Getting Around Iceland

Iceland is a great road trip destination, offering travelers scenic drives throughout the country. Self-drive is the recommended transportation method for the summer season when winter road conditions and daylight are not a concern (roughly mid-April until November).

The most popular drives are the Ring Road along Route 1 (typically 7-10 days around the country), the South Coast to Vik and Jokusarlon Lagoon (2-3 days depending on stops and detours) and the Golden Circle Loop (possible as a day trip from Reykjavik; better to spend the night in the area to venture away from only the most visited sights).

While it is possible to drive in winter as well, some higher passes can be closed temporarily due to weather and high winds, with a few detours closed for the season. Many travelers prefer to join small group tours (typically up to 18 max) during this time and to focus the trip in the south and west of the country where daylight is a bit longer.

Reykjavik domestic airport offers domestic flights to the Westfjords, North, and East of the country (separate from Keflavik International airport in Reykjavik). Travelers short on time can take advantage of short, scenic flights and a one-way drive back to Reykjavik, as most sights are not too far off of Route 1. 

The highlands (Thorsmork, Landmannalaugar, and others) are accessible only by 4x4 vehicles along unpaved F-roads, and some roads require river crossings only passable by modified super jeeps. A few companies offer bus transfers into these regions, either as a long day trip or an overnight stop. Private or six-person super-jeep trips can take you to the most remote parts of the country.
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Thorsmork, Iceland
How to Get to Thorsmork

Thorsmork, the 'Valley of Thor,' is a region in the southern Icelandic Highlands in the Húsadalur Valley, between the three glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and... read more

The village of Vik, Iceland in Summer
Map of How to Get from Reykjavik to Vik
How to Get from Reykjavik to Vik

While renting a car is the most efficient and popular choice for traveling the 116 miles (187 km) to the Icelandic village of Vik, it's not the only option for travelers looking... read more

Vik, Iceland
Map of How to Get from Keflavik to Vik
How to Get from Keflavik to Vik

Renting a car to make the 139 mile (224 km) journey from Iceland's international airport in Keflavik (KEF) to the southern village of Vik is the most popular choice for... read more

Vestrahorn Mountains, Southeast Iceland
Map of How to Get from Reykjavik to Hofn
How to Get from Reykjavik to Hofn

Venturing the 285 miles (458km) from Reykjavik to the fishing village of Höfn is best done by self-driving to take advantage of the bountiful exploration opportunities. The... read more

Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands in Iceland
How to Get to the Westman Islands

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is an archipelago off Iceland's south coast known for wildlife like whales, seals, and puffins. Of the 16 islands in the chain, only the... read more

Landmannalaugar, Iceland
How to Get to Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is a remote region in the Icelandic Highlands can be reached by self-driving in an appropriate four-wheel-drive vehicle, or by group tour. Helicopter tours are... read more

Puffins, Westfjords, Iceland
How to Get to the Westfjords

The Westfjords region of Iceland is a remote area in the northwest with fjords, wildlife, and untouched beauty. Self-driving is the most popular option for traveling here for... read more

Lake Myvatn, Iceland
How to Get to Lake Mývatn

Northern Iceland is home to the geothermal area of Lake Mývatn, a main stop on the country's "Diamond Circle" comprised of Húsavík, the canyon of Ásbyrgi, and Dettifoss... read more