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Why Self Drive In Iceland?

There are so many benefits to self-driving in Iceland. You’ll be able to take things at your own pace, and you’ll have far more control over your vacation. It is also considerably cheaper to self-drive than take most organised tours, and you can go with the flow and change your plans as you discover what you most love about the country.

If you’re still not convinced by self-driving in Iceland, we hope this article might just change your mind!

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WANT TO VISIT ICELAND?

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- The perfect trip
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- Sent within 24 hours!

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8
days
FROM ISK 257,200

Incredible 8 Day Summer Self Drive Trip on Iceland’s South Coast and the Amazing Highlands
9
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FROM ISK 210,000

9 day West Iceland and Westfjords Culture Trip with Outdoor Adventures
12
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FROM ISK 283,223

Unforgettable 12 Day Self Drive Tour:  The Complete Ring Road for History Buffs and free spirits
2
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FROM ISK 57,244

Icelandic Wonders in 2 days: South coast, Glacier Lagoons & Ice Caving
14
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FROM ISK 274,995

14 days of Wonderful Winter in Iceland: Northern lights, History, and Amazing Scenery
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20 Days in Iceland: Unforgettable landscapes with a focus on relaxation and wellness.
15
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FROM ISK 353,270

Amazing Iceland Ring Road and West-fjords: 15 Day Self-drive Tour
5
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An Amazing 5 Day South coast outdoor and history tour with glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches
17
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FROM ISK 401,992

Iceland Ring road, the Westfjords, and Snæfellsnes peninsula: 17 Day self-drive Tour
7
days
FROM ISK 148,805

7-day Northern lights Self-Drive Tour in Northern Iceland with a wellness feel-good atmosphere

8 days

From ISK 257,200

Incredible 8 Day Summer Self Drive Trip on Iceland’s South Coast and the Amazing Highlands

9 days

From ISK 210,000

9 day West Iceland and Westfjords Culture Trip with Outdoor Adventures

12 days

From ISK 283,223

Unforgettable 12 Day Self Drive Tour:  The Complete Ring Road for History Buffs and free spirits

2 days

From ISK 57,244

Icelandic Wonders in 2 days: South coast, Glacier Lagoons & Ice Caving

14 days

From ISK 274,995

14 days of Wonderful Winter in Iceland: Northern lights, History, and Amazing Scenery
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Flexibility

One of the best things about self-driving is the flexibility. Perhaps you’re an early bird that wants to see the glacier lagoon at sunrise. Or maybe you’re on vacation to recharge, and you’d much rather sleep in late and head out when you’ve had a chance to rest and eat a good breakfast.

When you are self-driving, you don’t have to go by anyone else’s schedule. You can choose when to have lazy days and which days you want to get out into the great outdoors. There is no waiting around in hotel lobbies for everyone else on your bus tour to finish taking a shower. (And no hurrying down to the lobby with wet hair if you were the person holding everyone up!)

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16
days
FROM ISK 389,767

16 Day Self-drive Tour: The Ring Road with outdoor activities and Wildlife
4
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FROM ISK 83,495

A 4 Day Reykjavík city and the Breathtaking South Coast Tour
19
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FROM ISK 416,912

19 Day Self-drive Tour: the Ultimate Iceland Discovery
2
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FROM ISK 37,253

Reykjavík city and Reykjanes peninsula 2 Day Self-drive tour
6
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FROM ISK 175,298

6 Days in the Westfjords of Iceland: An Epic Self-drive Tour
9
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FROM ISK 190,230

The Complete Ring Road: 9 Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour with Waterfalls and Hot-springs
8
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FROM ISK 163,495

Iceland Classic Highlights Road Trip: 8 Day Self-drive Tour
10
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FROM ISK 209,533

The Complete Ring Road of Iceland with amazing Attractions & Snaefellsnes peninsula: A 10 Day Self-drive Tour
13
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FROM ISK 425,521

Mysterious Iceland: A 13 Day Self-drive Tour
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FROM ISK 37,253

Reykjavik and West Iceland: A  2-day Self-drive tour

16 days

From ISK 389,767

16 Day Self-drive Tour: The Ring Road with outdoor activities and Wildlife

4 days

From ISK 83,495

A 4 Day Reykjavík city and the Breathtaking South Coast Tour

19 days

From ISK 416,912

19 Day Self-drive Tour: the Ultimate Iceland Discovery

2 days

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Reykjavík city and Reykjanes peninsula 2 Day Self-drive tour

6 days

From ISK 175,298

6 Days in the Westfjords of Iceland: An Epic Self-drive Tour
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Inspiration

But self-driving doesn’t mean being totally on your own in a foreign country. You can book a self-drive tour, where the car hire and itinerary are taken care of. You can pick a schedule that matches your interests and the time you’ve got available. You will be given detailed maps and travel advice, and you’ll have the support of an expert should anything go wrong.

But ultimately, the power is in your hands. If you met an amazing new friend on your travels and want to spend the day hiking with them, you can decide to follow your whim and not have to jump back on tour with your guide.

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3
days
FROM ISK 53,235

Epic Iceland in 3 Days: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
10
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FROM ISK 209,533

Ring road and the Majestical Eastfjords: 10 Day Self-drive
6
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FROM ISK 125,700

The Ring Road Express: 6 Day Self-drive tour around Iceland
20
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FROM ISK 438,175

Amazing 20 Day Self-drive Tour: Discover Iceland's amazing scenery, History and explore amazing hiking trails
5
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FROM ISK 120,595

Spectacular 5 Day Self Drive Wildlife Tour of Iceland with Whale & Puffin Watching
6
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FROM ISK 125,700

Country Days and Reykjavik City Nights: A 6 Day Self-drive Tour
6
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FROM ISK 125,700

6 Day South Coast of Iceland Self-drive Tour
15
days
FROM ISK 309,920

Wonderful Hiking and Spa Treatments while immersed in otherworldly landscapes: A 15 Day Self-drive Tour in
8
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FROM ISK 163,495

Iceland South & West Road Trip: 8 Day Self-drive Tour
9
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FROM ISK 242,143

Hot springs and the Westfjords: 9 Day Self-drive Tour

3 days

From ISK 53,235

Epic Iceland in 3 Days: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

10 days

From ISK 209,533

Ring road and the Majestical Eastfjords: 10 Day Self-drive

6 days

From ISK 125,700

The Ring Road Express: 6 Day Self-drive tour around Iceland

20 days

From ISK 438,175

Amazing 20 Day Self-drive Tour: Discover Iceland's amazing scenery, History and explore amazing hiking trails

5 days

From ISK 120,595

Spectacular 5 Day Self Drive Wildlife Tour of Iceland with Whale & Puffin Watching
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Peace and Quiet

If you want to meet fellow travellers in Iceland, you don’t have to go on a group tour. You’re bound to meet like-minded people as you visit hot springs, eat in restaurants, or go hiking in the mountains. So don’t worry about being lonely!

At the same time, you can step away from the hustle and bustle when you want to do things more peacefully. For example, with a self-drive tour, you can choose to head to the most beautiful spots early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, you will avoid the crowds and get the place to yourself.

You can also turn your favourite music up on the radio as you dry along the beautiful coast and just enjoy the moment in privacy!

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7
days
FROM ISK 144,995

Iconic highlights of South & West Iceland: 7 Day Self-drive tour
21
days
FROM ISK 459,439

The Iceland Adventure: 21 Day Self-drive Tour around Iceland
4
days
FROM ISK 83,495

4 days in Reykjavík city and the otherworldly Reykjanes peninsula
10
days
FROM ISK 209,533

Iceland Ring Road, slow and steady: 10 Day Self-drive Tour
3
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FROM ISK 81,740

3 DAY GOLDEN CIRCLE & SOUTH COAST WELLNESS TOUR
4
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FROM ISK 81,431

4 Day Self Drive Tour with Iceland's Golden Circle, Black Beaches, and Vik
4
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FROM ISK 81,431

4 Day Summer Road Trip around the Capital of Iceland and its Surroundings
2
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FROM ISK 37,253

Golden Circle and Reykjavik city nights 2 Day self-drive tour
4
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FROM ISK 83,495

South Iceland Express: 4 Day Self-drive Tour
25
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FROM ISK 486,754

25 Day epic Self-drive Summer Tour around Iceland

7 days

From ISK 144,995

Iconic highlights of South & West Iceland: 7 Day Self-drive tour

21 days

From ISK 459,439

The Iceland Adventure: 21 Day Self-drive Tour around Iceland

4 days

From ISK 83,495

4 days in Reykjavík city and the otherworldly Reykjanes peninsula

10 days

From ISK 209,533

Iceland Ring Road, slow and steady: 10 Day Self-drive Tour

3 days

From ISK 81,740

3 DAY GOLDEN CIRCLE & SOUTH COAST WELLNESS TOUR
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Price

Self-drive tours are typically more affordable than other types of tours. You don’t have to cover the cost of a driver or professional tour guide, but of course, you can choose to hire a guide for shorter activities like caving or rafting.

The companies behind self-drive tours have contacts in Iceland, so they can get better deals on accommodation than you might find on your own. The time saved planning is also valuable, especially if you’re working full time back home!

Adventure 

Let’s face it; you’re not going to feel as adventurous if you’re on a bus with 30 other people who are all taking the same pictures at the same time. Self-driving means you can explore and discover Iceland in your own way, without the safety wrap of a classic tour.

You’ll still have all the support you need, but you’ll be able to make your own decisions about how you spend your time.

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4
days
FROM ISK 83,495

4 Days in Reykjavík city and the Wild West
8
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FROM ISK 179,485

8 days West Iceland culture and history tour with geothermal spas
7
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FROM ISK 207,564

7 days in West Iceland and West fjords: Culture, History, and Adventures
8
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FROM ISK 182,541

Glaciers Adventures and Northern Lights: 8 Day Self-drive tour in Iceland
7
days
FROM ISK 144,995

Wonderful 7 Day winter Selfdrive Tour Around Iceland
19
days
FROM ISK 416,912

Discover Iceland at your own pace: 19 Day Self-Drive tour
17
days
FROM ISK 488,560

Iceland Majestic attractions: 17 Day Self-drive Tour
4
days
FROM ISK 81,431

4 day South Iceland scenic history tour and adventures
12
days
FROM ISK 283,223

The Complete Ring Road of Iceland: A 12 day Self-Drive Tour with Hiking
7
days
FROM ISK 223,554

West Iceland 7 Day Self-drive tour: Wellness culture and Amazing scenery

4 days

From ISK 83,495

4 Days in Reykjavík city and the Wild West

8 days

From ISK 179,485

8 days West Iceland culture and history tour with geothermal spas

7 days

From ISK 207,564

7 days in West Iceland and West fjords: Culture, History, and Adventures

8 days

From ISK 182,541

Glaciers Adventures and Northern Lights: 8 Day Self-drive tour in Iceland

7 days

From ISK 144,995

Wonderful 7 Day winter Selfdrive Tour Around Iceland
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Final Thoughts

A self-drive tour might not be for everyone, especially those nervous about driving abroad. If you’re still feeling unsure, this guide to driving Iceland might help you make the best decision for you.

Most people find driving in Iceland pretty simple; you just need to take it nice and slowly. Leave plenty of time to get to your destination and pull over to let people pass if you don’t want to drive any faster in the weather conditions. The ring road is so well maintained, and pretty much everyone has a GPS on their phone these days. So take a deep breath and trust yourself; you’re going to be okay!

We hope you found this article helpful. Don’t hesitate to explore the Play Iceland site for more travel tips and some hand-picked self-drive tours of our own. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland soon!

THANKS FOR THE INQUIRY!

WE'LL RESPOND SHORTLY.
1
1
  • 1
    Want to visit Iceland?
    Step 1 Want to visit Iceland?
  • 2
    What are you looking for?
    Step 3 Dates and travelers
  • 3
    Personal details
    Step 4 name email addition
0%
https://playiceland.is/wp-content/plugins/nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder
false
message
https://playiceland.is/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
https://playiceland.is/guide/why-self-drive-in-iceland
yes
1
fadeIn
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WANT TO VISIT ICELAND?

PICK YOUR FAVOURITE

WANT TO VISIT ICELAND?

...just a few more details

--Select--
--Select--
Comfort
Comfort
Quality
Quality
Luxury
Luxury

WANT TO VISIT ICELAND?

- The perfect trip
- Tailored to your needs
- Sent within 24 hours!