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Iceland · Self-drive loop

Iceland Ring Road

Reykjavík → Vík → Höfn → Egilsstaðir → Akureyri → Borgarnes ↺ back to start

9 days1,212 km of driving6 stops1 countryfrom $621 per person
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The route
Iceland · 1,212 km · 15h 46m driving
IcelandSeljalandsfossSkógafossReynisfjara black beachJökulsárlón glacier lagoonDiamond BeachSkaftafellVestrahornDettifossMývatnGoðafossÞingvellirGeysirGullfoss1Reykjavík2Vík3Höfn4Egilsstaðir5Akureyri6Borgarnes

Day-by-day itinerary

1,212 km · 15h 46m driving · round trip · 2 travelers
1
Days 1–2
Reykjavík · Iceland
Northern lights and geothermal spas.
2 nights · stays from $120/night · Things to do in Reykjavík →
drive·2h 47m·215 km est·$24–$55
Don't miss: Seljalandsfoss · Skógafoss · Reynisfjara black beach
2
Day 3
Vík · Iceland
Black-sand beaches under green cliffs.
1 night · stays from $130/night · Things to do in Vík →
drive·3h 26m·270 km est·$30–$66
Don't miss: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon · Diamond Beach · Skaftafell
3
Day 4
Höfn · Iceland
Lobster town by the glacier lagoon.
1 night · stays from $130/night · Things to do in Höfn →
drive·2h 5m·156 km est·$17–$43
Don't miss: Vestrahorn
4
Day 5
Egilsstaðir · Iceland
East-fjords hub and forested lake.
1 night · stays from $120/night · Things to do in Egilsstaðir →
drive·2h 57m·230 km est·$25–$58
Don't miss: Dettifoss · Mývatn
5
Days 6–7
Akureyri · Iceland
Iceland's north-coast hub for whales.
2 nights · stays from $115/night · Things to do in Akureyri →
drive·3h 36m·285 km est·$31–$69
Don't miss: Goðafoss
6
Day 8
Borgarnes · Iceland
Saga country on the west coast.
1 night · stays from $115/night · Things to do in Borgarnes →
back to Reykjavík·55m·56 km est·$6–$23
Don't miss: Þingvellir · Geysir · Gullfoss

Know before you drive

Drive on the
right side
Transmission
Most rental cars are manual (stick shift), automatics cost more and sell out, so book early
Car for your group
compact car, A compact car is plenty
Tolls & vignettes
No road tolls (one tunnel charges)
Money
Icelandic króna (kr), cards work almost everywhere
Driving licence
US/UK/EU licences in Latin script are accepted; carry your physical licence
Minimum age
Rentals are usually 21+; drivers under 25 pay a young-driver fee (~$15–30/day)
Deposit
You need a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit
Best season
Ring Road (Route 1) is paved & open all year, but winter brings ice, storms & temporary closures, June–Sept is easiest
Good to know
Highland F-roads open only ~mid-June–Sept and legally need a 4×4 (driving a 2WD there voids your insurance)
Daylight
Near-24h daylight in summer

When to go

Best months: Jun–Aug (full Ring Road open)
Summer
Cool 10–15°C, near-24h daylight
Winter
Cold & icy, aurora season Sep–Mar, many roads shut
Spring & autumn
May & Sep, changeable but quiet

What to pack

Iceland essentials
  • Waterproof shell + warm layers (even in summer)
  • Swimwear for hot springs & lagoons
  • Eye mask for the midnight sun
  • Sturdy shoes for waterfalls & lava
Backpacker extras
  • Packing cubes & a padlock for hostels
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Power bank
Driving documents
  • Driving licence + International Driving Permit
  • Credit card for the car deposit
  • Phone mount & car charger
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Itinerary planned on jetlygo.com · https://jetlygo.com/road-trips/iceland-ring-road-9-day-self-drive-itinerary-f5j57