What to know about driving in Iceland

Q: How old do you need to be to hire a car in Iceland?

A: You must be 20 or over to hire a car in Iceland. If you want to hire a minivan or other large vehicle (some parts of the country are only accessible in a 4x4) you must be 23 or over.

Q: What documents are required?

A: Visitors from some countries will need an International Drivers Permit in addition to their usual licence. This is not required for drivers from countries that use the Latin alphabet. You must have held your driving licence for a year or more. A credit card is required to secure a booking and an amount taken as a security hold for the duration of the booking.

Q: What seats are required for children?

A: It is wise to do some research on child seats if travelling in Iceland with children. Different seats are required dependant on the child’s age or weight and these should be booked in advance with the hire company. Children may only travel in the front of the car if they are over 135cm in height. 

Q: When can I return my rental?

A: Returning a hire car outside scheduled office hours will usually incur a supplement. Check details with your rental company when you collect your car. 

Q: Where can I drive my rental car?

A: Cars rented in Iceland are not permitted to travel outside the country.

Q: Do I need winter tyres or snow chains when driving in Iceland?

A: Studded tyres will be fitted for free on all hire cars during the winter to ensure driver safety. There is no legal requirement to drive with additional snow chains.