How Long Will I Need To Drive Around Iceland?

Explore Iceland’s Ring Road

How Far Can I Drive Each Day?

Depending on your itinerary and the time of the year, you could drive around 200 to 300 kilometers (124 to 186 miles) each day. This is based on the typical speed limit for cars, which is 50 km/h (30 mph) for urban areas, and 90 km/h (55 mph) on paved rural roads. Iceland takes its speeding and parking offenses seriously, so you should be aware of these regulations before starting your journey.

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Ring Road in Iceland?

Iceland’s Ring Road remains the top choice for self-drive tours. This circular loop might be 1322 kilometers (821 miles) long, but the length of the Ring Road is only a guideline on how long your road trip will be. You could drive it in 24 hours without stopping, although it's not recommended. A week is ideal for soaking up the sights, but you can always extend your trip if needed. Browse our tips for the perfect 10-day self-drive itinerary in our blog.

Sometimes, driving conditions on the Ring Road can throw a curveball in terms of your estimated duration. A 4x4 camper rental is your best bet for navigating difficult terrain, as it’s the only vehicle permitted on F-Roads and can, therefore, tackle harsh road conditions.

Best Time to Drive Around Iceland

The best thing about a self-drive tour of Iceland is that it can be enjoyed all year round. Different seasons, however, offer different perks, so pay attention to these when planning your trip.

• Driving around Iceland in the summer months (June to August) is ideal for navigating challenging terrain such as mountain roads and F-roads, due to improved weather conditions. This means you’ll have endless opportunities for scenic hikes and enjoy the Icelandic sunshine.
• If hunting the Northern Lights is on your radar instead, winter months are a better option. You can also enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice caving. Just bear in mind that roads can get icy, and sometimes be closed due to extreme weather conditions. Before heading out, make sure you select the right car for winter in Iceland. Our guide to driving in Iceland in Winter has a range of tips to help.

Driving around Iceland is meant to be a slow-paced marathon; you shouldn’t make a race out of it. There are plenty of attractions along the way that you won’t want to miss, not to mention a lot of scenic routes where you’ll want to take your time.

Ready for your road trip around Iceland? Go ahead and book your rental car.