More and more travelers choose Iceland in winter, and it's easy to see why: snowy landscapes, quiet roads, cozy hot pools and the Northern Lights. Driving here in winter is very doable, even if you rarely see snow at home. It just takes a little preparation and a relaxed pace.
These 12 tips will help you feel confident behind the wheel and get the most out of your winter road trip.
Before you set off
1. Pick the right car for your plans
For Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the South Coast, a compact car on good winter tires works well. For longer trips to the North or the East, or if you want extra ground clearance and comfort, a 4x4 or SUV is a great choice. Read our winter car rental guide for help choosing.
2. Get to know your winter tires
Rental cars in winter come with winter tires, and many are studded for extra grip on ice. Studded tires are allowed from November 1 to April 14, and outside those dates when road conditions call for them. At pickup, take a minute to look at the tread and snap a photo of each tire. Learn more in studded tires, winter tires and the law.
3. Check the roads and the weather every morning
Make it part of breakfast:
- Roads: umferdin.is shows live road conditions and closures. Here's how to read the road conditions map.
- Weather: check the forecast and any yellow, orange or red warnings. Here's what the warning colors mean.
- Alerts: safetravel.is posts travel alerts and lets you leave a travel plan.
If a warning is out for your route, the easy fix is to wait it out. Enjoy a museum, a café or a hot pool, and drive once it clears.
4. Keep your plans flexible
Winter weather changes quickly, and the best trips leave room for it. Plan one or two main sights a day and keep a nearby backup. If your dates shift before your trip, you can change your Northbound booking free of charge up to 48 hours before pickup.
5. Fill up and pack the car
Start each day with a full tank (or a full battery) and top up when you can, since gas stations get farther apart outside towns. Keep warm layers, gloves, water, snacks and a charged phone in the car. Our winter packing list has the rest.
6. Clear all the snow and ice before you drive
Scrape every window and mirror, and brush the snow off the roof so it doesn't slide down when you brake. Full, clear visibility makes winter driving much more relaxed. If you can't find an ice scraper in the car, ask for one at pickup.
On the road
7. Slow and steady
There's no rush in Iceland. Drive at a speed that suits the road, especially on gravel, snow or narrow stretches, and give yourself extra time between stops. Speed limits are a maximum, not a target.
8. Watch for ice around 0°C (32°F)
Roads can be icy when the temperature hovers around freezing, even if they look wet. When your dashboard shows temperatures near 0°C, ease off a little and brake gently.
9. Leave plenty of space
Stopping takes longer on snow and ice, so keep a generous gap to the car in front. It also gives you time to enjoy the view.
10. Skip cruise control on slippery roads
On snow or ice, you want full control of your speed, so keep cruise control for dry, clear roads.
11. If the car starts to slide, stay calm
Ease off the gas and the brake, look and steer gently where you want to go, and let the tires find grip again. Most modern rental cars have ABS: if you need to stop, press the brake firmly and steadily and let the system do the work.
12. Give snow plows room
Iceland's road crews plow the main roads through the winter. Stay a comfortable distance behind a plow, and only overtake when the road ahead is clear and visibility is good. A little patience here keeps the drive relaxed.
Enjoy the best of winter
Winter driving gives you something summer can't: the freedom to chase the Northern Lights on a clear night. When the aurora forecast looks good, drive a short way out of town, park well off the road and look up. Start with our Northern Lights guide.
Days are short in midwinter, so plan to drive in the morning twilight and enjoy long, golden sunrises and sunsets at your stops.
Good to know
- Emergencies: call 112, Iceland's emergency number. If you can, stay in the car, keep warm and keep your phone charged.
- Car trouble: your rental agreement lists the rental company's roadside assistance number. Save it in your phone at pickup.
- Booking questions: Northbound support is at +354 539 3022, or through your booking page.
- Insurance: basic insurance (CDW and Third Party Liability) is always included in the price. You can add extra protection when you book.
- F-roads: highland F-roads are closed in winter, so winter routes stay on the Ring Road and main roads.
Ready to hit the road?
With good tires, a quick morning check and a relaxed pace, winter driving in Iceland is a joy. Search and compare rental cars in Iceland or, if you're flying in, see Keflavik Airport car rental.
