Book your rental car in Iceland here

For most visitors, renting a car is the best way to experience Iceland. Public transport is limited outside of Reykjavík, and many of the country's most spectacular spots are simply not accessible without your own vehicle.

That said, if you are staying in Reykjavík and plan to do guided tours, you can get by without one. But if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and venture off the beaten track, a rental car makes all the difference.

It depends on the type of car you rent. A standard car is perfectly fine for most main roads, including the Ring Road, and covers a lot of what Iceland has to offer.

However, F-roads in the Highlands are a different story. These rough, unpaved mountain tracks, which sometimes include river crossings, are only open in summer and require a 4x4. Driving them in a regular car is not permitted.

Even outside the Highlands, conditions can change quickly, particularly in winter when icy roads and strong winds are common.

Before booking, consider your route. If it includes F-roads, highland areas, or winter driving, make sure you choose the right vehicle. At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we have options to suit every type of trip.

The right car for Iceland depends on when you are visiting and where you plan to go.

For summer trips sticking to the Ring Road and main paved routes, a small economy car is usually all you need. It is the most affordable option and handles straightforward itineraries well.

For winter travel or anyone planning to explore more remote areas, a 4x4 is the smarter choice. It handles snow, ice, and gravel roads far better, and is required for driving F-roads in the Highlands.

A simple way to decide: if your trip includes any challenging roads or winter conditions, go for the 4x4. When in doubt, choose based on the most demanding part of your route, not the easiest.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we offer both options to suit every type of trip.

It depends on your plans. Summer visitors who are keeping to paved main roads like the Ring Road will find a standard car perfectly adequate. But if winter driving, gravel roads, or the Highland F-roads are part of your itinerary, a 4x4 is the way to go. When in doubt, our team in Keflavík is happy to point you in the right direction before you book.

Renting a car without a credit card is possible at Saga Car Rental Iceland. While most rental companies require a major credit card, we offer a straightforward alternative.

Simply add our Gold insurance package at 35€ per day to your booking, which also gives you the benefit of zero excess coverage, and a debit card will be accepted at pickup. It is that simple.

Renting a car in Iceland is straightforward as long as you have the right documents. Here is what you will need:

1. A valid driver's license. If it is not in Latin script, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified English translation.
2. A credit card in the main driver's name as a guarantee. No credit card? A debit card is accepted when our Gold insurance package is added at 35€ per day.
3. Drivers must be at least 20 years old for 2WD and medium 4WD/AWD vehicles, and at least 23 years old for larger 4WD models, SUVs, and luxury cars.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, the minimum age to rent a vehicle is 20 years old. You must also have held a valid driver's license for at least one year before your rental date.

Keep in mind that age requirements vary depending on the vehicle category. Larger 4x4s, SUVs, and luxury models require drivers to be at least 23 years old.

All rental car companies in Iceland are required to include basic third-party liability coverage, but this only covers the legal minimum and may leave significant gaps depending on where and how you drive.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we offer three insurance tiers to suit every traveler. Basic coverage is included as standard with every booking. Our Silver package at 25€ per day adds Collision Damage Waiver, Gravel Protection, Tire Insurance, and Theft Protection, with a 1,000€ excess. For complete peace of mind, our Gold package at 35€ per day gives you the same coverage with zero excess.

Take the time to consider your route and driving conditions before deciding which option is right for you.

Saga Car Rental Iceland has you covered and offers 24/7 roadside assistance.

It is also reassuring to know that Iceland's emergency services are friendly, experienced, and well used to helping tourists in all kinds of situations. You are in good hands wherever your trip takes you.

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Our office is at Fuglavík 43, 230 Reykjanesbær. From Keflavík International Airport, it is just a 5-minute drive away. During operating hours we run a free shuttle directly from the terminal, so you can be behind the wheel and on your way in no time after landing.

Once you land at Keflavík International Airport, make your way to the arrivals area where our shuttle driver will be waiting with a Saga Car Rental sign. The ride to our office takes just 5 minutes.

During busier periods there may be a short wait, and we appreciate your patience. If you are unsure where the shuttle is or need any assistance, give us a call on +354 551 1111 and we will help you out straight away.

In most cases, yes. Iceland's gravel roads, unpredictable weather, and strong winds make extra coverage well worth considering. A stray stone or sudden sandstorm can cause damage quickly, and without the right insurance, the costs fall on you.

Our Gold package at 35€ per day gives you zero excess coverage, while our Silver package at 25€ per day covers the main risks with a 1,000€ excess. Choose the level of protection that suits your trip and drive with confidence.