Iceland’s roads are the wrong place to be managing a clutch. Between narrow bridges, sudden weather shifts, and long stretches of the Ring Road, an automatic car rental lets you keep both hands on the wheel and your focus on the road — not the gearbox.
At Hertz Iceland, automatic car hire isn’t limited to a handful of premium models. We offer automatic transmission across every vehicle category — from compact city cars to full-size 4×4s, electric vehicles, and 15-seat minibuses — so you’re never forced to choose between the car you want and the transmission you’re comfortable with.
As Iceland’s longest-established local car rental company — operating since 1971 — our automatic car rental service combines a newer, reliable fleet with the kind of route and season-specific knowledge that only comes from decades on Icelandic roads. When you book an automatic car rental with us, you’re booking directly with the team that actually knows these roads, not an international call centre reading from a script.
Iceland’s roads reward full attention, not gear management. Narrow single-lane bridges, sudden crosswinds, and steep coastal climbs are constant on routes like the Ring Road and the Westfjords — conditions where an automatic car rental lets you keep both hands on the wheel and your focus on what’s actually happening outside the car.
Choosing automatic car hire also means a smoother ride through Iceland’s most dramatic terrain. Steady, uninterrupted power delivery on gravel switchbacks, hill starts near waterfalls, and stop-and-go moments in Reykjavík traffic all benefit from not having to manage a clutch. For long driving days — and Iceland’s distances add up fast — that difference compounds into real fatigue saved by the time you reach your hotel.
Automatic transmission is available across the entire Hertz Iceland fleet, but availability isn’t evenly distributed by season. Compact and economy automatics like the Toyota Yaris are typically the easiest to secure year-round, while automatic 4×4s and larger family SUVs — our most requested category for Ring Road trips — see the tightest availability during summer (June–August).
On paved routes — the full Ring Road, the Golden Circle, and the main roads to the South Coast — any automatic in our fleet handles the driving comfortably. For F-roads and the Highland interior, you’ll need to select specifically from our automatic 4×4 range, since 2WD automatics are not legally permitted on marked F-road tracks regardless of transmission type.
In Spring (April – May) , Autumn (Sep-Oct) and winter(Nov-March), automatic transmission becomes less about convenience and more about safety: smooth, uninterrupted power delivery reduces the risk of wheel spin on icy sections, which is why automatic is our most frequently requested transmission type for Ring Road bookings between October and April.
Because automatic transmission is available across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric models, how you fuel your automatic rental depends on which category you book — not on the transmission itself.
Petrol and diesel automatics refuel at any of Iceland’s 550+ stations nationwide, run by N1, Orkan, ÓB/Olís, and Atlantsolía — all accepting international cards at the pump. Every Hertz Iceland rental includes an ÓB/Olís discount keychain for a small saving on every fill-up.
Plug-in hybrid automatics give you the flexibility of both worlds: charge overnight at your accommodation or a public Type 2 point for electric-only driving through towns, then rely on the petrol engine for open-highway stretches.
Fully electric automatics — including the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.3/ID.4 — charge at any of Iceland’s 450+ public fast-charging ports via the N1, ON Power, or Ísorka apps, with overnight charging at most hotels along the Ring Road corridor.
For full details on stations, pricing, and charging networks, see our complete guide to gas stations and fuel prices in Iceland.
Important 2026 update: as of January 1, 2026, the Icelandic government replaced older fuel taxes with a kilometre-based Road Usage Charge, which applies to every vehicle on the road — including all luxury rentals.
As of January 1, 2026, the Icelandic government requires a mandatory Kilometer Tax on this vehicle type. This replaces traditional fuel taxes with a usage-based fee.
✔ Transparent Pay-Per-Km Pricing
*Approx. 0.056 USD/km (Gov) + 0.011 USD/km (Service). Charged based on actual distance driven at the end of your rental.
Questions? For inquiries regarding the Icelandic Road Tax or billing specifics, please contact our dedicated support team at: roadtax@hertz.is
From economy to full-size 4×4, EV to minibus — you’re never limited to one or two automatic models.
Collect your automatic rental directly inside the Keflavík Airport arrivals hall — no shuttle buses required.
Locally run and operating in Iceland far longer than any international competitor entering this market — real route and season knowledge, not a script.
Our fleet average age is under 2.5 years, so your automatic rental comes with modern safety and driver-assist features.
Skip the broker markup and see your final price upfront, with no third-party fees added to your booking.
Iceland is remote, but you’re never alone — breakdown assistance is available around the clock, anywhere on the island.
Automatic transmission comes in every drivetrain and fuel type at Hertz Iceland. Here’s how to choose based on where you’re driving.
The simplest way to drive Iceland’s paved network — the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Ring Road — without managing a clutch. Easy to park in Reykjavík, efficient on fuel.
Our most requested category. Automatic 4×4s handle the full Ring Road, gravel stretches, and — when the specific model is F-road certified — Highland tracks, all without clutch control on changing terrain.
Every EV and PHEV in our fleet is automatic by nature. Instant torque and a low centre of gravity make these models particularly stable and quiet on icy paved roads.
Not by default. Manual transmission is still common across European car rental, and Iceland is no exception — many budget rental fleets lean heavily manual. Hertz Iceland is different: we stock automatic transmission in every single category, from the smallest economy car to our largest 4×4s, PHEVs, EVs, and minibuses, so you can request automatic without narrowing your vehicle choice down to one or two models.
If you’re specifically searching for automatic car rental in Iceland or Iceland car rental with automatic transmission, the practical answer is: check the car title on each listing. Every automatic vehicle in our fleet is clearly labelled “Automatic” directly in the title, so you can confirm the transmission at a glance rather than relying on a filter alone.
The gap is smaller than most travellers expect. An automatic rental typically costs approximately 5% more than the manual equivalent in the same category, reflecting the higher manufacturing cost of the automatic gearbox itself rather than a premium markup. For most travellers planning a Ring Road trip or extended self-drive itinerary, that small difference is a worthwhile trade for reduced driver fatigue over 6–8 hour driving days.
Exact automatic car rental pricing in Iceland varies by season, vehicle category, and how far in advance you book — availability tightens noticeably in summer (June–August), so pricing and vehicle choice are both better the earlier you book.
One example from each class below — every category has a full range of automatic vehicles beyond what’s shown here.
Automatic | 4×4 · 5 seats · 4 luggage
See full Hybrid range →
| Comparison Factor | Automatic Transmission | Manual Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Driving | ✅ Effortless. No stalling on steep hills. Focus purely on the scenery. | ⚠️ Demanding. Requires constant shifting on winding roads and hills. |
| Rental Cost | Approx. 5% higher daily rate. | The most economical choice for budget travellers. |
| Ring Road Suitability | Ideal for long-haul driving — significantly reduces fatigue over the 1,332 km loop. | Capable, but shifting for 6+ hours a day can be tiring. |
| City Driving (Reykjavík) | Stress-free in stop-and-go traffic and at traffic lights. | Frequent clutching can be tiring in city congestion. |
| Winter Safety | Smooth power delivery reduces risk of wheel spin on ice. | Good for engine braking, but risk of sliding if shifted poorly. |
| Highland (F-Road) Use | 4×4 automatics available — easier for beginners at river crossings. | Precise gear selection preferred by experienced F-road drivers. |
| Availability | High demand — book 2–4 weeks ahead for summer. | Often easier to find for last-minute bookings. |
Recommendation: choose automatic if you want stress-free driving and can book 2–4 weeks in advance. Choose manual if budget is the priority and you’re already comfortable with a manual gearbox.
At 1,332 km, this is where automatic transmission earns its keep — 7–10 days of varied road surfaces and long driving stretches are significantly less tiring without constant gear shifting.
A compact loop that’s the perfect first drive in an automatic — short enough to build confidence, with enough stop-start sightseeing to appreciate the ease of a clutch-free cabin.
Frequent stops for waterfalls and viewpoints make this route ideal for automatic — smooth restarts on inclines near Skógafoss and Reynisfjara without the risk of stalling on a hill start.
Not by default — manual transmission is still common across Icelandic car rental fleets. Hertz Iceland stocks automatic in every category, but you should confirm “Automatic” as a filter when booking rather than assume it.
An automatic rental typically costs approximately 5% more than the manual equivalent in the same category. Exact pricing varies by season and vehicle — booking 2–4 weeks ahead of summer travel gets you the best rate and selection.
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Automatic vehicles are in high demand, especially during summer (June–August). Book 2–4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred model.
It can be challenging due to narrow roads, single-lane bridges, and changing weather — but renting an automatic removes one variable, since most American drivers are already used to automatic transmission at home.
Yes. Smooth, continuous power delivery helps maintain traction on snow and ice, and every Hertz Iceland winter rental comes with studded winter tyres (November–April) as standard.
Only if it’s a 4×4. Regular 2WD automatic cars are not permitted on F-roads by law. Choose an automatic 4×4 SUV — such as a KIA Sportage or Toyota Land Cruiser — to legally drive in the Highlands.
The Toyota Yaris is our most popular compact automatic — seating up to 5 with 2 pieces of luggage, ideal for budget-conscious travellers sticking to Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, or the Ring Road.
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