Tips for Driving in Iceland in Winter

Iceland is a popular and enticing destination for a winter car hire trip but before you book your Indigo hired car there are a number of tips we’d like to share with you to ensure there aren’t any issues on the road during your trip.

What Do I Need to Know About Iceland Winter Road Conditions?

The coastal areas of the country are safe to drive around as the main roads are kept open and cleared and are well-maintained all year round.
However, the secondary roads may be relatively gravel and dirt-ridden, so take care when traversing these.
When it comes to the interior highland roads (or the Iceland F-roads) these are closed to vehicles in the winter and these are marked by warning signs.
You may have the good fortune of finding clear roads but then you may experience stormy weather.
Make sure you look out for black ice (it is silvery shiny) as this causes many accidents. In central and urban areas the roads will be cleared fairly quickly following a storm.
However, in the countryside the snow may remain uncleared and make driving hazardous, so take care!
You will come across road closures after a storm and this can maddeningly interrupt your itinerary. With that in mind, always make sure you have contingency plans if you’re driving in Iceland in winter.
The weather in Iceland changes rapidly so make sure you are aware of weather forecasts using the internet on your phone, tablet or sat nav.
As well as snow and ice beware of strong winds and flooding which can be equally dangerous
And while this blog is advising you on winter in Iceland remember that the winter conditions actually last from early November to the end of April.

Despite having to be aware of some of the potential trappings of driving in Iceland in the winter, we certainly still recommend considering a driving trip there this time of year. This means you can come and go as you will (weather permitting) and follow your own itinerary rather than rely on an expensive tour.

Which Is Best for Driving in Iceland in Winter?

You don’t need a 4×4 SUV just a 4×4 hire car with winter tires will suffice. You can choose either manual or automatic transmission depending on which you are used to using in the UK.

What Do I Need to Know About Insurance When Driving in Iceland?

Indigo will automatically give you third-party insurance when you book, but you may want to take out something higher to cover repairs, collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, just ask your friendly Indigo agent regarding these insurance options (you can chat online or phone).

Additional Winter Driving in Iceland Tips

Check the age regulations for hiring a 4×4 as there may be extra costs for drivers who are under 25.

The Ring Road (or Route 1) is not ideal for driving in winter depending on the weather conditions, once again check before you leave.
If you ignore the warning signs on the mountainous roads you will face a fine and may void your insurance not to mention risk a costly call-out to rescue you once trapped (which is most likely). So don’t do it!
There are superjeep tours for exploring the Highlands but you will need experience in driving these in winter conditions and it will add more costs to your budget.
Check out our options for Iceland car hire from Keflavik Airport before you head off!

So, you are now equipped with the knowledge it takes to cope with the driving conditions in Iceland. Here you will find stupendous natural beauty, spas to bathe and refresh in, an absorbing history as well as a bubbling city life for shopping, dining and clubbing. Enjoy, and before you do, book with Indigo for a car to go!

Check out similar blogs from our winter-based driving and holiday series for even more inspiration:

Rich Jevons was first published in the Yorkshire Post at the tender age of fifteen. After graduating at University of Humberside, Rich covered the visual and performing arts for a wide range of regional, national and international magazines, journals and newspapers. He has interviewed the likes of Patrick Stewart, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Currently, he is writing copy on road trips around the world, all from his office in Wortley, Leeds