Hertz Iceland Car Rental: Premium Services & 2026 Rental Guide

Established in 1971, Hertz Iceland provides a full suite of rental solutions including 4×4 SUVs, comprehensive insurance (CDW, SAAP), and 24/7 emergency call assistance. Here is everything you need to know about our products and services for a seamless Icelandic road trip!

Hertz Iceland: Locally Operated Since 1971

As Iceland’s premier local experts for over 50 years, we combine international standards with deep-rooted knowledge of Icelandic terrain. Rent with the authority that knows every F-road and weather pattern since 1971.

Are You Ready to Drive? Iceland Rental Requirements

Before selecting your vehicle and protection package, please ensure you meet the following Icelandic legal and Hertz Iceland standards for 2026:

• Driver’s License: You must present a valid physical license held for at least one year.
  • US/Canadian / EU Travelers: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if your license is in English.
• Credit Card: A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is mandatory for the security authorization at pickup.
• Age Limits: * 20 years old: Minimum for Economy, Compact, and Intermediate vehicles.
  • 23+ years old: Required for Large SUVs, 4x4s, and luxury models.
  • 25+ years old: Required for specific prestige and luxury categories.

Iceland Car Rental Insurance & Protection: Your 2026 Safety Guide

24/7 Emergency Service & Nationwide Support

When you rent with Hertz Iceland, you are never alone. Established in 1971, we have built the most extensive support infrastructure in the country, featuring 11 primary rental locations and a vast network of authorized service partners along the Ring Road.

1. Who to Call: Immediate Assistance

For your safety, please use the appropriate contact for your situation:

• Life-Threatening Situations: Call 112 (Icelandic Emergency Services).
• Vehicle Breakdowns or Mechanical Issues: Call our 24/7 Emergency Line: +354 858 0499.

2. Self-Help: Dashboard Warnings & Quick Fixes

Modern Icelandic rental cars are equipped with advanced sensors that may be unfamiliar to US drivers. Understanding whether a warning light requires an immediate stop or just a quick check is vital for your itinerary.

Our specialized emergency guide provides a visual walkthrough of European car dashboard symbols, “quick start” troubleshooting for automatic vehicles, and advice on handling common Icelandic road issues.

Our Nationwide Service Network: 11 Locations & Beyond

While many agencies only operate out of Reykjavik, Hertz Iceland provides a safety net that covers the entire island. If your vehicle requires professional attention, our authorized service partners are strategically located in every major region—from the remote Westfjords to the East Coast.

Renting with a local expert since 1971 means you are always within reach of a vetted garage that meets international Hertz standards. This network is designed to minimize your downtime and get you back on your “Ring Road” adventure as quickly as possible.

Maximize Your Adventure: Curated Local Tours

While a Hertz rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace, certain bucket-list experiences—like trekking deep into a blue ice cave or snowmobiling on a glacier—require professional guides and specialized equipment.

To help you build the perfect itinerary, we have hand-selected a group of premier local tour operator partners. When you book your car and tours through Hertz Iceland, you ensure a seamless transition from the driver’s seat to the heart of the adventure.

1. Why Pair Your Rental with Our Selected Tours?

• Vetted for Quality: We only partner with operators who meet our high standards for safety and local expertise.
• Self-Drive Friendly: All selected tours are located at key points along the Ring Road, making them easy to reach in your Hertz vehicle.
• 2026 Seasonality: Whether you are visiting for the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights, our partners offer year-round excursions tailored to the Icelandic climate.

2. Top Experiences to Pair with Your Car Rental

Make the most of your road trip by adding these high-demand experiences:

• Glacier Hiking & Ice Caves: Perfect for those exploring the South Coast (Vatnajökull region).
• Northern Lights Hunting: Guided expeditions to help you find the best solar activity away from the city lights.
• Volcano & Highland Tours: For deep-earth exploration and F-road adventures.
• Adventure Sports: From snowmobiling and horse riding to hiking the most scenic trails in the North.

Ready to Explore? Start Planning Below

We have categorized our offerings to help you find the exact experience that fits your route and budget. View Our Hand-Picked “Selected Tours” for Self-Drive Travelers

The Hertz Gold Standard (Cleaning & Fleet)

This section targets “Safety” and “Quality” keywords, essential for GEO authority.

Sanitized. Cleaned. Delivered.

At Hertz Iceland, we don’t just rent cars; we provide a “Gold Standard” of hygiene. With our proprietary 14-Step Cleaning Process, every vehicle is thoroughly disinfected and inspected before it reaches your hands.

• WHO-Compliant: We use government-registered virucidal cleaners to ensure every touchpoint—from the steering wheel to the key fob—is sanitized.
• The 14-Point Checklist: Our process includes a deep vacuum of all areas, interior window cleaning, and a final quality check to ensure the “Hertz Fresh” experience.
• Modern Fleet: 90% of our fleet is under 2 years old, featuring the latest models from Tesla, Toyota, BMW, and Land Rover.

Local Community & Professional Solutions

Beyond Travel: Long-Term Rentals & Sales

Hertz Iceland is a locally-owned pillar of the community. We provide solutions that go beyond the typical holiday rental.

• Multi-Month Long-Term Rental: Perfect for expats or local businesses. Enjoy a modern vehicle with no down payment, no resale risk, and included maintenance. If an accident occurs, we provide an immediate replacement vehicle.
  • [Explore Long-Term Rental Options]
• Iceland Car Sales: Looking to own? We manage a thriving second-hand market for our well-maintained fleet. Buy with confidence knowing the full service history of every vehicle.
  • [View Current Inventory: Iceland Car Sales]

The Final “Safety Net” (Lost & Found)

Forgot Something? Our Lost & Found Service

We’ve all been there—leaving a camera or a pair of sunglasses behind. Because we value our customers, we’ve streamlined the recovery process. If you’ve left an item in your vehicle, please fill out our digital form immediately. Our local team will do everything possible to reunite you with your belongings.

Have more questions about the rental? Check out the Iceland rental car FAQ page for more details. Email or call us if you need 1 to 1 assistance. We’re always happy to help!

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FAQs

• • What documents do I need to rent a car in Iceland with Hertz in Iceland?
    To rent a car with Hertz Iceland, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a passport or national ID, and a credit card for the deposit. If your driver’s license is not in Roman script (for example, if it is in Chinese, Arabic, or Cyrillic), you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

• • How old do I need to be to rent a car in Iceland?
    The minimum age to rent a car in Iceland with Hertz is 20 years old for most car categories. For larger vehicles like SUVs, the minimum age requirement is 23. Drivers under 25 cannot hire certain prestige/luxury cars.

• • Can I drive on F-roads with Hertz rental cars?
    Only some fuel 4×4 vehicles with are allowed on F-roads. You can check our fleet guideand see the cars which are allowed on F-road. These roads are highland routes that can be challenging and dangerous, so it’s important to ensure your rental car is suitable. Driving a non-4×4 vehicle on F-roads is strictly prohibited and can void your insurance coverage.

• • What is the fuel policy for Hertz rentals in Iceland?
    Hertz Iceland operates a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you will receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. If you return the car with less fuel, you will be charged for refueling, along with an additional service fee.

• • Is there a road tax for rental cars in Iceland?

    Yes. Effective January 1, 2026, a national kilometer-based road usage tax applies to all vehicles in Iceland (including petrol, diesel, and electric cars).

    For Hertz Iceland rentals, this fee is calculated based on the exact distance you drive. The charge consists of the mandatory Government Tax (6.95 ISK per km) plus a Hertz Service Fee (1.40 ISK per km + VAT). This total is calculated at the end of your trip based on the odometer reading.

• • What should I do if the weather conditions are bad?
    If you encounter bad weather, such as heavy snow or strong winds, always check Iceland’s official road and weather websites before heading out. If the forecast indicates bad weather, it’s essential to be flexible and adjust your itinerary. Road closures or severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months (late October to early May), can happen unexpectedly, so it’s crucial to plan with this in mind.
    In case of bad weather, stay in a safe location and do not attempt to continue your itinerary if there is a weather warning. It’s always better to wait for the conditions to improve before resuming your trip.
    At Hertz Iceland, we highly recommendrenting a 4×4 vehicle for winter driving to enhance your safety.

• • Can I add additional drivers to my Hertz rental in Iceland?
    Yes, you can add additional drivers to your rental agreement. All additional drivers must meet the same requirements as the main driver (valid license, age, etc.) and be present at the rental desk to provide documentation. There is usually a small daily fee for adding extra drivers.

• • What insurance options are available when renting a car from Hertz Iceland?
    Hertz Iceland offers several insurance options to suit your needs, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Super CDW (SCDW), Gravel Protection (GP), and Theft Protection (TP). In addition to these options, Hertz Iceland proudly offers the ZERO excess coverage package to give you and your family a worry-free self-drive experience in Iceland.
    
    The MAX coverage package includes all the available insurance items, providing comprehensive protection. It covers:
    

    •Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
    •Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
    •Third Party Liability (TPL), also known as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
    •Theft Protection (TP)
    •Windshield Protection (WSP), also known as Window Protection (WP)
    •Windows & Glass / Side Windows / Headlights Protection
    •Gravel Protection (GP)
    •Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP)
    •Tires and Wheels
    
    By opting for this coverage package with your rental car in Iceland, you can enjoy ZERO self-excess for any damages covered by the insurance items listed above, ensuring complete peace of mind during your journey.

• • Can I pick up my Hertz rental car at Keflavik Airport?
    Yes, Hertz Iceland has a convenient rental office located INSIDE Keflavik International Airport (KEF) arrival hall. You can pick up your rental car directly from the airport when you arrive, and we recommend reserving your car at least one month advance to ensure availability.

• • Are there any restrictions on where I can drive my Hertz rental car in Iceland?
    Yes, certain restrictions apply depending on the vehicle type. Only fueled 4×4 vehicles can be driven onF-roads (mountain roads), while 2WD vehicles must stay on paved or gravel roads. Driving off-road is illegal in Iceland and will result in fines and potential damage to the vehicle, which will not be covered by insurance.

• • What is the rental process at Hertz Iceland?
    Renting a car with Hertz Iceland is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:
    

    1.Visit Hertz.is – Head to our website, Hertz.is, where you can browse available vehicles and select the one that best fits your travel needs.
    2.Enter Your Details – Input your pick-up and drop-off locations (such as Keflavik Airport or Reykjavik), rental dates, and times.
    3.Choose Your Car – Browse through our wide selection of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and 4x4s, and choose the one that suits your journey.
    4.Select Extras – Add any optional extras, such as GPS, child seats, or additional insurance coverages like Gravel Protection or Super CDW.
    5.Confirm and Pay later – Complete the booking process by confirming your details. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details, you will pay the full rental price when picking up the car.
    6.Pick Up Your Car– On your pick-up day, bring your driver’s license, ID, and credit card to the Hertz rental desk. If arriving at Keflavik Airport, you can conveniently pick up your car right there.
    Enjoy Your Trip – Drive safely and explore the beautiful landscapes of Iceland at your own pace!

• • How much are the rental prices for Hertz Iceland cars?
    Rental prices at Hertz Iceland vary depending on the type of vehicle, the season, and the length of your rental. Here’s a rough guide to the price range:
    

    •Small Cars (e.g., Toyota Yaris): Starting from €50–€80 per day
    
    •Compact cars (e.g., Dacia Duster 4×4): Starting from €90–€150 per day
    
    •Luxury Cars (e.g., Land Rover Defender): Starting from €230 per day
    
    •4×4 and Large SUVs (e.g., Land Cruiser): Starting from €180–€250 per day
    •Campers and motorhomes Starting from €250 per day
    
    Prices may fluctuate based on demand, available deals, and the time of year (summer tends to be more expensive than winter). For the most accurate prices, including any discounts or offers, visit Hertz.is and use the booking engine to get a quote tailored to your travel dates and preferences.

• • What is the car returning process at Hertz Iceland?
    Returning your Hertz Iceland rental car is a smooth and hassle-free process. Here’s how it works:
    

    •Check Your Return Location – Ensure you know the correct return location, whether it’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Reykjavik, or another Hertz office. Your rental agreement will specify the return location.
    •Refuel the Car – If your rental includes a full-to-full fuel policy, make sure to refill the fuel tank to the same level as when you picked up the car. Nearby gas stations are available around major return points, like Keflavik Airport.
    •Inspect the Car – Before returning the vehicle, take a few moments to check for any personal belongings inside and ensure there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear. You can also take photos of the car for your records.
    •Return the Car on Time – Arrive at the return location by the agreed time. If you’re returning the car at Keflavik Airport, follow the signs to the Hertz car rental parking area.
    •Drop-Off Process:
    During Office Hours: A Hertz representative will check the car, fuel level, and any possible damages. Once everything is inspected, you’ll finalize the return. After Hours: If you’re returning the car after hours, you can park the car in the designated Hertz return area, lock the vehicle, and drop the keys into the secure drop box. The car will be inspected the following morning. If you do not want to be constrained by the office hours, we highly recommend you pick our KEF airport station as return location, as it operates 24/7.
    •Get Your Receipt – Once the car has been checked, you’ll receive a final receipt by email. This receipt will include any additional charges (if applicable) for fuel or damage.