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Looking for an automatic motorhome rental in Iceland? You are not alone. At Camper Rental Iceland, this is one of the most common questions we hear, especially from first-time visitors who are nervous about driving.
The problem is simple. Automatic motorhomes exist, but they are extremely rare, expensive, and often unavailable. Many travelers only realize this after it is too late. This guide is based on real fleet availability and real traveler behavior, not online assumptions.
We explain why automatic motorhome rental in Iceland is so limited, what options actually exist, and why automatic campervans usually turn out to be the smarter, easier choice once you understand Icelandic roads.
Why So Many Travelers Look for Automatic Motorhomes in Iceland
At Camper Rental Iceland, we get it. Many people ask about RV rental in Iceland with an automatic transmission because manual driving just isn’t an option for them. They’re not being difficult. They’ve simply never needed to drive a stick. Most come from the US, Canada, or Australia, where automatics are the norm and clutch control isn’t part of daily life.
Add Iceland’s notorious wind, gravel, and narrow roads, and the stress level climbs fast. Driving here demands focus, especially in larger vehicles like motorhomes. Automatic transmission helps reduce that pressure.
It gives people a sense of control in conditions that feel unfamiliar or risky. And for first-time RV drivers, that matters. It’s just not always possible, and that’s the part most people don’t realize until they start digging into what’s actually available.
Are Automatic Motorhomes Available in Iceland?
Short answer? Technically yes. Realistically, no. Automatic RV rental in Iceland exists in theory but almost never in practice. At Camper Rental Iceland, we do not offer automatic motorhomes, and we are upfront about it.
Most RVs in Iceland come from European suppliers, where manual is still the standard. That means local fleets, including ours, are built around manual transmission models. Automatic motorhomes cost more to buy, service, and insure, and they break more often under Icelandic conditions like gravel roads and sudden weather shifts.
On top of that, demand from automatic-only drivers far outweighs supply. The few automatics that do exist are either booked months ahead or priced well above budget. We do not believe in advertising vehicles we cannot reliably deliver.
Automatic Campervans in Iceland: The Best Alternative to a Motorhome
For most of you, renting an automatic campervan in Iceland is not just the next best thing; it’s the better choice. Here’s what you actually get when you skip the motorhome and pick the smarter setup for Iceland.
Comfort and Equipment: Campervans vs Motorhomes
At Camper Rental Iceland, we’ve rented both campervans and motorhomes to thousands of people, and the pattern is clear. An automatic motorhome in Iceland might sound appealing, but it usually creates more problems than it solves.
Motorhomes are bulky, harder to park, and not ideal for many routes. Campervans, on the other hand, come fully equipped with heating, cooking gear, sleeping space, and smart storage. All in a more manageable setup. You will not need an onboard bathroom either. Icelandic campsites already provide showers and other essentials. For most people, especially those not traveling with kids or mobility issues, a campervan is the better choice.
Our automatic options like the Fiat Dobló Maxi, VW Transporter, and Fiat Scudo are built for Icelandic conditions and are easy to drive.
Driving Ease and Safety on Icelandic Roads
Driving conditions in Iceland are no joke. Wind speeds can hit 20 to 30 m/s (45 to 67 mph), and narrow roads with soft gravel edges are common outside major towns. This is one of the main reasons we steer people away from large motorhomes.
They are harder to control, harder to park, and more vulnerable to wind drift. Campervans handle better in every way. They are lower to the ground, easier to reverse, and far less stressful in poor weather. Our automatic models are especially popular with those of you who are not used to European road layouts or driving larger vehicles.
They take the pressure off when navigating tight curves, single-lane bridges, or steep climbs. If you are nervous about driving or researching automatic motorhome rental in Iceland, a campervan is likely a safer and more enjoyable choice. Most people come back saying the same thing. They are glad they kept it simple.
Why Automatic Campervans Make More Sense for Iceland Road Trips
If you want to see more of Iceland without being limited by your vehicle, a campervan makes that possible. Let’s break down where automatic campervans outperform motorhomes and why they open up more of the country.
Access to the Highlands and F-Roads
If you're planning to explore Iceland’s Highlands, this part matters. F-roads are legally restricted to 4x4 vehicles. That means most motorhomes are not allowed, regardless of size or specs. These mountain roads involve loose gravel, river crossings, and steep climbs. We’ve had people arrive expecting to visit places like Askja or Thórsmörk, only to realize their rental isn’t permitted beyond the first checkpoint.
At Camper Rental Iceland, we offer automatic 4x4 campers that are legally cleared and built for these routes. Take, for example, the VW California Beach 4x4, the VW Transporter 4x4, or the VW Crafter 4x4. These models combine proper heating, sleeping space, and off-road capability in one setup.
If Highlands access is on your itinerary, it’s campervan or nothing. Motorhomes are not allowed, and there are no workarounds. Some of Iceland’s best routes sit behind those F-road signs. You need the right vehicle to reach them, full stop.
Campsites, Showers and Facilities in Iceland
Most campsites in Iceland are built with campervans in mind. Parking spaces are wide enough for easy access, and many offer shared kitchens, showers, and toilets. You do not need a large motorhome with a built-in bathroom to be comfortable.
In fact, larger vehicles often have trouble with soft ground, tight turns, or uneven surfaces at smaller sites. Some even get stuck after heavy rain. Campervans are easier to maneuver and less likely to cause problems when space is limited or the terrain is wet.
If you want the best spots, plan to arrive between 16:00 and 17:00. That gives you time to find a flat, sheltered space before the rush begins. This is especially important at popular campsites near Skógafoss, Lake Mývatn, or Jökulsárlón.
Manual Motorhomes vs Automatic Campervans: Which One Should You Choose?
At Camper Rental Iceland, we help travelers choose vehicles based on routes, confidence, and what really works on Icelandic roads. If you're deciding between a manual motorhome and an automatic campervan, here’s how to make the right call for your trip.
When a Manual Motorhome Makes Sense
Choose a manual motorhome only if:
- You are confident with manual transmission
- You can manage hill starts, reversing, and tight turns in a large vehicle
- You value more interior space for sitting, eating, or showering
- Your route sticks mostly to paved roads and organized campsites
- You are traveling in summer, avoiding the Highlands and remote areas
This setup offers more room, but requires real driving skill. If that’s you, and your comfort zone is paved and predictable, a manual motorhome in Iceland might work.
When an Automatic Campervan is the Smarter Choice
Choose an automatic campervan if:
- You want low-stress driving and easy handling
- You plan to explore remote areas, smaller roads, or F-roads
- You need to share driving with someone unfamiliar with manual
- You care more about practicality than having a walk-in layout
- You still want heating, a warm bed, and basic cooking on board
Our automatic campervans are compact, road-ready, and built to handle Iceland’s unpredictable conditions with ease.
Final Advice for Renting an Automatic Vehicle in Iceland
If you’re searching for automatic motorhome rental in Iceland, here’s the hard truth. It sounds convenient, but it rarely exists. Most fleets, including ours at Camper Rental Iceland, simply don’t offer automatic motorhomes. The few that enter the market each year get booked far in advance or priced so high that most people can’t afford them anyway.
That said, there are still smart options if you act early. We offer a limited number of automatic campervans that are easier to drive, well-equipped, and far better suited to Iceland’s roads and weather. These models handle wind, gravel, tight parking, and long distances without the stress of clutch control.
The right vehicle is not about size or labels. It’s about how well it fits your route, your comfort level, and Iceland’s conditions. If an automatic is non-negotiable for you, check our campervan fleet and book early. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
