There is minimal public transportation in Iceland. The go-to for road trips, which you have to do in this lovely country, is to drive in what is a breathtaking natural wonder. See here things you should know before hiring a car for a road trip in Reykjavik.
The beauty is such that it almost seems surreal. Seeing it up close and personal in a vehicle and being able to stop wherever and whenever you choose is the only way to experience it, whether it be a random volcano, a cascading waterfall, or a glacier. You never know what will come into your path.
Perhaps there will be a wild horse, some sheep, or one of many species of birds, all of whom have a priority in the magnificent countryside. Referenced as the “land of fire and ice,” this road trip is unlike any you will ever experience, so it’s vital to allow plenty of time to do so.
Of course, you can always take more than one holiday, which is likely, to see everything there is to see.
Leiebil Reykjavik
The place to hire a vehicle in Iceland is Reykjavik (Leiebil) – translation: Reykjavik car rental. You can go to “Keflavik International Airport,” which boasts the location where most travelers begin their Iceland adventure. This is roughly 40 minutes outside the city of Reykjavik.
But you can find agencies in the heart of the town as well where many people choose to bus from the airport so they can enjoy exploring the city for a few days and then hire their car to begin their road trip. Let’s look at a few of the driving regulations for the country.
● Driving on the right
For many countries used to driving on the right, Iceland is no exception. The rule is to drive on the right and overtake other vehicles on the left. But the United States visitors will find it incredibly familiar because the steering wheel is on the same side as it is in the USA.
One thing you cannot do while driving on your road trip is to go “off-road.” The activity is exceptionally illegal with hefty fines. There is a designation between driving off-road and traveling on F-road gravel dirt paths.
People get confused by the two. F-roads are a basic dirt road in the Iceland region that is marked and driveable as long as you drive in a 4X4 auto. Learn some driving tips for Iceland at https://www.followmeaway.com/driving-in-iceland/.
● Headlights should be on
If you notice someone is flashing their lights at you, it’s primarily since your headlights are probably off. Iceland’s law is that headlights remain on at all times regardless of the time of day or the weather conditions. If it’s the middle of summer on a bright sunny afternoon, headlights should be on.
● Safety and security
One of the critical safety requirements when driving in the country is that the driver and any passengers must wear a seatbelt. When a seatbelt is not worn, you will be stopped and given a hefty fine. Anyone under the age of 12 is restricted from the front seat.
When a motor vehicle is in motion, there is to be no cell phone in use with your hand. Doing so is illegal, with the exception that you can have hands-free capabilities.
● What kind of vehicle should you rent
Many of the cars in Europe offer a manual transmission. If you need an automatic vehicle, it’s vital to double-check that’s what you’re getting when you pick up the auto. It’s very easy to receive a manual even as a mistake, making a difficult journey for you if you cannot drive a stick shift.
The sort of vehicle you will require will be based on the season you choose to visit, the road you’ll be driving on, and the weather.
- Two-wheel drive: The most affordable and suitable for Reykjavik day trips plus maneuvering around the paved roads encircling the country, for instance, Ring Road and Golden Circle are the compact two-wheel-drive autos. These all have studded tires in the winter season due to needing traction on the ice.
- Four-wheel drive: The rugged F-roads require 4WD. Many people enjoy exploring the back scenic roads, and these are basic dirt roads that other vehicles would have trouble maneuvering. The suggestion is a Land Rover or one of equal size.
- Campervan: You can enjoy the comfort of a road trip in a camper van that can serve as lodging, dining, and transportation all in one. It’s the ideal way to travel by road trip and avoid some of the more expensive bits of Iceland like the lodging and the fine dining. You can get these in either the 4WD or 2WD. That’s beneficial depending on the season you choose to drive.
● Car rental insurance coverage
Many people coming to Iceland are taken back by the harsh driving conditions with little preparation for what they come across. When renting a car, the idea is to avoid damages, so there is a recommendation to ensure that you take the extra insurance options made available.
Some of the auto hire agencies will offer levels of “CDW” or “Collision Damage Waiver.” As you can tell by the name, this is not typical insurance coverage. It denotes that the hire agency will not charge over a specific amount to be determined when you return the vehicle with damage.
The limit can still be in the thousands for just basic CDW, and agencies in Iceland will inspect the auto thoroughly once returned. The basic “coverage” is free with all rentals.
You can add a charge of perhaps $10+ per day to upgrade to an “SCDW” or Super CDW, Premium CDW, or even a Grand CDW. With each, the amount you are responsible for will become smaller if you receive damages to the car. The higher the CDW, the greater protections are included. Some are:
- Gravelprotectant: There are numerous gravel roads in Iceland with the risk of other motorists throwing rocks as they drive past, making this a preferred option.
- Ash & Sandstorm Protectant: When there are high winds in the area, a car can receive damage from volcanic ash or sand. The damage can be quite extensive.
- Ice protectant: If you travel in the winter, this is necessary since many motorists slide off the road standardly due to the icy conditions.
- River crossing coverage: There can be deep crossings, especially on F-roads. Still, it’s essential to read the terms to ensure the coverage goes above the wheel-well, or you won’t be well protected.
● Speed cameras
There won’t be many police vehicles on the roadways, but speed traps enforce the speed limits. The boxes along the sides of the highways record the speed you’re driving and photograph your car if you’re in excess, for which you will receive a heavy fine.
Paved roads carry a limit of 55 mph and 50 mph on dirt roads. In the cities, it is 30 mph.
● Extreme weather preparedness
Severe weather can hit Iceland, especially during the winter, with such intensity. The wind can hit as high as 70 mph with the potential to gust to the point car doors will blow open backward, either ripping them off entirely or bending the hinges.
In order to prevent damages, the suggestion is to park cars with the front-facing the winds, so the doors push closed and not open. It’s recommended to put the window down a crack to test the strength of the wind with your hand and then gradually open the door, holding on with two hands.
It would be best if you never assumed driving through a snowstorm in Iceland is anywhere near any other area, including those in New England. The weather conditions are exceptionally different.
● Petrol
Fuel stations in the country are few and far between as you get a distance away from the cities and begin to branch out throughout the island. It’s critical to ensure that you fill up before heading out on the road trip and keep the tank full, no less than a half tank.
Gas for a road trip is not cheap. In USD, you will pay roughly $7.50 per gallon. If you find yourself headed to the F-roads, the suggestion is to bring a full gas can so you can fill the tank.
Final Thought
Iceland is a fantastic location to take a road trip, and a road trip is a mode you need to take to travel through the country. You can pick your car up in Reykjavik and drive from there to the scenic routes. First, you should spend a few days exploring the city before heading out.
There are many different road precautions to take because the conditions can be exceptionally harsh even in the good seasons. If you can meet up with locals or travelers who have been before, these are the best resources to give advice and guidance on manipulating your way through the varied roadway situations.
Plus, as a bonus, you can learn a bit about the culture and history while meeting a few new local friends.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
