How to Plan an Iceland Road Trip [4 Best Iceland Road Trip Itineraries]

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you probably want to do an Iceland road trip. 

The best way to experience Iceland is to drive around the country and explore its various landscapes, national parks, and remote areas over weeks or a few days.

But how do you plan an Iceland road trip?

To help you plan your adventure, let’s explore some of the best road trips in Iceland.

If you’re interested in Iceland’s ultimate road trip, you’ll probably want to travel the Ring Road.

The Ring Road is the most popular trip around Iceland, as it takes you on a complete circuit around the country. 

Here’s what a typical Iceland road trip itinerary looks like if you do the Ring Road.

After landing at Keflavik Airport, you collect your pre-booked 4x4 rental car.

When doing an Iceland road trip, it’s essential to book a solid 4x4 to help you explore gravel roads and offbeat locations. 

A good 4x4 is also crucial for Iceland's summer and winter road conditions. Remember to drive carefully on these roads and be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in winter.

Make sure the rental includes snow and ash coverage. Having heated seats is a great addition. 

Before setting off, stock up on groceries at the supermarkets near the airport. We recommend spending your first night in a hotel near Keflavik Airport while you rest from the flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Let the Iceland road trip fun begin!

Your adventure begins with the famous Golden Circle. Start at Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet. 

Next, drive to the Geysir Hot Springs area and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt—an impressive sight!

Continue to Gullfoss Waterfall, another majestic sight. If you have the time, you could do a fantastic short hike here.

To complete your day, consider stopping at Skogafoss or Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Stay the night in the Skogar/Eyjafjallajokull area.

Hiking in Iceland is truly magical. So, today is all about hiking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier. 

You can go glacier hiking through a guided tour. Be sure to wear warm, waterproof clothing while visiting the glacier. 

After the hike, drive through the Icelandic countryside and stay near Jökulsárlón, where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Explore Vatnajokull National Park, known for its glacial rivers and rugged landscapes. The highlight of the day is visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you can watch icebergs float in the water. 

Once you’ve explored the national park, continue your drive to Egilsstadir via the Eastern Iceland fjords. The scenic gravel road F939 offers much beauty. 

Spend the night in the Egilsstadir area.

Start the day by visiting the stunning Dettifoss and waterfalls. 

You could take the quicker main road, but we recommend travelling through alternative scenic routes to reach them. Taking the more minor roads on your Iceland map may take longer, but they generally offer great rewards.

Continue to the Viti Crater in the Krafla Volcanic area to see the impressive turquoise lake. Stay in the Myvatn area for the night.

Start the day by exploring the Namafjoll Hverir area, which has boiling mud pots and sulfur springs. These are truly unique Icelandic natural features.

Visit Grjótagjá, a lava cave with a natural hot spring inside.

Continue to stay in the Myvatn area, enjoying the unique landscapes and natural wonders. Make sure you stop and soak up the scenery!

Spend this time relaxing in the Akureyri area. Unwind and simply enjoy the scenery around you. 

Remember to stock up on groceries in Akureyri, and if you feel like exploring, consider whale watching in Husavik or visiting the town of Akureyri. 

You won’t spend time behind the wheel over these two days, so we recommend booking one of the beautiful, comfortable accommodation options in the area to help you fully recharge.

Revel in the beauty of West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

This beautiful part of Iceland is ideal for hiking and outdoor adventure. We recommend hiking up the Saxholl Crater and visiting the Hellnar Arch, an impressive natural rock formation. Then, enjoy a picnic by the waterfall near Kirkjufell Mountain. 

Spend the night in the Snaefellsnes/Grundarfjörður area, soaking in the peaceful natural surroundings.

You complete the loop and return to Reykjavik. On this leg of your Iceland road trip, you can enjoy a mix of nature and urban experiences. 

You can go whale watching, explore lava tubes and local volcanic activity, and relax at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s famous geothermal spas. 

Of course, you should also enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene, nightlife, and great cafes. Reykjavik offers many accommodation options, so you can choose whatever works best for your budget.

On your final day, visit Lake Kerid, a vibrant lake in a volcanic crater. This stunning natural site is perfect to cap off your Iceland road trip. 

From there, head to Keflavik Airport to return your rental car and catch your flight home. You’ll have some fantastic memories of your road trip around Iceland to take home.

We understand that not everyone has the time for an entire two-week road trip around the Ring Road. If you’ve got a week to see Iceland, here’s our recommended seven-day Iceland road trip.

After landing at Keflavik Airport, pick up your pre-booked 4x4 rental car. You’ll need it to navigate gravel roads and remote locations. 

Like our previous road trip itinerary, stock up on groceries at a nearby supermarket before embarking on your journey. 

Spend your first night in Keflavik or Reykjavik, preparing for the adventure.

Start your road trip by exploring the iconic Golden Circle. 

Visit Thingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet. 

Next, head to the Geysir Hot Springs area to witness the Strokkur geyser erupt. Finish the day at the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. 

Drive towards the Hella or Hvolsvöllur area for an overnight stay.

Journey along Iceland’s South Coast, starting with the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

You can walk behind the cascading water here. This is a famous spot for any trip to Iceland, and we recommend trying to get there early to avoid the crowds.

Continue to Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and most powerful waterfalls. Explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and the basalt columns at Reynisdrangar. 

End the day in the Vik area, staying overnight in this charming coastal village.

Drive towards Vatnajokull National Park, known for its glaciers and rugged landscapes. 

Stop at the Skaftafell area for a hike to the Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by basalt columns. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you can see icebergs floating in the water.

While here, you can explore the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore. 

Spend the night near Höfn, a fishing town with some fantastic views.

Head towards the picturesque East Fjords, driving through stunning coastal scenery. 

Visit the quaint village of Djupivogur and continue to the artistic town of Seydisfjordur. Explore the town’s charming streets, colourful houses, and scenic waterfalls. These towns will give you a great insight into life in remote Iceland.

Spend the night in Seydisfjordur and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this remote location.

Start the day by travelling north to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sheer force of this waterfall is truly amazing to witness. 

Continue to the Myvatn area, known for its geothermal activity and unique landscapes.

Visit the Hverir geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steam vents.

Explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations and relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths. Spend the night in the Myvatn area.

Drive to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, and explore its vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. 

Visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden and enjoy a stroll through the town. From Akureyri, return to Reykjavik, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. 

Spend your final night in Reykjavik, after which you can return the car and think about your incredible journey through Iceland.

Plenty of options are available for Iceland road trips, including long and short routes. If you’re trying to plan a five-day trip to Iceland, then here’s the route we recommend.

Fly into Keflavik Airport and pick up your pre-booked 4x4 rental car. 

After collecting your vehicle, drive to Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland. Spend the day exploring the city’s many attractions, including Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. 

Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, visit local boutiques, and enjoy Icelandic cuisine at a cosy café or restaurant. 

Spend the night in Reykjavik, preparing for the journey ahead.

Start your Iceland road trip adventure with the famous Golden Circle route. 

Begin at Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe.

Continue to the Geysir geothermal area to witness the Strokkur geyser erupting. Next, visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls. 

After exploring the Golden Circle, drive to Hveragerdi, a town known for its geothermal activity.

Take a relaxing dip in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, where you can soak in naturally heated rivers. Spend the night in Hveragerdi.

Journey along Iceland’s South Coast, starting with a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall - a popular and unique experience. 

Continue to Skogafoss, another majestic waterfall, and then drive towards the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns and powerful waves. 

Head towards Vatnajokull National Park, stopping at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Marvel at the floating icebergs and visit the nearby Diamond Beach. 

Stay overnight in the vicinity of Vatnajokull National Park.

Start your day driving through the picturesque East Fjords, a region known for its stunning coastal scenery and quaint fishing villages. 

Stop in the charming village of Djupivogur to explore its unique outdoor sculptures. Continue to Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland.

After this, you can visit the beautiful Hallormsstaður Forest, Iceland’s largest forest, and take a scenic hike around Lake Lagarfljot. 

Enjoy the peaceful ambience of the East Fjords and spend the night in Egilsstadir.

On your last fully packed day, head towards the Lake Myvatn area, famous for its geothermal wonders and diverse landscapes. 

Visit the Hverir geothermal area, which has famous bubbling mud pots and steam vents.

Explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, which resemble a collapsed citadel. Relax in the soothing waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths, a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon. 

Afterwards, head back to Reykjavik and take in the scenic landscapes. Spend your final night in Reykjavik.

Iceland road trip routes are best done in summer when the weather is warmest, the days are longest, and the roads are clearer. This is the best time to travel to Iceland. 

However, with careful planning, you can have a fantastic Iceland winter road trip to appreciate the snowy landscapes and Northern Lights. 

Here’s our recommended Iceland winter road trip route. 

Like any Iceland road trip in this guide, you’ll start your adventure in the country’s capital.

After landing at Keflavik Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Reykjavik. Spend the day exploring the city. Check out the bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, and museums. 

If you have the time, visit the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing start to your trip.

Drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and fascinating spot to visit on your Iceland road trip.

Next, visit the geothermal area of Haukadalur, home to the famous Strokkur geyser. These two stops will give you great insights into Iceland’s natural wonders.

End the day at Gullfoss, a stunning waterfall that looks magical in winter.

Head to the southern coast and visit Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall.

Next, see the powerful Skógafoss. Continue to Vík to see the Reynisdrangar rock formations. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, join an ice cave tour.

Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to see icebergs floating in the water. The Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is a fantastic sight for any winter road trip in Iceland.

Visit nearby Diamond Beach, where ice fragments sparkle on the black sand - an iconic Icelandic site.

End the day in Höfn, known for its delicious lobster.

This day’s all about exploring the East Fjords, with their dramatic mountains and small fishing villages. 

This region is perfect for spotting the Northern Lights due to low light pollution.

Start the day with a drive to the Lake Mývatn area. Here, you can explore the geothermal wonders, including the Hverir geothermal area and the black lava formations of Dimmuborgir. 

To end the day, visit the Krafla volcano and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Stay in Mývatn for the day, where you can enjoy some of Iceland’s most popular winter activities, like snowmobiling and dog sledging.

Then, drive to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. You can also go horseback riding in Skagafjörður or explore the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. This is a special activity in Iceland’s wintery landscape.

Visit the Borgarfjörður area on the west coast, where you can see the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. 

While you’re here, explore an artificial ice tunnel for a unique wintery experience.

Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to the Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a fantastic place to visit during winter in Iceland. 

Spend time driving around and exploring the peninsula, discovering hidden waterfalls, pebble beaches, and picture-perfect villages.

Spend your last day back in Reykjavik. 

Visit the Perlan Museum for a panoramic view of the city. Stroll along the old harbour and enjoy the charming downtown area before returning your vehicle to the airport.

When planning an Iceland road trip, you have three main accommodation options: camping, staying in BnBs, or using a camper van. 

Camping in Iceland is budget-friendly and lets you stay close to nature. There are many well-maintained campsites across the country. 

BnBs provide comfort and a local touch, offering cosy rooms and breakfast with hosts who can give you travel tips.

We recommend staying in BnB-style accommodation if you’re going on a winter road trip.

Renting a camper van combines travel and lodging, allowing you to explore at your own pace with the convenience of a mobile home. There are some excellent camper van rental options available in Rejkavik.

Book your accommodation in advance, especially during the summer to make the most of your trip.

Check the weather and road conditions regularly to make sure you pick the right accommodation options when you do your Iceland road trip.

An Iceland road trip will always be fantastic, as the country has many amazing sights and landscapes to experience along the highways. 

Whether you do a two-week road trip or condense it into a few days, there’s so much you can experience when exploring Iceland by car. 

While on your Iceland road trip, we recommend joining expert-guided tours for unique local experiences. Check out our Iceland outdoor adventure tours for some of this country’s best things to experience.