How long to allow

Visit Iceland lists at least 7 days for the Ring Road, and its May guide says most travellers take 7 to 10 days; its August guide suggests ten days or more for scenic stops. Reykjavík to Akureyri alone is about 390 km and about five hours of driving (Visit Iceland, North Iceland). A shorter self-drive can focus on the South Coast: Vík is about 200 km from Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle is about 250 km round trip. Full plans are in the Ring Road tour, 7 days in Iceland and 10 days in Iceland.

Which season

  • May to September: the easiest months; the Ring Road is fully open and in good shape in May, with a two-wheel-drive car usually fine. Sheep wander onto roads from May.
  • March and early April: a 4x4 is strongly recommended.
  • Winter: public transport is unpredictable outside summer, and from September to May the high passes at Holtavörðuheiði, Öxnadalsheiði and Möðrudalsöræfi can close in storms or high winds, sometimes even in summer. See Iceland in winter.
  • Highlands: F-roads are open only for a short time in summer: see Iceland F-roads.

Fuel, gravel and basic rules

Self-service stations exist in all towns and along major highways, but distances vary, so keep enough fuel to reach the next one. Most stations accept only debit or credit cards with a PIN, not cash. Gravel roads are drivable in a normal car, but reduce speed before the pavement turns to gravel, because many accidents happen at that transition. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden: stay on marked roads and designated parking areas. Visit Iceland points to Safe Travel for the speed limits and road-sign overview, and recommends checking road.is, the Icelandic Met Office and SafeTravel daily. Visitors from outside the EU or EEA who bring their own car need a Green Card or other proof of third-party insurance.

Booking beds

Visit Iceland advises booking accommodation well ahead between Selfoss and Höfn in peak summer, and booking rental cars, tours and 4x4s 6 to 8 months ahead since they often sell out. Spring and autumn rates are typically lower than in summer. For sleeping options see where to stay in Iceland, where to stay in South Iceland and camping in Iceland.

Self-drive or a guided tour

Visit Iceland says renting a car is the easiest and most flexible option, with guided tours as an alternative, and Visit Reykjavík notes that for a group of friends, renting a car can cost less than tours, especially for the Ring Road. A tour wins where the road is the difficulty: ice caves, glacier hikes and the highlands. For a tour-based plan see Iceland itinerary and how to get around Iceland. The Discover Cars page for Iceland in the box at the top of this page lets you compare cars for your dates.

One tour to pair with a self-drive

Even on a self-drive, the Golden Circle is the day many visitors leave the driving to someone else: it is open all year, needs no 4x4, and starts from Reykjavík. We recommend the full-day Golden Circle tour with Kerid crater: 4.7 out of 5 from 27,992 reviews, from €70 on 6 November 2026.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Planning the loop in fewer than seven days.
  • Running low on fuel between towns, or carrying only cash for the pump.
  • Driving fast at the moment the pavement turns to gravel.
  • Leaving the road to park for a photo: off-road driving is forbidden.

FAQ

How long does the Ring Road take?

Visit Iceland lists at least 7 days; most travellers take 7 to 10 days.

How long is the Ring Road?

1,322 km according to Visit Iceland's Ring Road page.

Is it hard to drive in Iceland?

Roads are well maintained on main routes, but weather, gravel and winter ice need care; check road.is and safetravel.is daily.

Can I use cash for fuel?

Most stations accept only debit or credit cards with a PIN, not cash.

Do I need a 4x4?

Not from May to September outside the highlands; in March and early April it is strongly recommended.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.