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Providing Car Rental in Iceland Since 1971 | 55 Years of Local Expertise

Pick Up your Car inside KEF Airport. From 4x4 SUVs, campers to Guaranteed Luxury, rent from Iceland's most trusted fleet since 1971.

Iceland’s car rental since 1971

The right car for Iceland. Right where you land.

Pick up your keys inside the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport and go – Ring Road, highlands or a quick city break. A fleet under two years old, winter tires when it matters and 11 locations around the island, backed by 55 years of local know-how.

World Travel Awards 2025 winner – Iceland's Leading Car Rental Company

Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company 2025World Travel Awards winner six times since 2017, and nominated every year for a decade.

Hertz rental car on a scenic Icelandic road between mountains and seaHertz. Let’s Go!
  • Desk inside KEF arrivalsOpen 24/7 in summer, 05:30–02:00 in winter. No shuttle, no waiting.
  • Among the newest fleet in IcelandServiced and inspected before every rental. Winter tires fitted Nov–Apr.
  • 11 locations, 24/7 supportReykjavík, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and more – one-way rentals available.
  • Cover includedCDW, theft protection and third-party liability on every rental.
Plan your drive

Where will Iceland take you?

Public transport stops at the city limits and tour buses run on their timetable, not yours. With your own car you stop when the light hits the glacier just right. Pick your route – we’ll point you to the right car.

  • Hertz 4x4 on the Ring Road in Iceland
    7–10 days · all year

    The Ring Road

    Iceland’s 1,332 km loop around the whole island. Paved almost all the way – an automatic or 4×4 does it comfortably; allow longer in winter.

    Mid-size, full-size or 4×4
  • Sunrise over the Icelandic countryside
    1 day · all year

    The Golden Circle

    A compact 300 km loop from Reykjavík: Þingvellir, the Geysir area and Gullfoss. Easily done in a day in almost any car, EVs included.

    Economy, compact, EV
  • Hertz motorhome at Vestrahorn on Iceland's south coast
    2–4 days · all year

    The South Coast

    Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand at Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Well paved – a compact or automatic is fine.

    Compact or mid-size
  • Hertz rental car in a fishing village in Iceland
    2 days · all year

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    “Iceland in miniature” – glaciers, lava fields and fishing villages in a two-day loop from Reykjavík. A 4×4 is recommended in winter.

    Mid-size, 4×4 in winter
  • Scenic coastal road in the Westfjords of Iceland
    3–5 days · best in summer

    The Westfjords

    Dramatic fjords, quiet villages and scenic coastal roads. Some routes are gravel; check road and weather conditions in winter.

    4×4 SUV
  • Traveler at Goðafoss waterfall in North Iceland
    2–3 days · summer

    The Diamond Circle

    North Iceland: Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall – and whale watching from Húsavík. A quieter alternative to the South Coast.

    Mid-size or 4×4
  • Summer in the Icelandic highlands
    Summer only

    Highlands & F-roads

    Kjölur, Sprengisandur and Landmannalaugar open from late June. A 4×4 is required by law – 2WD cars are not insured on F-roads.

    4×4 SUV or 4×4 camper
  • Northern Lights over a fjord in Iceland
    Sept–April

    Winter & Northern Lights

    Short days, lowest rates and the best aurora odds. Winter tires are fitted as standard on every car we rent from November to April.

    4×4 with winter tires
Meet the fleet

From city compacts to highland 4×4s

Every car is chosen for Icelandic roads and weather. Automatics across the range, so nobody has to learn a gearbox on holiday.

  • Economy rental car Hyundai i10

    Economy

    Our cheapest car – perfect for solo travelers and city breaks.

  • Compact rental car Hyundai i20

    Compact

    Budget-friendly for couples on the Ring Road and South Coast.

  • Mid-size rental car Kia Sportage

    Mid-size

    The sweet spot of space, comfort and price for road trips.

  • 4x4 rental Dacia Bigster

    4×4 SUV

    Built for F-roads, gravel and winter – the Iceland favourite.

  • Full-size rental Land Rover Defender

    Full-size

    Room for the family and all the luggage.

  • Electric rental car Renault Mégane E-Tech

    Electric & hybrid

    Zero emissions and Iceland’s cheapest energy per km.

  • Tesla Model 3 rental in Iceland

    Tesla

    Model 3 and Model Y – smooth, quiet and fast-charging.

  • Fiat Benivan 120 motorhome rental

    Campers & motorhomes

    Car and accommodation in one for the long way round.

  • VW Transporter 9-seater minibus rental in Iceland

    Vans & minibuses

    7 to 17 seats for groups and big families.

  • Luxury rental BMW iX3

    Luxury

    Guaranteed premium models for a special trip.

Popular right now

The cars our customers ask for

Know before you go

Six rules of the Icelandic road

Driving here is easy once you know the quirks. These are the ones that catch first-time visitors.

  • 1
    Headlights on, alwaysDay and night, all year – it’s the law.
  • 2
    Never drive off-roadIllegal everywhere in Iceland, with heavy fines. Stay on marked roads.
  • 3
    Know the limits50 km/h in town, 80 on gravel, 90 on paved rural roads.
  • 4
    Single-lane bridgesFirst to arrive has right of way. Slow down and look ahead.
  • 5
    Check wind and roadsroad.is for closures, vedur.is for wind warnings – before every long drive.
  • 6
    Sheep on the roadThey roam free in summer. Ease off in farming areas.
Toyota Land Cruiser 250 from Hertz Iceland on a misty road
Winter (Nov–Mar): as little as 4–5 hours of daylight, fast-changing conditions and strong crosswinds. If road.is marks a route closed, no insurance covers driving it. Read our winter driving guide before you set off.
Coverage

What’s covered, and what you can add

Every rental leaves the lot with essential protection. Iceland’s gravel, sand and ash are harder on cars than most places, so we also offer cover most visitors don’t expect to need – until they do.

  • Included in every rental

    • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)Limits your liability if the car is damaged.
    • Theft Protection (TP)Limits your liability if the car is stolen.
    • Third-Party Liability (TPL)Required by law and always included.
    • 24/7 emergency serviceNationwide breakdown network and partner garages.
  • Add at booking or at the desk

    • Zero ExcessYour out-of-pocket liability drops to zero.
    • Gravel Protection (GP)Windscreen and paint chips from loose gravel – common on rural roads.
    • Sand & Ash Protection (SAAP)Wind-blown sand and volcanic ash, especially on the South Coast.
    • Roadside AssistanceOn-site help for flat tires, flat batteries, lock-outs and empty tanks.

No cover applies to off-road driving, F-roads in a vehicle not rated for them, river crossings or water damage. Full coverage details

Seasons & rates

Book early for summer. Book winter for the lights.

Rates move daily with season, demand and availability. Longer rentals always bring the daily price down.

  • Summer in Landmannalaugar, Icelandic highlands
    Peak season

    Summer · June–August

    Near 24-hour daylight and every road open, F-roads included. Book 2–3 months ahead for the best choice of cars. Summer guide

  • Icelandic horses in autumn
    Best value

    Shoulder · Apr–May & Sept–Oct

    Lower rates, thinner crowds, manageable weather. Highlands usually closed until late June; the Northern Lights return in September. Spring · Autumn

  • Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in winter
    Lowest rates

    Winter · November–March

    The best aurora odds of the year, with short days and more road closures. Outside Reykjavík, take a 4×4 – winter tires are on every car. Winter guide

Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric rental car from Hertz Iceland
Go electric

Lighter on the landscape. Lighter on the wallet.

Since January 2026 every rental car pays the same per-kilometre road tax, so the real difference is energy – and electricity wins. Charge fast on the road, free overnight at many hotels and guesthouses.

  • 30–50%cheaper to “fuel” an EV than a comparable petrol car over a multi-day trip
  • ~100 €saved on energy alone over a full 1,300 km Ring Road loop
  • 2030Iceland’s 55% emissions target – our new cars are increasingly electric or plug-in hybrid

Charging is flexible by design – use whichever public network or station suits your route, and take advantage of the free overnight charging many Icelandic hotels and guesthouses offer.

Iceland has committed to cutting national emissions by 55% by 2030, and Hertz Iceland is renewing its fleet in step with that shift – the cars we add from here on will increasingly be electric or plug-in hybrid.

Flying in from abroad

Built for international travelers

Keflavík is 5–6.5 hours from the US East Coast with direct flights on Icelandair, Delta, United and JetBlue, and no visa for stays under 90 days. Land, walk to our desk, drive.

Hertz desk in the arrivals hall at Keflavík International Airport
  • A desk inside arrivals

    Pick up the moment you land – 24/7 in summer, 05:30–02:00 in winter.

  • English-speaking staff

    At every one of our 11 locations, from Keflavík to Egilsstaðir.

  • Automatics everywhere

    A wide range of automatic cars – no need to rent a manual.

  • US & Canadian licences accepted

    Valid for the permitted stay, with familiar credit-card and deposit terms.

Guides from locals

Read before you drive

Safe Drive Iceland app

Your rental, the roads and the weather – in one app

Rental details, live road and weather information and local tips, all on your phone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Safe Drive Iceland app screens
Good to know

Questions, answered

Why choose Hertz Iceland?

Founded in 1971, Hertz Iceland is one of the country’s largest and most trusted car rental companies, with 11 locations across the island. We combine deep local knowledge of Icelandic roads, seasons and regulations with the fleet quality, safety and service standards of the global Hertz network – and our staff have been named Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company by the World Travel Awards several times.

What types of rental cars are available?

Economy and compact cars, mid-size and full-size models, 4×4 SUVs, electric and hybrid cars, campers, vans and minibuses, and luxury vehicles – a group for every kind of trip and every destination in Iceland.

Which vehicles are best for Iceland’s terrain and road conditions?

Think about when and where you are travelling, the season, whether you need F-road access, and how many people are coming. A 4×4 SUV is the safest all-round choice for comfort across every road and weather condition.

What insurance is included?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) and Third-Party Liability are included in every rental. Add-ons such as Zero Excess, Gravel Protection and Sand & Ash Protection are available at booking or at the counter. Off-road driving, river crossings and water damage are never covered.

Is the Hertz desk at Keflavík Airport open 24/7?

In summer, yes – our desk inside the KEF arrivals hall is open around the clock for all scheduled flights. In winter it is open daily from 05:30 to 02:00, which covers almost every early-morning and late-night arrival.

Can I do a one-way rental?

Yes, between our 11 locations for a variable fee. Select “Return vehicle to a different location” in the booking engine for a quote.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Iceland?

A valid driver’s licence, a credit card in the driver’s name and a passport or national ID. Age restrictions apply to some vehicle groups.

Are winter tires included?

Yes. From November to April every Hertz Iceland car is fitted with certified winter tires that meet or exceed Iceland’s legal 3 mm tread requirement – studded where conditions and availability allow – at no extra cost and without having to ask.

What are the options for groups and larger parties?

Vans and minibuses with 7 to 17 seats are available for families and groups. A special driver’s licence may be required for vehicles carrying more than nine passengers.

What is included in the price, and how do rates vary?

The rate includes the vehicle, VAT and the basic coverages, so the price you see is close to what you pay. Rates are highest in June–August and lowest in November–March (excluding holidays). Book early for summer, or travel in April–May or September–October for lower rates and thinner crowds.

How do payment, deposit and fuel work?

Choose Pay Now for a discounted prepaid rate or Pay Later to pay at pick-up. No separate deposit is charged, but a credit card in the driver’s name is required at pick-up as security for extras, tolls or fines. Fuel is full-to-full: return the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling and service fees.

Can drivers under 25 rent a car?

Yes. Drivers aged 20 and up can rent in selected vehicle categories; some groups have higher age limits. Check the restrictions by car type before you book.

What should I know about Iceland’s traffic laws and off-road driving?

Off-road driving is strictly illegal – stay on marked roads and official tracks at all times, even in a 4×4, to avoid heavy fines and damage to Iceland’s fragile nature. Headlights on day and night, seat belts for everyone, hands-free phones only, and respect speed limits and warning signs, especially on gravel, single-lane bridges and F-roads.

How do I make a reservation?

Select your pick-up location, dates and vehicle group in the booking engine above, then choose Pay Now or Pay Later. A confirmation arrives instantly by email, and most bookings can be adjusted later if your plans change.

Do you offer hybrid or electric cars?

Yes – a growing selection of electric and plug-in hybrid models. They are ideal for shorter routes such as the Golden Circle and South Coast, where charging infrastructure is most reliable.

Do I need a 4×4?

For the Ring Road, Golden Circle and South Coast in summer, a 2WD is fine. Choose a 4×4 if you travel between September and April, head for the Westfjords, or plan to drive any F-road or gravel route – F-roads legally require one.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Most Pay Later bookings can be cancelled or changed free of charge up until pick-up. Pay Now rates may carry cancellation restrictions – check the rate terms when you book.

What happens if the car breaks down?

Every rental includes access to nationwide breakdown assistance and partner garages, and our emergency line is open 24/7. Add our Roadside Assistance service at the desk to have flat tires, drained batteries, lock-outs and empty tanks fully covered on site.

Is damage from illegal driving or river crossings covered?

No. Damage caused by illegal driving, traffic violations, river crossings and similar circumstances is not covered under any rental coverage – the renter is liable for the full cost.

Ready when you are.

Compare the fleet, check today’s rates and book in minutes. Your car is waiting inside the arrivals hall.

Let’s Go!