Thinking about renting a car in Iceland? This post will cover why and how to rent a car in Iceland, using the reputable site DiscoverCars.com. I will also provide some useful tips for driving on the roads of Iceland.
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Intro
Iceland is full of breathtaking landscapes, majestic waterfalls, volcanic lands, and large glaciers. To fully experience this beautiful island, renting a car is really the best option. Having a car will allow you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace and to reach its awe-inspiring remote locations that you couldn’t reach without one.
If you’re thinking about renting a car in Iceland, DiscoverCars.com is an awesome platform to use to rent your Iceland car.
Why Rent a Car in Iceland?
If you want to explore Iceland on your own, then you will definitely need to rent a car. Here are some reasons why:
1) Far and Remote Locations
Most landmarks and sights are spread far and wide so expect to be on the road for a good amount of time, especially along the Ring Road. More remote locations such as the Westfjords and Highlands are more secluded and on the beaten path. Because of this, having your own car to get you to each of these far or secluded locations gives you the ability to reach them easily. Most Iceland roads between the popular attractions are straightforward and are not too complex where the driving directions are simple and easy to follow.
During my visit to Iceland, I actually considered my Iceland trip to be an epic road trip just based on how much time we spent on the road; but it was fantastic! A perfect time to get your road trip games ready 🙂
2) Explore Iceland’s Famous Routes & Roads
Iceland has tons of popular routes and roads, such as the Ring Road and Golden Circle route, to name a few. Having a car will allow you to explore attractions and any spontaneous roadside stops thoroughly. I was lucky enough to explore both of these during my Iceland visit with the use of my car rental.
The Ring Road (aka Route 1) encircles the entire island of Iceland. It covers about 828 miles (1332 km) and is the primary route that connects most of Iceland’s major attractions. A car will easily transport you between all the amazing roadside attractions where you can explore them thoroughly.
Similarly, the Golden Circle is another famous route in Iceland. This route begins and ends in Reykjavik with stops along its route containing some of Iceland’s most amazing attractions. Each attraction along the Golden Circle are only a short drive between each other, so having a car to be able to explore each fully will be extremely convenient.
RELATED: Best Waterfalls of Southern Iceland: Golden Circle and Ring Road
3) Flexibility
Public Transportation or Tour-included Transportation is available, however, taking these lacks the same flexibility and convenience that renting your own car offers. As mentioned, having your own car allows you to explore any attraction thoroughly and according to your own timeline, rather than having a time limit that most tours enforce. Additionally, a car enables you to adjust plans on the fly. You may need to make a stop at a restroom, grab a bite to eat, or even wait a storm out.
4) Explore at your Own Pace
With a car, you are able to experience Iceland’s beauty at your own pace. You can stop wherever and whenever you want along your path. You can stop at a scenic spot, explore interesting lands, photograph roadside wildlife (such as Icelandic horses!), enjoy a picnic, or chase the Northern Lights. All of these are worthy for a stop that you can only get when driving your own rental car.
Exploring Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a roadside stop along the Ring Road
Why Rent Your Car from DiscoverCars?
If you’re interested in renting a car in Iceland, I recommend using DiscoverCars.com!
DiscoverCars.com is a popular car rental platform that provides a wide range of rental car options from various providers at the selected location. Below is a few reasons why it’s a great choice for renting a car in Iceland:
User-Friendly Interface
The DiscoverCars.com website is easy to navigate where you can easily input your Pickup location (such as an airport or city), and your rental dates and times. You can also set filters to narrow down your search results to fit your preferences and likings.
The search results are also very comprehensive. They will provide a wide range of different car types (such as economy and Standard SUV), rental companies (including popular companies such as Enterprise and Alamo), and will also provide basic information and the prices for each rental. If desired, you can also read reviews from other customers to help you make an informed decision before reserving.
Flexible Payment Options & Set Pricing
On the DiscoverCars.com site, you can choose to either pay the full amount upfront, or pay a partial amount to secure your booking. Having this flexibility allows you to plan your trip on a budget regardless if you want to pay the full amount upfront or pay at a later date during your trip.
Not only that, but the pricing that DiscoverCars.com offers contains no hidden fees. While booking, you are able to add-on insurance, additional drivers, and other fees that will fairly show in the final price you will pay. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for! However, if you decide to add on additional extras at the time of Pick Up, then those will be added to your final rental cost.
Keep reading for steps detailing how to rent your car with DiscoverCars.com!
Exploring Gulfoss, a roadside stop in the Golden Circle
How to Rent a Car in Iceland with DiscoverCars?
Step 1) Search Your Rental Pick-up Location and Dates/Times
In the form below, input your Pick-up date and Drop-off Date and Times, and hit Search:
Alternatively, navigate to the DiscoverCars.com website and input your Pick-up Location (such as Keflavik Airport in Keflavik, Iceland), and input your Pick-up and Drop-off Dates and Times. You can also select if you plan to drop the car off at a different location from pick up.
Step 2) Filter and Compare Rental Options
Browse through the entire list of available cars. If desired, filter out the results based on your own preferences as there are a ton of filter categories where you can narrow your search results down further. You can filter based on “Car Specifications” such as Hybrid, AWD, 4×4, etc., Number of Seats, Fuel Policy, and rental company Supplier, just to name a few.
Once your list has been narrowed down to your liking, compare rental options by checking car basic information to ensure it satisfies your rental expectations. Then compare the rental prices and whether you want to reserve a car that requires partial or full prepayment (which is also a Filter Category). You can choose to either pay the full amount upfront (indicated by a “FULL PREPAYMENT” label), or pay a partial amount to secure your booking (indicated by a “PARTIAL PREPAYMENT” label).
Step 3) Note Rental’s Pick-up Information
Choose or note the car’s Pick-Up Location Method (which is also a Filter Category). You can choose between the below Location Types:
- In terminal: Rental Company desk (and car) are in the terminal
- Meet & Greet: A representative will meet you and escort you to the car
- Free Shuttle Service: A Shuttle Bus will transport you to the Rental Company building or desk.
- Outside of terminal; Rental Company desk is part of the airport but not in a terminal
- Car Rental Center: Rental Company desk are in the airport’s Car Rental Center where other various rental companies can also be found
Step 4) Select your Car & Add on Extras
Once you find a car that suits your preferences and budget, select your car and continue to add on any extras you may need. You are able to add on Coverage to your car for additional daily costs, and the site also provides what is included in the coverage as well. Be sure to read the Coverage details and Term & Conditions before adding on. Additional optional extras you can add to your total price are an Additional Driver, Baby Seat, Child Seat, and/or Booster Seat.
Step 5) Review Details & Book Your Car
Once you’ve selected your coverage and add-ons, and understood your Pick-up details and Cost Summary, then fill in your Driver Details as requested. Prior to selecting “Book Now”, take note of your Free Cancellation Date & Time should you run into any unexpected issues that require you to cancel your reservation. Once ready, hit “Book Now” and you will receive a confirmation email.
Step 6) Pick Up Your Car Rental
Upon arrival in Iceland, head to the Car Rental Desk at your chosen Pick-up location. Once at the desk, be sure to have your Driver’s License, Credit Card, and Confirmation Details ready for a smooth and quick car retrieval process. Be sure to ask the Car Rental Agent of any additional extras you are curious about adding on to your rental in case they are able to accommodate. For example, other add-ons that may be added to your rental cost can be a GPS system or even a portable WiFi device that you can use during your time in Iceland.
Exploring Kirkjufellfoss waterfall, a roadside stop in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland
1) Select a 4×4 or AWD Vehicle
Iceland is known for its rugged terrain where having your own vehicle to traverse them will come in handy. Renting a 4×4 / AWD vehicle is essential if you plan to explore any off-road areas, such as the Highlands. Additionally, the road conditions (along with the weather) can be unpredictable in Iceland so it’s best to be prepared with a vehicle that can handle different terrains, such as gravel, dirt, wet, and icy roads.
During my visit to Iceland, I rented a Toyota Land Cruiser and it easily drove us over unexpected unpaved gravel and dirt roads with ease!
2) Consider Insurance Coverage
I highly recommend purchasing insurance to protect you in case you have an accident since anything can happen! Especially depending on the season you go, it can rain and roads may get icy, so better safe than sorry. Additionally, since some roads may be unpaved with gravel, adding gravel protection will be especially helpful for unpredictable rock damage made to the car.
3) Plan Your Fuel Stops & Refuel Frequently
Gas stations can be few and far between in some parts of Iceland, so do a bit of research of your planned route ahead of time. Fill up whenever you can, especially before heading into more remote regions. You can mark/favorite/bookmark gas stations in your map app where you can refuel along your route and avoid getting stuck in remote areas looking for fuel.
4) Check the Weather & Drive Carefully
Always drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Since weather conditions can change rapidly, check the day’s weather to avoid any surprises in road conditions. Regardless if the roads are wet or icy, Iceland’s roads can also be a bit challenging to drive. You may come across narrow roads and bridges, sharp bends and turns, and gravel and dirt roads. So it’s best to always drive attentively and carefully.
Final Words
Renting a car in Iceland gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore one of the world’s most stunning destinations at your own pace. Renting your car from DiscoverCars.com is a straightforward and transparent process where you can pick your car based on your own preferences. Having a car will allow you to fully enjoy your Icelandic adventure and make your journey truly unforgettable. Bon Voyage!
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