Reviews for
Northern Lights Car Rental in Iceland

913 Beoordelingen
8.28

About

Northern Lights Car Rental, a local car rental provider in Iceland, offers a wide range of vehicles, including 4x4s, 2WDs, and campers. Their commitment to low prices, quality vehicles, and personal service has earned them a solid reputation among travelers.

Northbound customers who have rented from Northern Lights Car Rental have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the company's reliable vehicles and excellent customer service. One customer praised the company for its seamless pick-up and drop-off process, while another appreciated the car's performance on tough mountain terrains.

When you choose to rent a Northern Lights Car Rental vehicle through Northbound, you're not just getting a car; you're gaining a partner that's committed to making your Icelandic adventure unforgettable.

Beoordelingen

8.28
913 total reviews
Good
5-Star
70%
4-Star
22%
3-Star
6%
2-Star
2%
1-Star
1%
Staff
8.4
Value
7.5
Cleanliness
8.8
Pickup
8.6
Dropoff
9.1
Condition
7.1

39 3-Star reviews for Northern Lights Car Rental

Verified reviews from our customers that rented a car from Northern Lights Car Rental

Submitted 02. Aug 2022
Fine
The car was clean and in very good condition / low mileage. But 1. Your instructions regarding arrival at the airport and pick up were inconsistent with what the rental company delivered. There was no one at the arrivals with a board waiting for us. The information we received from you was that there should have been – and as a result we were confused. Eventually we rang the rental company number and we were told that the driver could not find us and had left. This seemed strange as we were standing by the exit door in clear view. Eventually, the driver returned and picked us up – but we had to wait over 30 minutes and were not sure as to what we should do. 2. On return to the airport the driver was using her mobile phone to listen to private calls and to answer messages etc. She was not always in control of the vehicle and I did not feel safe (I was sitting in the front seat). I assume that using mobile phones in your hand in Iceland is illegal. This was not a good advert for yourselves or the rental company company.
Charles rented a vehicle in July 2022
Submitted 25. Jul 2022
At the drop off I have been told that there is a damage (two dents and small scratches) on passenger's front door, which supposedly occured during my rental period. I was very doubtful because we really took care and parked car in campsites or elsewhere in safe distance from other cars. Because I was stressed due to approaching flight and intimidating attitude of your employee, I signed the »acknowledge of responsibility« and was charged the amount of 80.000 isk. On our way to the airport my children told me that they have noticed the damage already at the pick-up, but they didn't think it is important. I myself haven't inspected the car carefully, because I trusted that this has been done by staff (which was the case on our arrival). But we did made some photos at pick-up and the dent can be seen on the photo. I wote to the company asking for refund (and attached the photo), but received no answer....
Mojca rented a vehicle in July 2022
Submitted 25. Jun 2022
Fine
The Duster was alright. We knew we were renting an older vehicle, being a rental since 2017, but it was apparent that maintenance had not been kept up with on the vehicle. The passenger floorboard carpet was peeled up, there was rattling in the engine compartment when in gear, the car had not been cleaned thoroughly, and there was no windshield washer fluid which was problematic when driving on wet dirt roads. We also ran into another couple that had issues with maintenance on their vehicle, except theirs was a much bigger problem as their brake pads were completely gone and it was metal on metal. The rooftop tent was also very frustrating. The quality of the tent was good and the fabric kept water out and did well in the wind, but a vent on the top had lost a seal and had not been replaced and subsequently the mattress got soaked while we were driving on a very rainy day and we were forced to sleep in the car and then had to put the mattress in the car while we drove for the next two days to dry it out. Northern lights did refund us 2 of our 10 days for the inconvenience of the tent leak, but it's something that I would have expected to not happen. We also ran into another couple that had the same experience, but their vent fell completely out. These see a lot of use and Northern lights should maintain them better.
Taylor rented a vehicle in June 2022
Submitted 20. Jun 2022
Fine
We got icerental 4x4, or Northern Lights as they also are called, as our car providers. I am really unhappy with the whole rental experience and to show this I can copy here the review I wrote on google: "Beware of this company, couldn't recommend it to anyone. Worst carhiring experience I've ever had. Really many damages externally to the car, we tried to get everything on pictures before we drove off which turned out to be an impossible task. They said there was new damages to the car, charged 80000ISK for repair cost that, considering previous damages, never will be repaired. Really felt like a scam in so many ways and it was sad our otherwise great trip ended on this bad note! Also the extra insurance I had purchased had such a high selfrisk amount that this money came out of our own pockets. They also accused us of going on F-roads which was not the case, and impossible with a Hyundai i10. Another family at dropoff seemed to have similair problems and were likewise just as frustrated as us. Also got a clearly older model of the car then we had booked. Oh and no one tells you they take a 2500€ deposit on your credit card. Couldn´t recommend this company to anyone! Beware also that some companies act as umbrellas and you could end up with them even if it seemed like you booked through someone else. Like I had booked through Northbound and ended up with this company."
Lara rented a vehicle in June 2022
Submitted 17. Apr 2022
Fine
At the beggining we were not satisfied as the child seats were not already installed, the employees said they don't have the training for it. At the end the very friendly employee - driver from the airport - helped me with one of the seats. Into our initial Dacia also the water was leaking, what we found out the next morning, after rainy night. The car also broke down that morning, but in one hour (lucky for us we were still in Reykjavik) we got another Dacia. That one was newer and much better, so the experience was good. The staff was always very helpful and frielndly. If there were no trouble at the beggining, the rate would have been much higher as this was a good value for money experience. So I would rent a car there again!
Martin rented a vehicle in April 2022
Submitted 27. Sep 2021
Fine
Had I known I was renting a car with that many miles, I would have researched further. Fuel gauge did not work which forced us to feeling up too many times, not knowing how full the tank was. Drove in a snowstorm without winter tires and the car not going into 4WD, the main reason for selecting it. The main warning light was on from start to finish, something that should not be. The car did fine, but I would have gladly paid more for a newer, better functioning car.
Robert rented a vehicle in September 2021
Submitted 19. Aug 2021
Fine
Start of the rent was really bad. We had to wait at the Airport and only one of us was allowed to go to the rental office. We received a 2016 Dacia instead of 2017 (this was compensated by a day free rental). There was no WiFi and GPS so we needed to drive back to the rental office. Then the tire pressure notification started to burn. Back again and then they said to ignore this. After this start it went better. The car was old and bumpy but brought us everywhere we wanted. The return of the car was very friendly and accurate.
Els rented a vehicle in August 2021
Submitted 05. Jul 2021
The shuttle service was EXTREMELY very bad. No one was at the airport with a sign waiting for us as the reservation confirmation has said there would be. After calling for a shuttle, and being told it would be 15 minutes, it still took another 30 minutes. After returning the car, it took 45 minutes waiting at your location to get a shuttle back to the airport. In neither direction we’re we given any assistance with our bags. I had to load my own bags and open and close doors for my family and other guests. We reserved a car with GPS. When we got there there was no GPS. When I went back I was handed an EXTREMELY outdated portable GPS unit. It was so outdated that it didn’t even have the roads to get back to your own location! The car was given to us dirty. I would not recommend you. You have a lot of room for improvement.
John rented a vehicle in June 2021
Submitted 09. Jul 2021
Fine
High mileage, about worn out. had a headlight out when I picked it up, didn't shift easily into 3rd and 4th. Employees at pickup were all rather brusque, no one was friendly or nice
Christopher rented a vehicle in June 2021
Submitted 10. Aug 2020
Fine
average - car really needed a big check up BEFORE the keys were hand over. Too many things weren't checked. Also essentials such as the windshield wipers we had to replace ourselves. There were lots of strange noises in that car and the sun visor at the passengers side wasn't original which made it impossible to decently open OR close it. Returning the car was also a mess because of lack of staff. Only two people there who had to do the documents, check the cars AND drive the busses to the airport. Result: long queue in the office and nobody there because they were at the airport. Neven seen such an bad organisation before.
Rudi rented a vehicle in July 2020
Submitted 01. Jul 2020
Fine
Employees and drivers were very nice. office is not so far from the airport and on the way to Reykjavik. When arriving, I waited some time due to some issues with the computer. They deliver you a car with limited explanation (i realized later that they did not show me the replacing tire ...). Car is not new ... but clean ... fuel was full (8/8) but after 10 kilometers it was already lower (7/8)... Car was very noisy with a lot of vibrations ...
Damien rented a vehicle in June 2020
Submitted 02. Jul 2020
Fine
It was not what I ordered, one of the car was not cleaned and not filled with gas. But besides that it was good.
Kristín margrét rented a vehicle in June 2020
Submitted 16. Jan 2020
Our flight had 3 hours delay, so I informed the rental company about it. However, as we arrived, there wasn´t anybody to pick us up. After 2 calls and ca 1 hour waiting somebody came to drive us to the car rental place. I chose the rental company because of the price and free GPS. But the GPS didn't worked at all. The guy showed us our car, but he did not check if the GPS was working properly. I had to return it 5 times!!! Every time he gave me a new one, it work for 2 minutes and then it shout down. It was because the adapter he gave us was not working, not the display. But he did not try it with us at all (after he gave us the keys, he had new customers and did not bother to help us). He told me, if we have problem with the GPS, he could offer us some discount as soon we return the car, so I gave up and we used our mobile phones whole time. As soon as we returned the car (ca 1,5 hours) before our flight there was no time to discuss the discount because there were 2 other customers waiting. Nobody told us, that we need to return the car at least 2,5 hours before our flight. Luckily, they arranged pick up for us and for another pair (who had not know about it also) and so we could catch our plane. We had dacia duster and we had no problem with it.
Veronika rented a vehicle in January 2020
Submitted 13. Jan 2020
Fine
The car was perfect but the quality of service was below expectations for the following reason : 1) In the email prior to departure it said that on arrival an agent would pick us up, so I was expecting to find the agent waiting for us at the door after baggage pickup. But the agent wasn't there and we had to wait for a very long time in the lobby with no instructions as to where to wait or what to do. At some point we even thought the agency had forgotten us. 2) I was forced to take an insurance (actually you don't have to, but if you don't 2700€ are taken from your card and refunded later, but I don't have that much spare money). So the rental cost me almost twice than what I was actually planning on spending, which is pretty annoying considering I chose this agency mainly for the cheap prices. 3) When we asked the guy to help us with the GPS he said he didn't know how to use it cause he has never used it before. This is a very unprofessionnal answer. 4) When we arrived to give back the car at 1am I had to call a number so that the staff comes. So basically if someone has no mean to make a phone in Iceland they have to wait until morning ?
Pierre rented a vehicle in January 2020
Submitted 17. Dec 2019
Fine
The car was great and the staff were very nice, however there was some confusion with the pickup and we didn't get picked up until an hour after our designated pickup time. This was rather upsetting as it made us late for plans that we had. One, the sign used for pickup did not say northern lights car rental as the main company, but another company name instead, causing confusion. Additionally, the driver only stayed at the airport for about five minutes and did not ensure that all customers, including us, had been accounted for. I would suggest improving this part of the process.
Lauren rented a vehicle in December 2019
Submitted 17. Dec 2019
I'm rented a 4x4 in December. My flight was postponed until the next day because Keflavik airport was closed ( weather reasons). I had warned Northern Lights Car Rental. Tomorrow, the agent couldn't no longer find our reservation. Once the car is in possession, after 15 min of driving, two orange LEDs light up. On the phone, we are told that it's nothing serious. Moreover, the wiper (water jet) didn't work. I'm disapointed especially in severe weather alert. It was the second time i came to island and the first time i rent by northern lights car rental
Estelle rented a vehicle in December 2019
Submitted 29. Oct 2019
Fine
I had a Dacia Duster instead...... it was ok but I missed studs on the tires because I went to the west fjords and the roads are icy and with a lot of snow. I did asked this and told about my destination but they say that studs are given in mid November.
Mario rented a vehicle in October 2019
Submitted 21. Oct 2019
Fine
The Dacia was Ok Pretty basic to drive and the fuel guage stopped working but it did no t let us down.
Patrick rented a vehicle in October 2019
Submitted 07. Feb 2020
Fine
Our experince with the agency varied from extatic to tottaly disapointing. We waited a while for a pick up at the airport, also for the transport back to the airport to the point that we got worried about catching the plane, even thoug we followed the instructions about timing of the drop off with time to spare. We got an upgrade of the car, probably since it was a bit off season. They did provide almost all the information, precautions we have to take because of the strong winds and other small print as to what insurance doesn't cover. Most of the trip went smoothly except only after changing the car did we realise the heating did not work and the weater was not the reason we were cold in the car with the heating almost to full. Inspite of us being carefull wind broke the rear door.Substituting it near Vik would cost us more then renting a new one - and that was not in the contract - the costs of replacing a broken car. While dealing with the situation, ot being familiar with police attitude toward a broken car on the road an employee of the agency actually hung up on me. Unless I would treathen him in some way that is no way to treat any client. At the end of course we paid for the damage. It cost us around 3200€. I understand that everything is pricier in Iceland. So I cheked at home and the same repair would be aroun 1000€ for new doors and half the price with used ones. With all the tourist crashing and breaking the cars, would it really be so hard to find used doors. Especially as the agency had some broken cars parked just next to their headquaters. Also the agency offered to sent us the invoice from the garage, so we can check the real invoice and it took two months and a demand to return the money if they don't provide the invoice. In general, a nice agency to rent from, just make sure you don't damage your car in any way.
Spela rented a vehicle in October 2019
Submitted 01. Oct 2019
Fine
We had some issues with the car. Luckily it happened on days where we had some time to spare. So it didn't ruin anything, but it was a bit annoying. When breaking (on any road) and taking turns on gravel roads, the steering wheel started shaking pretty bad. And on gravel roads you could feel the car drifting off. The battery died after leaving the lights on for 15 minutes when we parked and stayed in the car. It was quite hard to put on the cables right, because the contact points of the battery were corroded. Then a few days later the cooling liquid was empty and the engine kept overheating. After calling to ask which color liquid we needed to put in, a mechanic was sent to take the car for a checkup. After the checkup we would get a new car the next day. We drove to a camping to stay the night and would meet the driver with the new car the next day. He would be there at 8 but still wasn't there at 9. That's when we messaged our contact that we would start driving and could meet the driver along the road. In the end the driver met us around 2pm after driving quite a long distance, about 4 hours without any problems.
Thomas rented a vehicle in September 2019
Submitted 13. Sep 2019
Fine
Booking and returning the car, the people dealing with this process were very professional. The car was fine too and seemed well maintained. However the top tent has some mold in it, this was due to a hole in the underside of the tent box. One night I went to go to bed and the mattress was significantly wet on one side. This was disappointing.
Derek rented a vehicle in September 2019
Submitted 21. Aug 2019
Fine
It was okay, except for the problems we had the first day with the battery and the gas levels. We phoned several times and the first time we phoned the person who took the phone was very rude and didn't want to help us. The rest of them very well. The car and the transportation to and from the airport was als okay.
Pau rented a vehicle in August 2019
Submitted 11. Aug 2019
Fine
Tent was excellent. Car - not so much! The condition of the car was quite bad with several issues. Loose belt chain so we woke up a few whole campsite with a screaming sound from then engine when it was cold. Hole in spinkler system and windscreen wiper defect. Ratteling doors and loose gearbox. No response on the mails we were told to send when we talked to customers service. We complained at the return of the car and got one days rent in refund. That was good - even though it took some discussion. We left with the impression that the handeling of customers and cars was far to busy and not thoroughly done.
Kasper erbou rented a vehicle in August 2019
Submitted 31. Jul 2019
Fine
First car with problems, no rescue wheel ....I have discover that by myself just before to leave.....so their control is really not serious. They change the car on site, for a old Dacia Duster not very clean inside... but it has made the job. Three orange light on during all the travel, 2800km...... They told us not to care with them.
Rémy rented a vehicle in July 2019
Submitted 23. Jul 2019
Fine
We were quite hurry to catch up the travel schedule when we picked up the car since the flight was delayed 4 hours, such we did not pay attention to check the quality of the car at the rental office. And were very surprise to notice that the car had run over 180000 kilometers after driving 2 hours, and had to change our travel plan to avoid any rough roads because of the age of the car. It is a lesson learned for us!
Hongshu rented a vehicle in July 2019

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