Discover Affordable Convenience: Top Car Rental in Reykjavik Options for Every Traveler

Imagine the freedom of exploring the ethereal landscapes of Iceland at your own pace, without the constraints of a tour group or public transport. This dream can become a reality by opting for a car rental in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. However, understanding the ins and outs of the car rental in Reykjavik process is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience.

Key Takeaways

• Reykjavik car rental requires specific requirements for foreign nationals.
• Leading providers offer competitive rates and value-added services, with Blue and Lotus earning the highest customer satisfaction ratings.
• Car rentals provide the freedom to explore Iceland’s most breathtaking sights, while preparing properly is essential for a successful road trip.

Reykjavik Car Rental Essentials

A car rental in Reykjavik offers:

• The opportunity to take spontaneous detours to off-the-beaten-path attractions
• The convenience of setting your own travel itinerary
• Simplified day trips to famous sites like the Golden Circle route.

However, to rent a car in Reykjavik, one must adhere to certain requirements. Here are the requirements for renting a car in Iceland:

• Minimum age: 20 years old for smaller cars and 23 for larger SUVs & 4x4s
• Valid driver’s license held for at least one year
• Valid ID
• For foreign nationals, an international credit card is also required.

Keflavik International Airport Pick-Up

Begin your Iceland journey smoothly by picking up your rental car at Keflavik International Airport, preferred by most travelers. This is a convenient option as the airport is conveniently located near Reykjavik city center, reducing the need for additional transportation.

Getting your rental car at the airport is a straightforward and efficient process. The airport houses car rental offices from various companies including:

• Sixt
• Fair Car
• Thrifty
• Green Motion
• Economy Rent a Car
• Dollar

This provides a variety of options to choose from.

Vehicle Types for Every Adventure

Your travel plans will largely determine the type of rental car you select. Whether you plan on sticking to the city roads or venturing into the highlands, Reykjavik offers a broad range of vehicles to suit every adventure.

For navigating the capital city and major roads, economy cars like the Toyota Aygo and Kia Rio come highly recommended. Their small size makes city navigation and parking easier, and they are also fuel-efficient. For those planning to circumnavigate the Ring Road, a 2WD model like the Kia Picanto or Toyota Yaris is a popular choice.

If your adventurous spirit leads you off the beaten path and onto F-roads, 4x4 vehicles are your best bet. SUVs and 4x4s are not only popular for these terrains but also safer and more dependable.

Driving Conditions and Safety Tips

Iceland’s landscapes are captivating, but don’t let them divert your attention from the road. Safety should always be a priority when driving, and this starts with understanding and respecting the country’s driving rules and conditions.

In Reykjavik, the speed limit is as follows:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural gravel roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Rural paved roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Residential areas: 30 km/h (18 mph)

In case of any emergencies, remember that the emergency phone number in Iceland is 112.

Leading Car Rental Providers in Reykjavik

Several Reykjavik car rental companies shine due to their competitive prices and extra services, making them a great choice for a cheap car rental. One such rental car company, Hertz, along with Fair Car and Thrifty, have earned a reputation for being cost-effective options for travelers and offering the most popular rental car choices.

These firms further sweeten the deal by providing extra services like gas discount programs for debit card holders. Customer feedback for these providers generally highlights their helpful staff, good service, and well-maintained cars, contributing to a positive rental experience.

Competitive Rates and Value-Added Services

When renting a car, everyone appreciates a good deal. Recognizing this, many Reykjavik car rental companies present competitive prices and extra services to up their value. Services such as GPS, child seats, and extra driver coverage can be added to your car rental at an economical price.

Despite the generally high rental costs in Reykjavik, companies like Cars Iceland and Sixt are known for their affordable car rental rates, earning favor with travelers.

Customer Satisfaction and Reliability

One of the best ways to gauge the reliability of a car rental company is by looking at customer feedback. For instance, Blue and Lotus are the highest-rated car rental companies in Reykjavik, according to customer reviews.

Customers usually evaluate Reykjavik car rental companies’ reliability based on factors like customer service, hidden charges, meeting expectations, transparent pricing, and overall satisfaction.

Exploring Iceland's Highlights with Your Rental Car

A rental car offers the liberty to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes at your leisure. With an Iceland car rental, your vehicle serves as your gateway to the island’s most spectacular attractions, from the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull National Park to the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik. An Iceland rental car ensures a comfortable and convenient journey throughout your adventure.

The driving distances to these attractions from Reykjavik are manageable, with the journey to Vatnajökull National Park taking approximately 320 kilometers and the drive to the black sand beaches of Vik taking around 2.5 hours.

Navigating the Ring Road

Navigating the famed Ring Road is an excellent method to behold Iceland’s natural splendor. This road stretches around the island, bringing travelers face-to-face with some of Iceland’s most stunning tourist attractions.

Though any vehicle can traverse the Ring Road, economy cars are preferred for their fuel economy. Along your journey, you’ll encounter must-see stops such as:

• The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
• Lake Myvatn
• Vatnajokull
• Dimmuborgir

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Iceland isn’t just about its popular tourist sites; the island also hosts numerous hidden gems ideal for exploration with your rental car. Off-the-beaten-path destinations like:

• Kvernufoss
• Stuðlagil Canyon
• Kjölur road in the highlands
• Snæfellsnes peninsula

are just waiting to be discovered.

However, reaching these lesser-known attractions might require you to venture onto rough or unpaved roads, especially in remote areas. Always check the forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey, as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.

Customizing Your Car Rental Experience

Car rental in Reykjavik involves more than just choosing a vehicle and driving off. You can also customize your rental experience to suit your needs and preferences. Options like selecting the appropriate insurance package or deciding on the need for a GPS device can greatly improve your car rental experience.

Car rental companies in Reykjavik typically offer a variety of coverage options, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), and Third Party Liability (TPL), to minimize your liability during your trip.

Insurance Options and Coverage

Insurance or protection packages aren’t mandatory with your Reykjavik rental, but opting for them can give you peace of mind during your trip. Most car rentals in Reykjavik offer Third-party Liability Insurance, Collision Damage Waiver, and Super Collision Damage Waiver as insurance options.

The liability without any insurance is typically covered by the mandatory Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance, which is included in the rental contract. Depending on your preference, you may choose to add on a Platinum or Premium insurance package, which typically provides Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third Party Liability (TPL).

Navigational Tools and Apps

Finding your way on unfamiliar roads might be tough, but a variety of navigational tools and apps are available to simplify the process. GPS devices like Garmin and mobile applications such as Google Maps, Hreyfill, Strætó, and Waze can help you navigate Iceland’s roads with ease.

These tools are especially handy when you’re venturing off the beaten path or driving through remote regions where cellular coverage might be spotty. Always remember to check with your specific provider for coverage details in remote regions before setting off.

Long-Term Car Rentals in Reykjavik

For those planning a prolonged stay in Iceland, long-term car rental could be a viable option. Not only does this save you from the hassle of constantly renewing your rental agreement, but it can also be more cost-effective in the long run.

The average car rental cost in Reykjavik for a month is about $1,646. This means that the daily rate is approximately $55. However, some car rental companies, like Kayak, offer special rates for extended rentals. You can also take advantage of discount codes and promotions available for long-term car rentals.

Preparing for Your Iceland Road Trip

Before setting off, packing the right items and making necessary preparations is key to a successful Iceland road trip. From packing the right clothes to understanding the legal requirements for driving in the country, careful preparation can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Driving in Iceland’s harsh weather demands:

• Warm clothing
• Checking the weather forecast
• Using a suitable vehicle
• Taking extra care in icy or snowy conditions
• Carrying a roadside emergency kit
• Carrying maps and compass
• Wearing a waterproof and wind-resistant jacket
• Wearing sturdy walking shoes with good grip
• Carrying a water bottle and energy snacks for the journey.