The route
Iceland · 485 km · 6h 13m driving
Day-by-day itinerary
485 km · 6h 13m driving · one-way to Höfn · 2 travelers
1
Days 1–2
Reykjavík · IcelandNorthern 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 · IcelandBlack-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
Days 4–5
Höfn · IcelandLobster town by the glacier lagoon.
2 nights · stays from $130/night · Things to do in Höfn →
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
Plan your own road trip in 30 seconds
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Start planning freeItinerary planned on jetlygo.com · https://jetlygo.com/road-trips/iceland-south-coast-6-day-self-drive-itinerary-1296k