Iceland RV Trip: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026 Update)

Can you imagine anything more thrilling than cruising through the Land of Fire and Ice in an RV? An Iceland RV trip is characterized by its gigantic glaciers, fiery volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, and so many more mouth-dropping natural wonders that it’s unbelievable that they’re all found on our small island.

But an RV road trip requires proper planning and prep (and a couple of local insights also don’t hurt *wink, wink, nudge, nudge). That’s why we created this extensive guide to help future visitors have the ultimate RV road trip experience.

Why Take an RV Trip in Iceland

There are many reasons why an RV road trip is highly recommended:

• An RV means you’re in complete control of your time and itinerary. You can go where you want to, whenever you want to, without having to rely on a third party’s transport or schedule.
• An RV means you save a TON on accommodation since you’ve essentially turned yourself into a slug, carrying your home with you wherever you go. And you can’t even begin to compare a super affordable $20 camping spot for your RV to a $100 (budget stay!) per night here in Iceland.
• The fact that you only need a camping spot to park your RV for the night makes for the ultimate flexibility. Want to stay a bit longer? No problem. You’ll definitely not be sitting with the issue you have with, for example, hotels, where the likelihood of it already being fully booked is good (especially during our summer peak season). Change of plans, and want to make an impromptu overnight stop? It’s pretty easy to find a camping site nearby.
• An RV, of course, gives new meaning to the word “camping.” Gone are the days of roughing it, bundled up in sleeping bags with chattering teeth – now you have all your creature comforts with you in your home away from home.
• Because an RV offers much better shelter than a traditional tent does, it allows you to extend the camping season. When everyone else has already had to pack away all their outdoor gear and camping equipment, you’ll still be able to park in that camping spot and live pretty comfortably.
• Traveling in an RV through Iceland allows you to truly immerse yourself in our breathtaking landscapes, and some of our campsites, such as Skogar, give you a front-row ticket to some of our most famous sights. The feeling of waking up in the morning and staring out at a black sand beach or watching a roaring waterfall tumbling down cliffs from your window is an experience you can’t describe to anyone.

The Best Time of Year for an RV Trip

The best time of year for an RV trip will actually depend on a number of factors, such as your personal preferences, your budget, and what you want to see and do here on the island. You can use the following guidelines to help you pick the perfect time for your visit:

How Confident are You in Your Driving?

While our warmer months (May to September) offer mostly pristine road conditions, our colder months can be quite challenging for the nervous driver. You will need to deal with snow, ice, and wind speeds that can (and have!) ripped car doors right off their hinges.

How Do You Prefer Your Weather?

Although summers in a country called Iceland will probably not be what you’re used to back home, our winters can be pretty harsh, especially in our colder northern regions. So, if you’re someone who needs a blanket when going to the cinema back home, our colder months might not be for you.

Have You Got One of Our Famous Natural Phenomena on Your Icelandic Bucket List?

Then timing is everything. For example, if you’ve always wanted to experience our Midnight Sun, you’ll have to visit over the summer solstice (21 June). If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of our beautiful Northern Lights dancing across the sky, then our winter should be your go-to season, since the lights come out to play when it’s darkest and the air is cold and dry.

What Do You Want to Do or See in Iceland?

There are many other things in Iceland that are seasonal, so you’ll need to match your dream itinerary to availability. For example, hiking is not something we’d recommend during our colder months, while ice cave exploration is something that can generally only be done during the colder months.

Annual road closures mean the F-roads are off-limits if it’s not summertime, which makes road trips through the Westfjords and the Highlands virtually impossible any other season.

If you want to check out our Puffin population (which accounts for 60% of the global population!), then you’ll need to visit between late April and early August when they return home from the open seas. There are many more examples like these when it comes to things to do and see in Iceland, so do your homework beforehand.

Are You Not a Fan of Crowds?

Then you might want to avoid our peak periods here on the island. This includes our summertime (June to August) or the festive season till after the New Year.

How Big is Your Budget?

If you’re a bit strapped for cash, peak seasons will also not be for you. Whenever the peak season crowds start pitching up, so do those pesky peak season prices.

How Much It Costs: Budgeting for Your RV Trip

Budgeting for an RV road trip extends far beyond just daily rental costs, so don’t get caught unawares and plan accordingly. These are the things you need to consider:

Daily RV Rental Costs

Rental costs will vary greatly depending on the make, model, and size of the RV, as well as which rental agent you choose to rent from. Generally, you’re looking at about 47,880 ISK ($379/€327.05) a day for the smaller RVs and around 55,860 ISK ($443/€382) a day for the larger RVs (with unlimited mileage).

Remember, RVs are the beasts of the campervan world, designed around the ultimate comfort. If you’re on a super tight budget, you might have to look into renting a small campervan.

Insurance Costs

While certain mandatory insurance policies, such as Third Party Liability insurance, are already included in your rental package, you might have to consider adding a few extras depending on your planned routes and itinerary. For example, if you’re planning on exploring our coastline, we’d highly recommend adding Sand and Ash Protection.

If you’re planning on driving our more rough-and-tough roads (whether gravel or our hard-core F-roads), we’d recommend adding Tire and Windshield Protection. If you’re uncertain, just discuss your specific plans with your rental agent, and they’ll advise you accordingly.

Of course, these additional insurance policies vary in price, but as a rule of thumb, you should be prepared to pay between 7500 ISK ($60/€52) and 8500 ISK ($68/€59) extra each day.

Camping Fees

Since wild camping is no longer allowed in Iceland and you’re only legally allowed to overnight in clearly marked and designated spots, you won’t be able to get around paying camping fees. However, this is so minuscule in the grand scheme of things that you’ll barely feel it.

Depending on location, you’re looking at spending between $10 and $20 per person per night. But you can actually make the deal even sweeter if you’re planning on visiting between May and September, you can purchase our Camping Card.

This card costs a mere €179 ($208) and allows a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children under the age of 16 to stay overnight at a variety of campsites all across the country for 28 nights! You don’t need to be very good at maths to realize how much money you’ll be saving.

But with the Camping Card, you not only save on camping; it also gives additional discounts, one of the most important being gas! So, the Camping Card can really save you a ton on an RV road trip through Iceland.

Fuel Expenses

Speaking of gas, there are a few things to know about gas prices in Iceland. Firstly, gas prices are not the same here in Iceland (not even at the same gas station brands), so you’ll need to do your research and ask the locals about where you can get the best deal.

You also need to ensure that you always fill up in our larger cities and towns because gas stations become fewer the more remote you travel, and gas prices increase. That being said, since most RVs use diesel and not petrol, you’re looking at paying about 320 ISK per liter ($2.55/€2.20). So, you can at least budget a ballpark figure.

Food Expenses

Dining out in Iceland should really be reserved for special occasions. Seek out one of our famous eateries to try out local cuisine such as Hakarl (fermented shark) and, of course, grab a hot dog (considered the unofficial national food of Iceland) at the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand.

But, unless your surname’s Hilton or Kardashian, eating out for every meal is not in the stars for you since you’ll be looking at spending at least $150 per day (and that’s only if you have really inexpensive taste!). Since you’ll be traveling through the country in an RV, the most convenient and budget-friendly meals will be the ones you cook yourself.

So, head out to our famous budget-savvy grocery stores (Bonus and Kronan), get yourself ingredients, and whip up a few budget meals. By doing things this way, you can easily get away with spending just $75 a day on all your meals.

Costs of Outings and Sightseeing

When exploring Iceland, you’re lucky that most of our famous sights are free to visit, except for a small parking fee (like $5/€4.40) at some. It’s only when you start visiting our museums or going on guided tours that it becomes a noticeable expense that requires proper budgeting.

For example, entry to the Blue Lagoon will set you back around $100/€86.50. Visiting Perlan will cost you 6290 ISK ($50/€44), and checking out the Icelandic Phallological Museum will cost you 3500 ISK ($28/€24). But it’s the guided tours that can really give a gut-punch to your pocket.

It can range from basic activities, such as glacier hikes, from €120 ($139) to full-day tours, such as exploring the Golden Circle, which starts from around $90 (€78) per person. So, you really need to be particular with what you want to see and do here on the island, do thorough research and budget accordingly, because saving up $100 for a week’s worth of adventuring is not gonna cut it.

Tips for Renting an RV in Iceland

If this will be your first time renting an RV or renting an RV in Iceland, the following tips will come in handy:

• If you’re planning on visiting during our busy peak summer season, you need to ensure that you’ve booked your rental RV well in advance; otherwise, you’re bound to be left disappointed (and potentially stranded) upon your arrival here on the island.
• Ensure that you’ve read all the official paperwork regarding your rental and insurance policy. For example, there may be mileage restrictions on your rental, or your insurance may exclude certain roads and routes, such as the F-roads here in Iceland. You don’t want to get a nasty surprise after you’ve already signed.
• Rental agents often offer additional extras, which can save you a lot of hassle and luggage space, such as GPS devices, car seats, outdoor cooking equipment, etc., so be sure to inquire and make arrangements before your trip.
• As with any other rental car, you’ll have the option of choosing between manual and automatic. Only drive what you’re comfortable driving with, so you have a safe and stress-free trip.
• Be sure to ask your rental agent what the official procedure is when there’s an emergency or accident. For example, do you phone the rental agent first, or should your first call be to the insurance company? Also, be sure to save all emergency contact details on your phone since you’ll be surprised at how difficult finding details becomes in the midst of a crisis. Ensure that it includes the rental agent and insurance providers' numbers (including your travel insurance) as well as the Icelandic emergency number, 112.
• Ensure you choose the perfect RV, not just for your specific trip itinerary, but also for your specific party. Squeezing a family of 5 in a 4-sleeper for 2 weeks may sound more economical, but you’ll be paying the price in other ways.

Driving in Iceland

The Land of Fire and Ice is a unique blend of contrasting terrains and natural wonders, so driving here can also be a unique experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Know Where You Can Go

We have different types of roads here: paved, gravel, and the F-roads. You’ll easily be able to drive a 2WD on our paved main roads (even in winter, as long as you have the required winter gear and accessories). Most of our gravel roads are also well-maintained and can be driven with a 2WD if you drive with caution. But if you’re feeling uncertain about your specific route, you need to chat with your rental agent.

The F-roads, however, can only be driven in a 4x4 (not just for your own safety; it’s a legal requirement). As we already touched on, the F-roads are also closed during certain periods each year. Ultimately, your biggest challenge in an RV will be its size and the maneuverability it offers. For example, extremely narrow roads will not be your friend.

Know the Rules & Listen to Local Advice

The following are valuable local tips and advice, along with a few of our most important road rules:

• It is illegal to park in places that are not designated and clearly marked parking spaces. This means no quick stops on the side of the road or pavements to check maps or take photos. Unless the car has actually broken down, you’ll be in a lot of trouble.
• It is also illegal to DIY your own roads here in Iceland (even if you have a 4x4 vehicle). This is because our ecosystem is incredibly sensitive and can literally take over a decade to repair from any damage (if at all!).
• We have free-roaming wildlife here in Iceland, ranging from sheep and horses to reindeer and our elusive Arctic Fox. While you’ll find animal crossing warning signs along the road in certain parts of the country, you always need to stay alert while driving in Iceland. You just never know when an animal might unexpectedly dart out in front of you.
• In Iceland, it’s mandatory to keep your headlights on at all times when driving, irrespective of whether it’s night or day. This not only increases the visibility on the road for you, but also allows others to see you quicker and better.
• In no world are you going to be driving an RV at high speeds (not even while adhering to the speed limits). They are simply too big and heavy with the maneuverability of a hippo-tortoise cross-breed. So, don’t just take the GPS's word for it when it tells you a trip will take a certain amount of time. In an RV, it will ALWAYS take longer, so plan accordingly as to not put yourself under any unnecessary pressure.
• We have very strict speed limits that may not be what you’re used to back home, so please take note. You can expect speed limits of up to 90 km/h on our paved main roads outside the cities (similar to what you’d consider a “highway”). On gravel roads, you’re looking at 80 km/h (although you’ll need to use your own discretion when it comes to the condition of the road), and in urban, residential areas, the speed limits range between 30 and 50 km/h.
• As we touched on earlier, winter brings with it conditions that can make driving challenging. So, ensure that you have all the necessary gear and accessories when taking our roads on during this season, and also ensure that you have experience or feel comfortable driving in harsh winds, snow, and ice.
• There is a way to stay one step ahead of our weather and road conditions. Just keep an eye on the Vedur and Umferdin websites to avoid being caught unawares.
• If you’re a solo traveler, please tell others about your travel plans and trip itinerary (in detail!) and be sure to log your travels on SafeTravel.is. This way, if anything goes wrong, people will immediately know where to start the search.

Family & Group Travel

An RV is ideal for a trip with family or friends due to its size and facilities, but consider the following when traveling with a larger party like this:

• RVs still offer a variety of bed/bunk options (4 to 6 sleepers) as well as different layouts/configurations, so be sure to choose the option that will work best for your family or group’s preferences, needs, and requirements.
• Don’t try to squeeze in that extra child or adult (you’re going to feel it!). Rather, opt for two rental RVs or a combination of an RV and a campervan in these instances. The same applies if you’re two small families traveling together, or two couples. In these instances, separate vehicles might actually be better from a privacy and comfort perspective.
• If you’re a family exploring the island in an RV, choose your campsites wisely. We have many primitive campsites here, basically just offering RV parking spots. But then there are others with a wide variety of facilities and amenities such as kayak rentals, minigolf, playgrounds, etc., which means no “I’m bored!” from the kids.
• An RV might be bigger than its campervan counterpart, but that still doesn’t mean that you can pack everything and the kitchen sink. Storage space is limited, and you don’t want to spend your entire trip clambering over luggage.
• Spend more quality time together than endlessly cooking. Make big batches of food (soup, casseroles, etc.) that you can keep in the fridge and literally just heat up, saving you a lot of time in the “kitchen.”

Suggested Itineraries (5 & 7 Days)

If you don’t even know where to begin planning your Icelandic trip itinerary or just need a couple of ideas and some inspiration, you can use our 5 and 7-day trip itinerary examples below:

5-Day Trip Itinerary

The itinerary below serves as a good intro to all the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer:

• Day 1: Arrival on the island. Stop by the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik, where you will spend the rest of the day exploring the capital city.
• Day 2: Road trip the Golden Circle. Explore attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
• Day 3: Begin your tour of the South Coast. Travel down the coastline and stop at Diamond Beach and Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (we highly recommend going on one of the boat tours there).
• Day 4: Continue your exploration of the South Coast. Explore the village of Vik, visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and check out Skogafoss Waterfall as well as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
• Day 5: Spend the day relaxing at Hvammsvik Hot Springs before you head out to the airport later that day or sleep over in Reykjavik to catch a flight out the next morning.

7-Day Trip Itinerary

A week gives you just enough time to start exploring our classic Ring Road route. This route wraps around the island and gives you a taste of most areas and attractions in the different regions of the country:

• Day 1: Arrival on the island. Spend the day exploring Reykjavik and resting up for the rest of the week’s adventures.
• Day 2: Explore the Golden Circle and all its interesting stops along the way.
• Day 3: Try to pack as much of the South Coast in as you can. This includes stops such as Seljalandsfoss, Gljufabui, and Skogafoss Waterfall, the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, the Dyrholaey Rock Formation, and Halsanefshellir Cave.
• Day 4: Fill your day with all sorts of frosty adventures. Start by visiting Skaftafell and hiking to the famous Svartifoss Waterfall (if you visit during the colder months, you’ll find the waterfall partly frozen). Then check out the beautiful Mulagljufur Canyon with its breathtaking views over snow-capped mountains (if you visit during the colder months), then head over to the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and its neighboring Diamond Beach.
• Day 5: Tackle the eastern region of the island. Visit Stokksnes, Litlanessfoss, and Hengifoss Waterfall, explore the picturesque town of Seydisfjordur, and end the day exploring another quaint little town called Lindarbakki.
• Day 6: Time to take on the north. Visit Studlagil Canyon, check out Dettifoss and Godafoss Waterfall, explore the Hverir Geothermal Area, visit Grjotagja Cave (yes, the one you “saw” in Game of Thrones), as well as the two volcanoes, Krafla and Hverfjall.
• Day 7: Head back to Reykjavik with a quick stop at Kirkjufell Mountain. Either fly out later the same day or sleep over and catch a flight the next morning.

Your Iceland Packing Checklist

We have full confidence in the fact that you know how to pack for a trip, but there just might be a few things that are very unique to Iceland you may not have thought of. So, be sure that you’ve also packed the following for your RV trip around the island:

• Waterproof clothing and gear (such as a jacket, pants, and raincoat).
• Thermals (essentials for the colder months), which include underwear, leggings, and vests.
• Warm woolen accessories such as beanies, scarves, and socks, irrespective of the season.
• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, irrespective of the season. These are just as effective walking in the town’s streets filled with snow as they are hiking a wet and muddy trail.
• Swimwear, irrespective of season. Our hot springs are open all year round.
• A QUICK-DRYING towel. Trying to travel with a bunch of wet stuff in your backpack is a nightmare.
• Additional blankets or sleeping bags if you easily get cold or just want additional bedding.
• All important chargers, cables, and power banks for essential electronic devices.
• A reusable water bottle (although you can get these here as a souvenir). Iceland has some of the purest water in the world coming straight from our taps, so buying water is not a thing here.
• All your essential medications.
• A flashlight or headlamp (we prefer a headlamp since that way both your hands are free).
• Hard copy maps and a few downloaded offline maps (in case signals and technology fail you).
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, irrespective of the season. The glare off water and ice is just as bad as driving straight into the sun, and you can get a nasty sunburn even on an overcast day while hiking a glacier!
• A first aid kit. We know this is something that can be a bit tricky, depending on flight restrictions, but a first aid kit is essential for any road trip. Not only is it an easy fix for small cuts and bruises, but it can actually be the difference between life and death in real emergency situations.

Final Thoughts

An RV trip through Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss out on. With a bit of know-how and some insider info found in this guide (combined with some basic common sense, of course), you’ll be able to cruise all around the island and take in all our incredible sights without any incidents.

So, now that you can look forward to the open road and all the Icelandic wonders it holds, it’s time to rent your RV here in Iceland and get that road trip started!

FAQs About an Iceland RV Trip

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about an Iceland RV trip:

Should I Rent an RV or a Campervan?

That will solely depend on your needs and preferences. An RV is bigger, offering many more creature comforts compared to a smaller campervan, but the larger size and additional weight do mean having to spend more (on daily rental as well as gas consumption).

Campers are great for couples and two friends traveling together, but they can become crowded and uncomfortable when it comes to families and groups of friends.

Do I Need a Special License to Drive an RV?

No, you do not need a special license to drive an RV since most RVs fall under the 3.5-ton requirement before you need a driver’s license allowing you to drive larger vehicles.

Are There Enough Campsites Offering Camping Spots for RVs?

Yes, the majority of campsites now cater to RVs, offering not only camping spots but also waste disposal, etc.