouses. Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00–17:00, Saturday 9:00–14:00. Ideal for bus arrivals from Reykjavík or guests spending a night before their road trip.

Cruise Port Coordination

Akureyri receives over 50 cruise ships annually from May to September. The cruise terminal is 2km from our downtown office (15-minute walk). We offer half-day rentals (4–6 hour minimum) for cruise passengers. Pre-arrange with your ship name and arrival time.