SELF DRIVE IN ICELAND

We want your self-drive holiday to go as smoothly and as safely as possible. Iceland is known for rapidly changing weather and conditions you may not be accustomed to. It is therefore very important to prepare accordingly.

Here are some of our top points for safe driving on the roads in Iceland!

1. There are several narrow roads in Iceland, so make sure you drive slowly and take special care with oncoming cars.

2. Your insurance does not cover any damages from driving off road or in water, you have been warned!

3. You will feel the difference between driving on asphalt and on gravel, so be aware to slow down when making this change on the road.

4. Highland roads are only for special cars- unless it's specified that your car can travel on highland roads, don't risk it!

5. Sometimes animals will be grazing or crossing nearby the roads, keep an eye out for stray animals en route.

6. There are several blind hills or blind summits in Iceland- slow down when you're approaching one.

7. You may be prepared for ice or snowstorms, but sandstorms also occur in Iceland, so avoid driving in very windy conditions.

8. In summer there is 24 hour sunlight meaning drivers can get tired more easily, especially when you've been driving all day and it's not dark yet! Avoid long hauls, take regular breaks and if you need to, a 15 minute nap always helps out.

9. If there's a particular attraction or bit of landscape you want to see, pull over and get out of the car to see it! Sightseeing whilst driving can distract the driver and cause rollovers- so make sure you take time out to do your tourist activities.

10. Always, always check the weather before heading out! If you are unsure, ask at the hotel reception about the expected weather conditions for each day as this may affect the route for the day.

Now you're ready to head off on your self-drive break, here are some of All Iceland's favourite travel hints and tips to make sure you're not hungry, stranded or fed up during your trip.

1. You'll need your credit card when you pick up your rental car, visit a self-service petrol station or fly by Icelandair.
   
   

It's best to keep some cash on you for the more rural areas of Iceland (they'll normally have a small kiosk where you can pay, otherwise self-service petrol stations will need card payments), or in case of emergency.

2. Be sure to fill up on petrol at the beginning of the day, or when you're in a big city. In the countryside you can be driving for miles without passing a service station.
   
   

Remember as well that as you pick up your rental car with a full tank of petrol, it also needs to be returned full - so when dropping off your car allow for time to top up the tank.

3. The best places to stock up on snacks and lunches arelarge supermarkets. Plenty of larger towns will have at least one of the following good value supermarkets:

• Bónus
• Krónan
• Nettó
• Iceland
  
  

4. Contrary to a lot of advice when traveling abroad, we recommend drinking the tap water in Iceland.It's natural, full of minerals, and much more fresh than most bottled water you'll get in the shops!
   
   
5. Visit parks and attractions like Gullfoss, Þingvellir National Park and Geysirs later in the afternoon, or even evening.Travelling in the summer means you can make the most of the 24 hour daylight. You'll avoid the crowds and still get some amazing views!

6. If you want to visit the famous Blue Lagoon, you now need to book in advance. It's become so popular pre-booking is the only guarantee to get in! You can do this through All Iceland by giving us a call on 01904 406534 or dropping us an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
   
   
7. If you'd like to visit somewhere a little less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, why not try Sky Lagoon, Fontana, or the Secret Lagoon? They're both natural hot springs, surrounded by beautiful countryside, and make for something a bit different!

8. Make the most of the guides in the area. It is nice to break up a self drive holiday by taking a day out with a guide. Enjoy their local knowledge and rest from driving. Ask us about the different activities you can add on to your self drive holiday!
   
   
9. Always call your hotel if you are planning on returning after 8pm, or if you will need dinner that evening. Countryside hotels especially appreciate this, as on site restaurants have been known to close early- it hardly takes any time to call ahead and avoid disappointment/rumbling stomachs!
   
   
10. Drive safely and get to know the traffic signs! Read our guide on safe driving, complete with links to weather forecasts and traffic control sites such as road.is.