Iceland car rental … why is this important?
Here is what I did not understand about Iceland prior to visiting. Reykjavik is a thriving cultural hub exploding with an artistic, if not hipster scene. However, it is pretty far away from the majority of the adrenaline-fueled activities that draw throngs of visitors. In addition to streamlining your trip, you can easily cut costs if you explore the country’s wild terrain by way of an Iceland car rental.
It is possible to visit Iceland’s natural wonders while basing yourself in Reykjavik. And, during my first trip to the ‘land of fire and ice’, this is exactly what I did. Just realize that if you are an adventure seeker, you will be on a bus for hours every day if you do not procure a car. Additionally, you might pay a king’s ransom for the privelege of schlepping around the country. Believe me, saving money in Iceland is no easy task.
Life among the icebergs
One day, I spent over 16 hours in pursuit of icebergs at the much bevyed Jokulsarlon, and this turned out to be one of the most epic experiences I have ever had. Yes, it took what felt like forever, but nothing glitters quite as brightly as Diamond Beach. In the end, it was worth it, but I wish I had planned better.
Initially, I was intimidated about the prospect of driving over the country’s rough topography. However, if you stick to the main roads, it’s not too bad. Honestly, it is mostly just driving in large circles.
Additionally, there are cute hotels and Airbnbs along the way for lodging. And, having your own ride means that you will not be sitting on a bus for tortuous hours on a daily basis. Plus, tourism has been on the upswing in Iceland for a while, so chances are that your vehicle will be completely full if you hop on an organized tour out of Reykjavik. Translation: booking your own car rental is an easy solve to ensure that you do not waste time during a Iceland long weekend getaway.
Plan ahead – book your Iceland car rental
This trip is one that contains an embarrassment of riches (e.g., Silfra, the Blue Lagoon and countless others). Just be sure to double check that what you want to do is offered at the specific time of year of your visit. For example, I took the zodiac speed boat trip among the icebergs at the glacier lagoon. Easily one of my favorite activities during my Icelandic excursion, this is only offered during the summer and is still subject to cancellation if the weather is bad.
Iceland is a diverse country that is full of geological surprises, but make sure to define your goals. I advise soaking up Reykjavik for a couple of days and then moving on to the more adventurous parts of the country. You do not want to waste valuable time sitting on a bus when you could be exploring the country’s diverse landscapes. In Iceland, the car rental process is really worth the effort and will end up saving you loads of time. Remember, a bit of prep work really pays off for this holiday.
[…] and spent most of our time on the Golden Circle and southern portion of Iceland. Getting a car rental in Iceland and driving ourselves was very clutch, allowing us to stop when/where we wanted although the price […]
This is super helpful! I’m (hopefully!) planning a trip to Iceland this summer. I’d heard that a car was important to have, but I didn’t realize just how important it really is!
I’ve heard this great advice from several friends that have visited Iceland. I also learned from them that the speeding tickets are no joke! Lol
Iceland seems like a dream! I want to visit so bad, definitely at the top of my bucket list. And I love having my own car for places like that, so I will definitely get one! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the tips on Iceland and renting a car. I plan to do a stopover visit in the future…so beautiful!
These are great tips! I always get nervous about driving in a different country, especially if it’s on the other side of the road. Driving in the UK wasn’t easy for me.