3 Compelling Reasons Why Road Tripping is the Best Way to Explore Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a lifelong travel dream, and once my friend and I secured our flights, we dove into planning. Key sights like the Golden Circle's geysers and waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, east coast fjords, northern lava fields, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula's volcano were scattered across the island.
Research soon revealed that renting a car offered the most efficient way to connect them all.
Here are three key reasons road tripping trumps other options for seeing Iceland:
1. The Iconic Ring Road
The Ring Road, a 1,332 km (828-mile) route circling the island, provides unmatched access to Iceland's highlights: geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, waterfalls, lava fields, Icelandic horses, hot springs, and dramatic landscapes.
Complete the loop in seven days, but allocate 10 for detours like the Golden Circle (300 km/190 miles, featuring waterfalls, geysers, and Kerið crater) and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Our eight-day trip skipped the latter, plus glacier hikes and Húsavík whale watching.
2. The Journey Itself is the Destination
“It's not about the destination. It's about the journey.” This rings true in Iceland, where ever-changing scenery—from rugged coasts to vast plateaus—keeps drives captivating.
A car meant spontaneous stops for photos (dozens daily) and route tweaks. We added unplanned gems, flexibility priceless. Rentals are affordable via EasyTerra: small cars from €30/day, mediums €40/day with excess cover and unlimited mileage.
3. Public Transport and Tours Fall Short
Without a car, exploration is challenging. Buses are infrequent (sometimes just two daily), rigid schedules waste time on short trips.
Tours eliminate planning but limit spontaneity—no impromptu puffin hunts or scenic picnics. Even on the Golden Circle (popular day tour from Reykjavík), we added stops, started backwards to dodge crowds, and lingered freely.
Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland
Still hesitant? Consider these:
- Compare tour costs to destinations vs. car rental—cars often match or beat prices.
- Summer driving is straightforward on two-lane roads with light traffic (especially shoulder season). Winter demands caution.
- Read my full guide on Icelandic driving: 4WD vs. standard, best apps, GPS tips, and more.
- Book early with providers like EasyTerra—high season shortages are common.
