Hertz Iceland: The Right Car for Your Iceland Journey. Since 1971.

Hertz Iceland is a locally operated car rental company that has been helping travellers explore Iceland by car since 1971. As one of the country’s largest and longest-standing car rental brands, Hertz Iceland combines global standards with deep local expertise to offer reliable, safe and flexible car rental in Iceland for every season.

With 11 locations across the country – including Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavík, Akureyri and Höfn – and a wide range of vehicles from small economy cars to 4x4s, campers and luxury models, Hertz Iceland puts you in the driver’s seat of your own Iceland journey.

6 times winner of Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company (World Travel Awards)

Hertz Iceland has been recognised six times as Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company by the World Travel Awards, often described as the “Oscars of Tourism” for the global travel industry. Receiving this title in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025 reflects consistent excellence in service, fleet quality and customer experience for travellers renting a car in Iceland.

For customers, this recognition means:

• Confidence in booking with an internationally recognised car rental brand that is locally operated and deeply rooted in Iceland.
• Consistent service standards and high vehicle quality, backed by regular maintenance and strict safety procedures.​
• Reliable support when things do not go as planned, from weather disruptions to unexpected issues on the road.​

Over 50 Years of Icelandic Car Rental Expertise

Hertz Iceland traces its roots back to 1971, when the company was first established as a car rental division connected to Loftleiðir/Icelandair, serving the growing number of travellers discovering Iceland by air. From the beginning, the business has been run and operated by Icelandic owners and management, holding the official franchise rights to Hertz in Iceland and representing the Hertz brand locally.

Over the decades, Hertz Iceland has developed from a small airport‑focused operation into one of the country’s largest and best‑known car rental companies, with 11 locations and a fleet built specifically for Icelandic conditions. Today, the company remains a locally owned and locally managed Hertz franchise, combining international brand standards with Icelandic decision‑making, expertise and service culture at every level of the business.

Our Fleet: Unmatched Variety for Icelandic Roads

Hertz Iceland’s fleet is built for Icelandic conditions year‑round, with clear options for every season, road type and travel style. Whether you are planning a summer Ring Road road trip, a winter self‑drive in snow and ice, a highland adventure on F‑roads or an eco‑friendly holiday in a Tesla, there is a tailored vehicle category to match your itinerary.

Economy & compact cars

Economy and compact cars are best for:

• Travellers: Solo, couples, small groups with light luggage.​
• Season: Late spring to early autumn (May–September), when roads are mostly clear of ice and snow.​
• Roads: Paved roads in Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the Ring Road (no F‑roads).​

They offer the most budget‑friendly way to drive around Iceland in summer with good fuel efficiency and easy parking in towns and cities.

Intermediate & full‑size cars

Intermediate and full‑size cars are best for:

• Travellers: Families or groups who need more space and comfort.​
• Season: Year‑round on main roads, especially shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) when weather is more mixed.​
• Roads: Paved roads and good gravel roads, including the Ring Road and main regional routes (no F‑roads).​

These cars give extra luggage capacity and a more stable driving feel, which many travellers appreciate when conditions are windy or wet.

4×4 SUVs

4×4 SUVs are best for:

• Travellers: Winter visitors, photographers, adventurers and families wanting extra safety and clearance.​
• Season: Recommended for winter (October–April) and any trip where snow, ice or rough roads are likely.​
• Roads: Winter driving on main roads and legal F‑roads and highland tracks in summer, where allowed by law and conditions.​

They provide four‑wheel drive, higher ground clearance and seasonal tyres, but drivers must still respect weather warnings, road closures and F‑road regulations.

Campers & motorhomes

Campers and motorhomes are best for:

• Travellers: Summer road‑trippers who want transport and accommodation in one vehicle.​
• Season: Mainly late spring to late Summer (May–August), when campsites and facilities are fully open.​
• Roads: Paved roads and good gravel roads around Iceland, staying overnight in designated campsites.​

Some 4×4 camper options are suitable for certain highland routes, while standard campers should stay on the Ring Road and main regional roads.​

Vans & minibuses

Vans and minibuses are best for:

• Travellers: Larger families, friend groups, small tours and events.​
• Season: All year on main routes, with winter tyres/equipment when needed.​
• Roads: Paved roads and selected good gravel roads (not designed for F‑roads or rough highland tracks).​

They allow everyone to travel together in one vehicle, which is ideal for coordinated itineraries and group activities.​

Cargo vans

Cargo vans are best for:

• Users: Locals and businesses needing to move goods, tools or equipment instead of passengers.​
• Season: Year‑round.​
• Roads: Urban areas, industrial zones and main roads across Iceland.​

They are often used for short‑term projects, events and logistics around Reykjavík and other towns.​

Electric cars & Teslas

Electric cars (including Tesla Model 3 and Model Y) are best for:

• Travellers: Those who want a more sustainable trip with modern comfort and tech.hertz+1​
• Season: Mainly spring to autumn (April–October) for easier planning and more stable conditions.​
• Roads: Paved roads and the Ring Road with planned charging stops at Superchargers and public charging points.​

They offer quiet, smooth driving and strong acceleration, but require route planning around available charging infrastructure.​

Luxury & prestige cars

Luxury and prestige cars are best for:

• Travellers: Business travellers, honeymooners and anyone who prioritises premium comfort and style.​
• Season: Year‑round, with selected 4×4 luxury models suited to winter conditions.​
• Roads: Paved roads, main tourist routes and longer journeys where comfort and a refined driving experience matter most.​

Across all categories, our fleet consists of newer vehicles that are maintained to strict safety standards, with regular inspections and seasonal tyre changes tailored to Icelandic conditions. When needed, you can also add extra equipment such as child seats, GPS, mobile Wi‑Fi and other practical accessories to make your trip more comfortable and secure.​

If you are unsure whether a 2WD car is enough for your plans or a 4×4 would be a safer choice, our team can provide advice about car types, seasons and road conditions by email before you book.

Our Services for Tourists

Hertz Iceland is much more than an average rental car agency – the goal is to give travellers everything they need to make their trip to Iceland as stress‑free and enjoyable as possible, not just hand over the keys and send them on their way. The primary focus of our service is to offer international visitors an accessible and convenient way to travel around Iceland by car, with a wide range of short‑term leisure rentals that suit different travel styles and interests.

Services for Business, Government, and Locals

Hertz Iceland also supports Icelandic companies, government institutions and residents with long‑term and specialist mobility solutions, going far beyond short‑term tourist rentals. These services are designed to keep teams, projects and everyday life moving with flexible terms and reliable, Iceland‑ready vehicles.​

Corporate Solutions & Government Procurement

Hertz Iceland is a long‑standing supplier of rental and lease vehicles to Icelandic businesses and public institutions through framework agreements and competitive tenders.​
Key benefits for organisations include:

• Priority service and dedicated contact points at local rental locations.
• Tailored terms, yearly agreements and predictable monthly costs.
• Options for consolidated billing and reporting across multiple drivers, sites and vehicle types.

Long-Term Leasing & Car Sales

For those who need a car for months or years rather than days, Hertz Iceland offers long‑term rentals and leasing solutions, including 12–48 month leases and 3–9 month winter leases. These packages can include regular maintenance, tyre changes, replacement vehicles during service and access to fuel discount partnerships, depending on the agreement.​

Hertz Iceland also operates its own used car dealership from the Hafnarfjörður headquarters, selling ex‑rental cars that have been maintained to high standards throughout their service life​.

Hertz Iceland is also one of the best companies in Iceland with employee well-being

VR Exemplary Company Award 2024 and 2025

Hertz Iceland has been recognised as a VR Exemplary Company for two consecutive years, placing it among the top large employers in Iceland based on staff feedback. The VR union’s survey evaluates management quality, pay, morale, equality, working conditions, flexibility, independence, company image and overall job satisfaction, and only the top‑scoring companies receive this recognition.

This focus on employee well‑being is closely linked to customer experience: a stable, motivated team is more likely to provide friendly, consistent and solution‑oriented service at the rental desk, on the phone and by email. As our management team likes to say, investing in people is the most reliable way to deliver better journeys for our customers every day.​

Meet the Hertz Iceland Team

Behind every rental is a local team that lives and drives in Iceland, combining first‑hand experience of Icelandic roads with professional training in customer service and road safety. From Keflavík Airport to our offices around the country, our staff help travellers understand what to expect from the weather, the roads and the vehicle they are driving​

• Languages spoken across the team include Icelandic, English and several other languages, helping us serve a diverse range of visitors.​
• Staff receive ongoing training in road safety, customer care and handling common travel issues in Iceland.
• The team is experienced in supporting customers through situations such as sudden weather changes, flat tyres, minor accidents and flight disruptions, coordinating with our locations and emergency partners when needed.

The Road Ahead

Hertz Iceland is committed to continuing to invest in safer, more sustainable mobility in Iceland, from renewing the fleet and expanding electric vehicle options to improving digital tools for planning, check‑in and support. Our team keeps guides, safety information and rental policies up to date with changing road rules, infrastructure and weather patterns, so travellers can make informed decisions before they drive.​

Experience Iceland’s leading car rental company with a local team that has been on these roads since 1971 and is ready to help you plan your next journey. For questions or advice, you can contact us by email at hertz@hertz.is or reach our 24/7 emergency line during your rental for urgent issues.​
Book your car rental in Iceland now with Hertz Iceland to start your trip from Keflavík Airport, Reykjavík or one of our other locations around the country.

About Hertz Iceland

• Is Hertz Iceland a local company?

  Yes. Hertz Iceland is the official Hertz franchise in Iceland and has been locally owned and operated since 1971, with its headquarters and management based in Iceland.

  This means you get the reliability of a global brand combined with Icelandic decision-making, local staff and a nationwide branch network.

• Do I need a 4×4 to drive in Iceland?

  You do not always need a 4×4, but it is strongly recommended for winter driving in Iceland (roughly October to April) and for any legal F-roads or rough gravel routes in summer.

  For summer Ring Road trips that stay on paved roads, a 2WD economy, compact or intermediate car is usually enough. For winter, remote areas or Highlands, we recommend a 4×4 car from our Iceland-ready SUV fleet.

• What makes Hertz Iceland different from other car rental companies?

  Hertz Iceland combines more than 50 years of local experience with an Iceland-specific fleet, a nationwide network of rental stations and multiple awards as Iceland’s Leading Car Rental Company from the World Travel Awards.

  We focus on safety, transparency and helpful guidance, with local driving resources, 24/7 emergency support during your rental and car categories matched to Icelandic roads and seasons, including dedicated guides for 4×4 cars and F-road travel.

• Where can I pick up my Hertz rental car in Iceland?

  You can pick up your car inside Keflavík International Airport arrivals or at our city and regional locations, including Reykjavík, Akureyri, Höfn and several other towns around Iceland.

  When you book online, simply choose the pickup and drop-off station that best fits your itinerary.

• Does Hertz Iceland offer long-term car rental or leasing?

  Yes. In addition to short-term rentals for tourists, Hertz Iceland offers long-term rental and leasing options, including monthly rentals, 12–48 month leases and dedicated winter leases.

  These solutions are ideal for residents, seasonal staff and companies that need a car or small fleet for longer periods without buying vehicles outright.