Car Rental in Ísafjörður: Pick-Up and Westfjords Driving Guide 

Hertz has one rental station in Ísafjörður, at Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ), and it is the only pick-up point you need for this part of the Westfjords. Exploring our rental locations in Iceland shows how this station fits into a wider route if you plan to continue your journey elsewhere. For a car rental in Ísafjörður, collecting your vehicle at the airport keeps your arrival simple, whether you are staying in town or heading straight onto the fjord roads.

Ísafjörður Airport Office (IFJ)

Our rental desk is at Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ), the small domestic airport where flights from Reykjavík land, around a 5–10 minute drive from the town centre. After landing you can collect your keys and be driving along the fjord, into town or out towards the Westfjords within minutes, with no need for a taxi transfer.

The station is staffed Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00, which matches the weekday schedule of most domestic flights to IFJ, and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. If you need to collect a car outside these hours, please email hertz@hertz.is before you travel so we can confirm the details and pre-arrange your pick-up. Outside opening hours, keys can be returned to the key box, but the car itself must be collected during working hours.

Planning Your Visit to Ísafjörður: Arrival, Weather & Logistics

Most visitors reach Ísafjörður on a short domestic flight from Reykjavík, landing at Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ), typically a 5–10 minute drive along the fjord from the town centre, harbour and hotels. Collecting your car rental in Ísafjörður at the airport means you can drive straight to your accommodation or start your Westfjords road trip without waiting for transfers.

Because our station is staffed Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00, it helps to match your flight times to opening hours when you book. Weather can also delay domestic flights, so leave some slack on your arrival and departure days. If your flight lands outside working hours, email hertz@hertz.is before you travel so we can confirm the details and pre-arrange your pick-up.

Ísafjörður and the wider Westfjords have a longer, harsher winter than much of Iceland, while summer is short and cool, with daytime highs typically around 8–11°C in July and August. Even in summer, rain, fog and strong wind can sweep through the fjords within minutes, so roads are usually clear but conditions still change quickly.

We highly recommend building a flexible schedule, especially from autumn to spring. From roughly September to May, snow, sleet and very strong wind can affect even short drives between fjords, and between November and March the roads are best suited to confident winter drivers in a 4×4 vehicle. Before you set out, check live travel advisories and wind warnings on the Hertz Iceland Safety Portal, together with vedur.is for the forecast and road.is for road conditions, and be ready to delay or change your plans if conditions worsen.

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Quick Guide to Ísafjörður (Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions)

As the informal capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður packs seafood restaurants, small hotels and guesthouses, and a rich maritime heritage into a compact harbour town. Many visitors dine at Tjöruhúsið, known for fresh seafood in a historic timber building, and visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum in the old trading houses of Neðstikaupstaður. A short but steep hike leads up to Naustahvilft, the bowl-shaped “Troll Seat” above town, with wide fjord views. Accommodation is concentrated around the harbour and main streets, so book early for July and August. For more ideas, read our guide to what to do in Ísafjörður and our overview of the Westfjords of Iceland.

Having your own vehicle turns the town into a base for the whole region. From Ísafjörður you can drive the shoreline of Route 61 to Súðavík, pass through the tunnel to Flateyri, or take Route 60 to the famous Dynjandi waterfall, about 80 km south of town. Stock up on groceries and fuel in town before heading out to the remote fjords. To add boat tours, kayaking or guided Hornstrandir trips to your self-drive plan, browse activities on the Hertz Iceland TourDesk activities booking portal.

What to Wear When Exploring Ísafjörður and the Westfjords

Dressing in layers is the secret to staying comfortable in Ísafjörður, where sunshine, rain and cold wind can arrive in the same afternoon. Even in summer, coastal wind makes it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests. If you are renting a car in Ísafjörður, we suggest packing the following essentials:

• Windproof and waterproof outer shell: Keeps you dry on the harbour and at exposed fjord viewpoints.
• Warm mid-layer and thermal base layer: Fleece or wool over a moisture-wicking layer holds body heat in changeable weather.
• Sturdy waterproof boots with good grip: Useful for the Naustahvilft hike, slippery paths and, from autumn, snow and ice.
• Hat, gloves and scarf: A light set is useful even in July and August, and a warmer insulated set is essential from autumn to late spring.

Keeping an extra layer, dry socks and a waterproof jacket in your Hertz rental car is a smart habit in every season, especially if you plan to stop often at viewpoints, beaches or trailheads around the Westfjords.

Top Tips for Renting a Car in Ísafjörður

A little preparation makes renting a car in Ísafjörður simpler, safer and better value. Book early, particularly for July and August, when 4×4 vehicles and automatic cars can sell out well ahead of time. Our Ísafjörður station is open Monday to Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so choose your pick-up day with that in mind.

It is also worth reviewing the coverage options available with your rental before you travel. Westfjords roads can involve loose gravel and strong winds, so consider protection such as Gravel Protection (GP). Then, keep these essential driving and rental rules in mind:

• Plan your pick-up around opening hours: The Ísafjörður Airport station is staffed Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00, and closed on weekends. You can drop your keys in the key box outside opening hours, but the car itself must be picked up during working hours. For arrivals outside these hours, email hertz@hertz.is before you travel to confirm the details and pre-arrange your pick-up.
• Check your driving licence before arrival: Most international licences are valid in Iceland, but you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not written in Latin script. Have your documents ready before collecting your car rental in Ísafjörður.
• Bring a physical credit card in the main driver’s name: There is no security deposit, but at pick-up we place a security authorisation on the card. Minimum driver age depends on the vehicle category (20+, 23+ or 25+), so check the age requirement for your chosen car.
• Choose a 4×4 for winter and mountain passes: From autumn to spring, routes such as Dynjandisheiði and Steingrímsfjarðarheiði can see snow, ice and strong wind. F-roads in the Highlands are restricted to approved 4×4 vehicles and usually open only in summer, so check current conditions before you travel.
• Follow Icelandic speed limits: Unless otherwise signed, limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved rural roads. Speed cameras are common, and conditions may require slower driving.
• Keep headlights on at all times: Iceland requires drivers to use headlights 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Check how the lights operate when you pick up the vehicle, even if they appear to switch on automatically.
• Stay on marked roads and avoid river crossings: Leaving marked roads and tracks is illegal, damages Iceland’s fragile landscapes and may result in significant fines. Damage from crossing rivers is never covered by any coverage product.
• Expect tunnels, single-lane bridges and sheep: The Vestfjarðagöng tunnel has single-lane sections with passing bays where you must yield to oncoming traffic. Slow down for blind hill crests, narrow bridges and sheep on the road, particularly on Route 60 and Route 61.
• Refuel before you need to: Fuel stations are far apart once you leave Ísafjörður and the nearby villages. Fill up in town before longer drives, such as the trip to Dynjandi, rather than waiting for the low-fuel warning light.
• Remember road tax: Iceland’s kilometre-based road tax is not included in the rental price. It is charged separately after return, based on the actual kilometres you drive.

Driving in Ísafjörður and the Westfjords: Roads, Tunnels & Parking

Driving in Ísafjörður is relaxed and rewarding, and the road network across the Westfjords keeps getting better. The main routes linking the region’s larger towns and villages are paved, well signed and comfortable to drive, and modern tunnels have made journeys between fjords shorter and easier than ever. Alongside these main roads you will also find some gravel sections, particularly on secondary and scenic routes, which is part of the Westfjords’ unspoilt character. Drive at a relaxed pace, enjoy the views and you will find the region easy to explore with your own car.

The usual Icelandic rules apply here: drive on the right, wear seat belts in all seats, keep headlights on at all times and use a hands-free setup if you need to use your phone. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved rural roads unless signs say otherwise. Watch for pedestrian crossings near the harbour, schools and services, and slow down if you see sheep near the road, especially in summer.

Ísafjörður Parking Information

Parking in Ísafjörður town is generally free, which makes it easy to leave your car and explore the harbour, cafés and museums on foot. Check the signs at your chosen space for any time limits, reserved spaces or private-parking conditions, and avoid blocking access roads or private driveways. Harbour parking rentals are the exception, as they have separate charges.

Outside town, always stop in designated car parks and pull-offs rather than on the side of the road, especially when you want to photograph the fjords. Some popular sights, such as Dynjandi waterfall, have a paid car park. The easiest way to pay is the Parka app: select the parking area, choose your duration and pay from your phone. Check that your licence plate is entered correctly to avoid administrative charges.

Current as of October 2026, confirm latest via Parka.is official parking portal.

Key Roads and Navigation in the Westfjords

Ísafjörður is compact and easy to navigate, with the harbour, main streets, shops and restaurants close together on the Eyri peninsula in Skutulsfjörður. Google Maps and Waze work well here and will guide you out to the surrounding fjords. Beyond town, a handful of key roads connect the region:

• Route 61 (Djúpvegur): The scenic coastal road east from Ísafjörður to Súðavík, running along Ísafjarðardjúp with wide fjord views and continuing on towards Hólmavík.
• Route 60 (Vestfjarðavegur): The main road connecting the central Westfjords to the rest of Iceland, leading south via Þingeyri towards Dynjandi waterfall and onwards to Route 1.
• Vestfjarðagöng to Flateyri and Suðureyri: A tunnel route that brings the neighbouring fishing villages within a short drive of Ísafjörður. Parts of the tunnel are single-lane with passing bays, so follow the signs and yield where required.
• Dýrafjarðargöng: A modern two-lane tunnel that connects Dýrafjörður with Arnarfjörður, making the route towards Dynjandi quicker and more comfortable than before.

Distances in the Westfjords are longer than they look on a map because roads follow the shape of the fjords. Allow extra time for scenic stops, and plan the drive from Ísafjörður to the Ring Road (Route 1) as a full travel day with fuel and weather checks. Road surfaces change as improvements continue, so check road.is for current conditions before you set out.

Weather Conditions for Driving in the Westfjords

Weather in the Westfjords is changeable, and a quick check before you set off keeps your trip comfortable. Summer days are mild and the roads are usually clear. From autumn to spring, snow, ice and strong wind can appear on mountain passes such as Dynjandisheiði, so allow more time than map estimates suggest and be flexible with your plans. In winter, a 4×4 vehicle gives you extra confidence and grip.

Hertz equips all rental cars with appropriate seasonal tyres, and we recommend checking the Hertz Iceland Safety Portal, vedur.is and road.is before longer drives. Coastal gusts can also catch car doors, so hold the door firmly with both hands when getting out at exposed viewpoints.

Top Trips from Ísafjörður by Car

Ísafjörður is the ideal base camp for day trips to nearby fishing villages and natural wonders. Once you collect your car rental in Ísafjörður, you can reach hidden valleys, sandy beaches and wildlife-rich shorelines at your own pace, with plenty of room for spontaneous photo stops.

Three drives stand out: a short coastal trip to Súðavík, a tunnel journey to Flateyri, and a longer scenic day out to Dynjandi waterfall. Fill your tank in town before you set off, and check road.is and vedur.is for current conditions.

Getting from Ísafjörður to Súðavík

The drive from Ísafjörður to Súðavík takes about twenty minutes along the scenic coastline of Route 61. This charming village is home to the Arctic Fox Centre, a research exhibition dedicated to Iceland’s only native land mammal. Along the way, keep an eye on the shoreline, as seals often rest on the rocky beaches.

Choosing a car rental in Ísafjörður lets you stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy this peaceful coastal drive at your own pace. Pull in at designated lay-bys rather than the road edge, and allow extra time for photos of the fjord.

Getting from Ísafjörður to Flateyri

To reach the historic village of Flateyri, you drive through the Vestfjarðagöng tunnel, a unique multi-way tunnel system that makes the journey about 20–30 minutes. Parts of the tunnel are single-lane with passing bays, so follow the signs and yield where required.

Flateyri offers a beautiful sandy beach, a historic bookstore and a peaceful harbour surrounded by steep mountains. A modern vehicle from our car rental fleet in Ísafjörður makes the tunnel route smooth and comfortable, and a steady speed helps if you meet a breeze at the tunnel exits. Stop at one of the local heritage cafés to relax and enjoy the village atmosphere.

Getting from Ísafjörður to Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi is the most famous waterfall in the Westfjords, and the drive from Ísafjörður usually takes 1.5–2 hours via Route 60. The route passes Þingeyri and uses the modern Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel, with fjord and mountain views along the way. Allow a full day so you can enjoy the journey and the waterfall without rushing.

Dynjandi cascades down the mountainside in tiers, and a short footpath leads up towards the base of the falls and several smaller waterfalls. Parking at Dynjandi is charged and paid on site, and the easiest way is the Parka app: select the parking area, choose your duration and pay from your phone. Pack layers, as spray and wind can make it feel cooler than in town, and check road conditions on Dynjandisheiði before you go, especially from autumn to spring.

Fill up in Ísafjörður before leaving, keep an eye on the fuel gauge, and consider a 4×4 SUV for extra comfort and confidence on this longer drive. For more ideas, read our Westfjords of Iceland guide.

Choosing the Best Rental Car for Your Ísafjörður Trip

Selecting the right vehicle is one of the most important decisions for your self-drive holiday. The ideal car depends on the season, the size of your group and the roads you plan to drive. A compact car or EV works well for the paved routes between the main Westfjords towns in summer, while a 4×4 SUV adds comfort and confidence on mountain passes in winter or on gravel roads to scenic viewpoints.

Vehicle Options for a Car Rental in Ísafjörður

To help you find the perfect match, we have grouped our fleet by travel style and itinerary. Whether you prioritise fuel economy, interior space or extra traction, you will find a good option in our collection. Consider these popular vehicle categories:

• Economy Small Rental Cars: Great for Ísafjörður’s compact town centre and easy parking. A smart pick for short stays and budget-focused trips.
• Compact Rental Cars: Comfortable for couples or solo travellers with light luggage. Ideal for the paved routes to Súðavík and Flateyri.
• Mid-size Rental Cars: More space for passengers and bags without feeling bulky. A solid choice for longer day trips such as Dynjandi.
• Full-size Rental Cars: Extra comfort for families or groups. Better for longer Westfjords drives when you want room to stretch out.
• Automatic Rental Cars: Simple, familiar driving through tunnels, fjord roads and changing conditions.
• 4×4 SUVs: Highly recommended for winter travel and mountain passes, and for carrying extra luggage or outdoor gear. Choose one with F-road capability for summer Highland routes.
• Electric vehicles (EVs): A quiet, modern choice for paved routes, supported by public fast chargers in Ísafjörður. Plan charging stops before longer drives.
• Passenger vans: Perfect for larger families or groups travelling together who need maximum comfort and storage space.

We advise assessing your luggage requirements before booking. Our vehicles are 2 years old or newer, and a higher-clearance 4×4 is a comfortable choice for winter conditions. Minimum driver age depends on the vehicle category, so check the requirement for the car you choose.