Driving in Iceland
Essential Safety Guide
The Challenge of Fire and Ice
Driving in Iceland is an unforgettable experience, offering total freedom to explore landscapes you won't see anywhere else. However, conditions here are vastly different from mainland Europe or North America. The weather changes rapidly, and roads can be narrow and unforgiving. Preparation and respect for nature are your best tools for a safe trip.
Know Your Roads
Not all roads in Iceland are created equal. Knowing the difference is vital for your safety and complying with your rental agreement.
The Ring Road (Route 1): Mostly paved two-lane asphalt, circling the island. Generally accessible to all cars year-round (weather permitting).
Gravel Roads: Many secondary roads leading to attractions are unpaved gravel. Drive slowly; loose stones can cause skidding or damage windshields.
F-Roads (Mountain Tracks): Marked with an 'F' (e.g., F208). These are rough, unpaved tracks, often involving river crossings. Only accessible in summer with a suitable 4x4 vehicle. Driving a standard 2WD car here is illegal and dangerous.
Also check our guides.
The map below shows the live location of our shuttle bus in real time.
