Road Genius compares campervan rentals from all major suppliers in Iceland so international travelers can pick the right vehicle and insurance in one simple search. Most visitors start near Keflavík International Airport or Reykjavík and then follow Route 1, the famous Ring Road that circles the island. Weather changes quickly, so plan flexible driving days.
Campervan rentals in Iceland range from 14,000 ISK to 60,000 ISK per day (approx €95 to €400/d) in peak season, with lower prices in the off-peak.
For luxury travel, choose a luxury Class motorhome with full amenities. An Intermediate or Budget Friendly campervan offers a balance of comfort and affordability, providing basic necessities. For adventurous groups, a 4WD camper offers less space but more exploration opportunities.
Use our search tool for current rates and remember to factor in fuel, campsite fees, and extras like GPS or additional drivers.
Season | Average High Temperature | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Winter (Nov–Mar) | 0°C (32°F) | Sometimes – short daylight hours, icy roads |
Spring (Apr–May) | 7°C (45°F) | Yes – fewer crowds, changeable weather |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 13°C (55°F) | Yes – midnight sun, all campsites open |
Fall (Sep–Oct) | 7°C (45°F) | Sometimes – Northern Lights, storms possible |
The rural speed limit is 90 km/h (55 mph) on paved roads and 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads. Urban areas are 50 km/h unless signs show different speeds.
Headlights must stay on day and night.
Expect strong winds. Winds over 20 meters per second (45 mph) can tip high-roof vans. Check wind maps on road.is before driving.
Single-lane bridges and narrow tunnels require giving way to the vehicle closest to the crossing.
F-roads (mountain tracks) allow only 4×4 vehicles and open roughly mid-June to early September. Standard rental motorhomes are not insured on F-roads.
The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel near Akureyri is Iceland's only toll road. Pay online within 24 hours of passing through.
Off-road driving is illegal. Fines start at 30,000 ISK.
Gas stations are far apart in the East and Northwest regions. Fill up when the tank reaches half full.
Place | Facilities | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Reykjavík Campsite (city) | Water+Electric | Open all year, bus to city center, showers | Crowded in summer |
Þakgil Campground (South Coast) | None | Beautiful canyon location, hiking trails | 15 km gravel access road, no facilities |
Skaftafell Campground (Vatnajökull NP) | Water+Electric | Near glacier walks, large sites up to 8 meters | No reservations, fills early |
Egilsstaðir Campsite (East) | Full | Dump station, laundry, supermarkets nearby | Some noise from town road |
Ólafsvík Camping (Snæfellsnes) | Water+Electric | Good for whale-watching tours | Wind-exposed, limited trees |
N1, Olís and Orkan stations offer diesel, water taps and most have restrooms. Many are card-only pumps.
Reykjavík, Akureyri and Egilsstaðir have public dump stations and large grocery stores (Bónus, Krónan).
Dial 112 for police, fire or ambulance. SMS registration is possible at 112.is.
Use safetravel.is and the vedur.is weather app for storm and volcanic alerts.