Should you rent a car to explore Iceland in the winter, or is it better to stick with organized tours? This is one of the questions we get asked most often before a winter trip. The answer depends on your experience driving in the snow, your budget, and how much time you have.
Here is our full review: pros, cons, difficulty level while driving, destinations you can choose from, and how to handle inclement weather.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Should You Rent a Car in Iceland in the Winter? Here’s Our Quick Answer
- Drivers who feel comfortable on snowy roads:
A rental car—it offers total flexibility! - First winter trip or lack of confidence behind the wheel:
Day Trips from Reykjavik
or a guided tour lasting several days around Iceland - A 4- to 5-day trip around Reykjavik: both options work equally well
- Anxiety caused by a change in schedule:
Organized excursions.
Driving in Iceland in the winter: How difficult is it?
The Main Challenges of Driving
Winter driving in Iceland isn’t impossible, but it does require some preparation. The main roads are paved and regularly plowed, but conditions can change quickly: a clear road can become covered with snow or black ice in just a few kilometers.
Wind remains the most underestimated danger: sudden gusts can cause a vehicle to veer off course, especially after a turn or a mountain pass. We also came across areas where snow had drifted across the road, pushed by the wind, forcing us to slow down so we could react in time.
Darkness and Other Traps
The days get significantly shorter between December and January, with only 4½ to 5 hours of daylight. Part of the route is therefore driven in the dark, which reduces visibility and makes it difficult to estimate distances. Another unique feature: some bridges on Route 1 narrow to a single lane—as indicated by signs—and in the eastern fjords, you may encounter reindeer crossing the road. In any case, slowing down is always the best thing to do.
Is it suitable for inexperienced drivers?
Our stance on this is clear: if you’ve never driven in snow or on ice, Iceland in the winter isn’t the best place to learn. The distances between gas stations and homes can sometimes be long, and a single incident can quickly turn into a prolonged wait on the side of the road.
In that case, it’s better to choose organized excursions or book a guided tour lasting several days rather than rent a car.
See our full article on driving in Iceland in the winter for all the details and safety tips, as well as information on the main hazards of the Icelandic winter.
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
Discover the best offers on Discovercars, our preferred platform!
On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
Iceland in Winter by Car: Freedom Above All Else
The main argument in favor of renting a car is still the freedom to choose your own itinerary. You choose where to stop, spend more time where the scenery appeals to you, and avoid the fixed schedules of group tours. In winter, traffic is light outside Reykjavik, which makes driving more comfortable than in summer, despite the weather conditions. Most major roads remain open throughout the season; they are paved and cleared of snow on a regular basis.
Benefits
- Complete freedom to choose your itinerary and schedule
- There is little traffic outside the capital
- Your budget may be lower if you’re traveling with others
Disadvantages
- Additional stress caused by road conditions
- Requires genuine winter driving experience
- It’s impossible to know the exact road conditions in advance; only official closures are announced
- Taking Matters into Your Own Hands in the Event of Storm-Related Road Closures
As for the car itself, avoid small models that don’t handle as well. A 4WD offers real comfort and added safety, though it is not required on Route 1. Also check the snow tires before you leave: they’re supposed to be included as standard, but a quick check never hurts. Our favorite platform for comparing car rental companies is still DiscoverCars, where we consistently find great deals with insurance at a good price.
If you want to enjoy the freedom of traveling by car without spending hours planning everything, self-drive packages combine car rental, hotels, and a ready-made itinerary. See all our tips for renting a car in Iceland.
Iceland in Winter Without a Car: Organized Tours
Tours organized from Reykjavik
In our opinion, organized tours are still the best alternative to driving. A professional driver knows the roads, adjusts the route based on the day’s conditions, and handles all the logistics. What we appreciate most is being able to enjoy the scenery without having to keep an eye on the road—it really makes a difference on a long day of driving.
Plus, you’ll have a guide who can answer all your questions about the scenery, culture, and the country, which is really great.
Here are some of our favorite excursions:
- Golden Circle and Kerid Crater – see the itinerary
- Diving and snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure – see the itinerary
- The South Coast and Its Waterfalls – see the itinerary
- Langjökull Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik – see the itinerary
- Hunting for the Northern Lights – see the schedule
- See all of our favorite excursions.
Multi-day tours
To explore Iceland further, multi-day guided tours cover a significant portion of Route 1, with accommodations and meals included depending on the package. It’s a great way to explore further along the south coast, the north, or the eastern fjords without having to drive. See, for example:
- This 3-day tour along the south coast featuring ice caves— check availability
- This 7-day tour along Route 1— check availability
- This 8-day small-group tour is designed for you to relax while taking in the scenery.
Traveling Without a Car: Public Transportation
Public transportation is limited to cities, and service remains infrequent in the winter. However, almost all of the attractions are located outside urban areas, which makes this option impractical for exploring the country. We do not recommend it as your primary mode of transportation, except for getting around within Reykjavik itself.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
What can you see with or without a car?
By car: a country with almost no limits
With a rental car, you can explore Route 1 at your own pace, stop in Vik, Höfn, or the East Fjords, and take an impromptu detour down little-known side roads.
The Central Highlands and the Westfjords remain closed in winter regardless of your mode of transportation, but we were able to explore almost the rest of the island
- the South Coast,
- the Golden Circle,
- the Snaefellsnes Peninsula,
- Lake Myvatn and the Eastern Fjords.
- Allow at least 7 days to complete the entire tour, but we recommend our 10-day itinerary so you can enjoy each stop at a leisurely pace.
Without a car: Much of Iceland is still accessible
Even without a car, you won’t miss out on much near Reykjavik. The Golden Circle, the South Coast as far as Jökulsárlón, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Blue Lagoon can all be covered in a single-day excursion, as we did during a shorter trip.
The ice caves—which can only be accessed with a guide anyway—can be visited either as part of a tour from Reykjavik or by private car.
The real limitation is in the northern part of the island and the eastern fjords: if you don’t have a car, we recommend booking a multi-day guided tour or taking a domestic flight to Akureyri to explore the region without having to drive.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Dealing with Bad Weather Based on Your Mode of Transportation
If you’re driving
When driving, Iceland’s weather requires constant vigilance. Every morning, we check the road conditions on Umferdin. We also follow the country’s alert system: yellow for difficult conditions, orange for potential danger, and red for extreme danger.
Always keep water, food, a flashlight, and a survival blanket in your car, in case it takes a while for a snowplow to arrive. Above all, don’t hesitate to postpone a stage by a day if the wind or snow picks up: it’s never a waste of time.
If you’re on an organized tour
On tours, the driver and the agency are responsible for handling inclement weather, which we find particularly reassuring in the middle of the Icelandic winter. If a road is closed or the wind becomes too strong, the itinerary will be changed or the tour postponed, sometimes with a refund or a free rescheduling, depending on the terms and conditions of sale. We still recommend that you read these terms and conditions before booking, especially for multi-day tours.
Our take: Which option should you choose?
If you’re comfortable on the snow and have at least a week to spare, we recommend renting a car: it offers real freedom and lets you cover a lot more ground.
Whether it’s your first trip in winter, a short stay, or you’re worried about driving, we recommend organized tours departing from Reykjavik, which cover most of the must-see attractions without the stress of driving.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit Iceland in the winter without a car?
Yes, it is. Reykjavik serves as a base for many day trips that include the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Blue Lagoon, and even the ice caves. Only the more remote areas, such as the northern part of the island or the eastern fjords, require a guided tour lasting several days or a domestic flight.
Is a 4WD absolutely necessary for driving in Iceland in the winter?
No, a 4WD isn’t required on Route 1, which remains paved and cleared of snow. However, it offers greater comfort and safety, especially on secondary roads. Above all, make sure the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, regardless of the model you choose.
Is a road trip more expensive than a stay in Reykjavik?
It depends mainly on the number of days and the type of accommodations you choose. A self-drive tour includes the car, hotels, and a ready-made itinerary, whereas a trip based in Reykjavik requires you to pay for each excursion separately but often allows you to find cheaper accommodations in the city. Compare the two options based on the length of your trip before making a decision.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
