Akureyri (AEY)

Akureyri Iceland Car Rental (AEY Airport)

Start your Icelandic adventure in the heart of the north with a rental car from Hertz Iceland Akureyri Airport (AEY). Renting a car in Akureyri, Iceland’s vibrant northern capital, gives you the perfect gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. With direct flights from Reykjavik and several European cities, Akureyri is an ideal launchpad for a self-drive adventure, and Hertz Iceland is here to help you hit the road with ease.

Why Rent a Car in Akureyri?

Akureyri offers a quieter, more scenic starting point than Reykjavik. With direct access to the Ring Road and proximity to top northern attractions, it’s a smart alternative for independent travelers.

From here, you can easily reach:

• Lake Mývatn and its geothermal baths
• Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls
• Húsavík for whale watching
• Krafla volcano, Dimmuborgir, and more

Public transport is limited in this region, so renting a car gives you full control over your schedule, stops, and scenic detours.

Pick Up Your Car at Akureyri Airport (AEY)

Akureyri Airport (AEY) is located just minutes from the city center and serves as one of four international airports in Iceland. It offers both domestic and seasonal international flights, making it one of the easiest ways to access the north.

Domestic Flights to AEY:

Icelandair operates multiple daily flights between Akureyri and Reykjavík. Seasonal routes include connections to Grimsey Island, Thorshofn, and Vopnafjörður.

International Flights to AEY

• easyJet: Twice-weekly from London Gatwick and Manchester
• Transavia: Routes from select European cities (only available during the winter)
• Edelweiss Air: Seasonal flights from Zurich

Choosing to fly into Akureyri and rent a car from the airport is a smart alternative for travelers who want to avoid the longer drive from Reykjavík and immediately dive into the northern experience.

What You’ll Need to Rent a Car in Akureyri

To collect your car at AEY, please bring:

• Your booking confirmation
• A valid driver’s license (held for at least one year)
• A credit card in the main driver’s name

We do not require a deposit. Your card is securely held for rental purposes only. You can also upgrade to ZERO excess coverage at the counter for added peace of mind.

We strongly advise you to read our rental requirements and car protection coverages and extras before renting a car with Hertz Iceland.

Our Vehicle Options at the Akureyri Airport Location

No matter your route or travel style, we have a vehicle that fits. Our Akureyri car rental fleet includes budget-friendly economy cars that are perfect for solo travelers or couples exploring in summer, 4×4 SUVs designed for navigating gravel roads and winter conditions, and campervans and camping-equipped vehicles. Discover our full fleet here.

All rentals come with unlimited mileage and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage included.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Akureyri?

Prices fluctuate significantly based on season and vehicle type. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Economy Car: from 9,000 ISK (~$65 USD/€60) per day
• 4×4 SUV: from 15,000 ISK (~$110 USD/€100) per day
• Campervan: from 20,000 ISK (~$145 USD/€130) per day

Rates are lower in winter (October–April) and higher in peak summer months (June–August). If you’re visiting during holidays, summer, or ski season, it’s best to book in advance to lock in the best price and vehicle availability. Additionally, the longer the booking duration, the cheaper the average daily price will be.

Driving in Akureyri & North Iceland

North Iceland is known for scenic roads and changing conditions. Here’s what to know before you drive:

Speed Limits

• Residential: 30 km/hr
• City: 50 km/hr
• Gravel Roads: 80 km/hr
• Paved Rual Roads: 90 km/hr

Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel

Traveling east from Akureyri? You’ll likely pass through the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel. It’s toll-based and must be paid online either 24 hours before or after driving through. The toll costs 2,152 ISK (~$18 USD/€15) and can be paid at https://mitt.veggjald.is/.

Winter Travel

Winter conditions can include snow, wind, and ice. A 4×4 is recommended during colder months, and we advise checking road conditions at umferdin.is and weather updates at vedur.is before heading out.

Keep in mind that off-road driving is illegal. Iceland’s delicate landscapes are protected. Please stay on marked roads and never attempt off-road driving.

Parking in Akureyri

Akureyri has two main parking zones in the city center, P1 and P2, with paid hours from Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00. As of 2025, parking costs 218 ISK per hour in P1 and 109 ISK per hour in P2. Temporary parking areas within these zones allow a maximum stay of two hours and are marked with street signs. The easiest way to pay is through mobile apps like EasyPark or Parka, though pay stations are also available at Skipagata, Túngata, and Gilsbakkavegur.

Here is a map of the parking zones.

Green parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations are available for cars powered solely by eco-friendly fuels. These spaces are still subject to parking fees if located within a paid zone, and cars should not be left longer than it takes to fully charge. Parking fines range from 2,071 ISK to 30,000 ISK depending on the violation and when the fine is paid. Full details and appeals information can be found on Akureyri’s official parking website.

Hotels and guesthouses in the city center may or may not include parking, so be sure to check in advance. If you are driving a camper or caravan, always go to a designated campground and stay overnight inside the camping site. Sleeping in a car, campervan, or a caravan is illegal within town limits.

Top Tourist Attractions in Akureyri

Akureyri is the second-largest city in the country after Reykjavik and it’s a vibrant town with cultural, historic, and family-friendly attractions worth exploring:

• Arctic Botanical Gardens (Lystigardurinn): A peaceful garden with over 7,000 plant species, open to the public year-round.
• Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja): A striking hilltop church offering panoramic views over the town and fjord.
• The Old Farmhouse Laufás: A restored turf house that gives visitors a glimpse into 19th-century Icelandic life.The Old Farmhouse Laufás
• The Aviation Museum: Showcasing Iceland’s aviation history with aircraft exhibits and interactive displays.
• Christmas House (Jólahúsið): A whimsical, year-round destination filled with holiday decorations and Icelandic traditions.
• Hof Cultural and Conference Center: A modern venue hosting concerts, art exhibits, and local events by the harbor.

Top Road Trip Ideas From Akureyri

Renting a car in Akureyri opens the door to some of the most dramatic and underrated landscapes in Iceland. With your rental vehicle, you can create your own custom route that blends iconic sights with peaceful detours.

Start your journey with a visit to Goðafoss, a powerful waterfall just 45 minutes from town, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Continue east to Lake Mývatn, a region shaped by volcanic activity and rich in geothermal features, from steam vents to lava fields. Soak in the soothing Mývatn Nature Baths, a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

A bit farther afield, Húsavík offers whale-watching tours and a charming harbor village vibe. Nearby, the Krafla volcano and Hverir geothermal area provide Martian-like landscapes, bubbling mud pots, and active fumaroles. If you’re feeling adventurous, a longer drive will take you to Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions: Akureyri Car Rentals

• • Do I need a 4×4 in Akureyri?
    A 4×4 is not required in town, but is strongly recommended in winter or for visiting rural/highland areas.

• • Can I rent a car at Akureyri Airport?
    Yes. Our Hertz rental desk is located inside the terminal at AEY. Walk-up rentals and pre-booked reservations are both available.

• • Can I drive from Akureyri to Reykjavik?
    Yes, the Ring Road (Route 1) connects the two cities. It’s about a 5-hour drive in summer, potentially longer in winter.

• • Is fuel expensive in Akureyri?
    Fuel prices are high across Iceland. We recommend budgeting about 3,000–5,000 ISK per day for gas, depending on your route and vehicle type.

• • Can I pick up in Akureyri and drop off in Reykjavik?
    Yes, one-way rentals are available. A fee may apply depending on the route.

Book Your Akureyri Car Rental Today

Skip the tour buses and tourist lines with a Hertz Iceland rental car in Akureyri, the road is truly yours. Whether you’re flying into AEY or starting your northbound journey here, we’re ready to get you on the road with confidence.

Book your Akureyri car rental today to secure your preferred vehicle and enjoy the freedom to explore Iceland your way.

Book Your Akureryi Car Rental Now