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  • January 08, 2026
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Car Rental in Iceland for Business Travellers

Car Rental in Iceland for Business Travellers

This article explains why renting a car is essential for business travellers in Iceland and what to look for in a fast, reliable rental experience. It covers 24/7 pickup, insurance, vehicle choice, local expertise and how to save time from arrival at Keflavík Airport to your final meeting.

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Car Rental in Iceland for Business Travellers

When you’re a business traveller, convenience matters above all else. You need to get to your work obligations on time. You need to work with reliable travel suppliers. Delays are not a part of your ideal schedule.

These expectations, of course, extend to your car rental experience. When renting a car as part of a business trip in Iceland, you need to be able to pick up your vehicle when you need it, regardless of the day or time. You need that car to be reliable and outfitted for your unique itinerary.

Luckily, if you’re currently needing to book a car rental in Iceland for a business traveller, you can enjoy a seamless, convenient experience from the moment you arrive at Keflavík Airport. Here’s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

  • Given Iceland’s lack of public transit, most visitors do need to rent a car for business travel in the country.
  • For the most convenient business trip, you’ll want a provider that offers an easy pickup location, flexibility and clear processes.
  • You can save time picking up your rental car with a provider who offers 24/7 pickup and easy insurance options.
  • Going with a local provider comes with the added benefit of regional expertise.

Is Renting a Car Necessary for Business Travel in Iceland?

In most cases, you’ll find that you do need a rental car if you’re coming on a business trip to Iceland. While you may be able to get around Reykjavík to a limited degree via public transportation, if your meetings are spread out across the city or even beyond, you’ll have few transportation options. Those travelling on business often find that the inconvenience just isn’t worth it.

In contrast, when business travellers rent a car in Iceland, they can enjoy total, full control over their schedules. They can check travel times on the roads and plan their days accordingly, ensuring that they arrive on time to every meeting. Plus, if they ever want to do a little sightseeing or if their business plans change at the last minute, their rental car is right there, ready and waiting for them.

Business traveller in Iceland enjoying the landscapes in between meetings

Why Speed and Efficiency Matter When Travelling for Work

If you’re a frequent business traveller, then you already know how much slow-moving processes and delays can derail your entire trip.

If your flight is delayed, you could end up missing meetings. If you have to wait in long lines at the rental car counter, you could not make that dinner with a client. Plus, work trips typically have very tight, packed schedules. There’s little wiggle room, if any. If even one element of your day falls out of line, it could impact the whole trip.

As such, you likely want to remove as many risks from your schedule as possible. One way you can do that is by choosing a rental car company designed to offer you the most convenient and efficient rental process possible.

What to Look for When Choosing a Car Rental in Iceland

There are a few key things that you, as a business traveller, will want to look for when choosing a car rental company in Iceland. Ask yourself:

  • Is the pricing clear, and do you know exactly what you’re getting?
  • Is the insurance coverage you’re getting with the rental car clear as well?
  • Is the rental car company locally based and aware of regional road and weather conditions?
  • Are the vehicles well-maintained, reliable and professional?
  • How has the customer support been, and do you feel that they will respond quickly and helpfully if you have any issues?

You should be able to positively answer all of the above questions for a seamless, successful trip.

Step by Step: A Smooth Car Rental Experience for Business Travellers

The car rental experience in Iceland for business travellers couldn’t be easier. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Book your business car rental in Iceland online.

First, you’ll book your business car rental online, ahead of your trip, so that your reservation has been made and there’s no just hoping that you can get a rental car once you actually arrive. You’ll be able to pick your car in advance, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying, so you can report that among your expenses, and you’ll know what insurance you have, so you can provide that information to your employer as well.

  1. Arrive at Keflavik Airport

Then, you’ll arrive at Keflavik Airport, which is the main international travel hub for Iceland and where all international travellers arrive.

  1. Pick up your vehicle near the airport.

From there, you’ll be able to pick up your car in Keflavik. Choosing a rental car provider with a Keflavik location rather than a Reykjavik location allows you to omit the need to take a shuttle into the city, which is both costly and time-consuming. Instead, you can take advantage of the provider’s pick-up service, go straight from the airport to the rental office and get your car.

  1. Get on the road without delay.

From there, where you go is up to you! You’ll be able to quickly pick up your vehicle, with some rental car companies even allowing for self-check-in and pick-up, 24/7, and head off to your hotel or other destination.

Picking up your rental car may just end up being the least stressful part of your trip!

24/7 Pickup, Drop-Off, and Flexibility When Plans Change

Along these lines, one of the most important things you can look for when choosing a car rental in Iceland for business travellers is a 24/7 self-service pickup option, and a similarly fast 24/7 drop-off option.

Many flights come into Iceland outside of normal business hours, and you want to be sure that you can always retrieve your vehicle, regardless of arrival or departure times. This flexibility will provide peace of mind as you prepare for your upcoming trip.

Rental cars in Iceland parked near Keflavik Airport

Simple, All-Inclusive Insurance with No Surprises

Rental car insurance can also be a pain during a business trip, particularly if you’re working with a set business travel budget. You don’t want to be suddenly surprised with extra charges for coverage that you need over the course of your visit.

As such, choose a rental car provider that includes essential insurance in the base cost of your rental. From there, you can add on or adjust further coverage, such as comprehensive and full coverage that will ensure your business doesn’t end up with unexpected expenses related to minor damage.

Additionally, when you have full coverage, if minor damage does occur, you won’t need to spend your valuable time after your trip, working with the car rental company to pay damage-related fees. You’re totally covered!

Easy Payment Options for Business Travellers

Then, of course, when you’re travelling internationally for work, you want to know that you can make purchases outside of your home country with ease. As such, look for a car rental provider that will take your company debit or credit card, right from the start.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Business Travel in Iceland

If you travel for work regularly, then you know that a reliable and comfortable vehicle is a must. You want a modern car with modern features.

However, when travelling in Iceland specifically, you also need to pick a vehicle based on where you’re going throughout the country, as well as the time of year of your visit. 

For example, if you’re visiting during the winter months, you probably need a 4x4 vehicle, as it’s highly likely you’ll encounter some snow and ice on the roads. If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or transporting items for a meeting or conference, you may need the ample space provided by an SUV

When you work with a local rental car provider in Iceland, they’ll be able to assess your needs and make a reliable suggestion.

Efficient electric car on the road in Iceland

Global vs Local Car Rental Companies in Iceland

Along these lines, while you may be familiar with some of the global car rental companies in Iceland, opting for renting through a local company comes with many key benefits. Their employees will be more familiar with the driving conditions, roadways and how to make your business trip as smooth as possible.

Additionally, they often offer more competitive pricing and more inclusions than what you might get with a big international brand. Overall, for the best price and highest level of customer care, go with a local provider.

How Lava Car Rental Supports Business Travel in Iceland

Lava Car Rental meets all of the above requirements and more. 

A local company with an office just a short distance from Keflavík Airport, Lava Car Rental ensures your trip gets off on the right foot, as soon as you land. There’s no need to fight crowds at the in-terminal rental desk, and thanks to online check-in and self-service options, you can grab your car no matter what time your flight comes in.

Just hop the shuttle from the airport, ride for about 5 minutes to the rental office and pick up your car. There’s no need to complete any paperwork. Just grab your vehicle and go.

Drop-off is similarly easy and can be completed at any time, and if you have full insurance coverage, there’s no need for a lengthy vehicle review.

The entire process is quick and simple, including:

Additionally, Lava Car Rental’s local employees will be able to personally support your trip with their extensive knowledge of travel, both business and leisure, around Iceland.

Lava Car Rental employee giving key to customer

When Should You Book a Rental Car in Iceland?

As soon as you’ve booked your flights and your trip to Iceland is secured, you need to book your rental car as well. Particularly during peak travel seasons, like throughout the summer, Iceland rental car providers may run out of inventory. Booking well in advance ensures that you get exactly the vehicle you want and need, for one less thing to worry about over the course of your business trip.

Quick Recap for Business Travellers

  • Most business travellers will need to book a rental car when in Iceland.
  • A seamless business trip requires booking with a provider who offers clear and flexible booking processes.
  • Opting for a provider with 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off will save time.
  • Transparent pricing and insurance make for easier expensing and company policy adherence.
  • Local expertise will provide superior support and on-the-ground knowledge.
  • Booking your car rental in Iceland for business travel should take place as early as possible, to ensure you get the vehicle you need.

Ready to Get on the Road?

As you begin to plan your trip, whatever car for business travellers in Iceland that you need, Lava Car Rental has it, along with a clear, easy, flexible and efficient pick-up and drop-off process that keeps your itinerary rolling along.

See our full fleet of reliable, modern vehicles and book your rental today

FAQ

Is a car rental in Iceland really necessary for business travellers?

Yes, most business travellers who visit Iceland will need a rental car, as public transportation is limited and service may not align with your schedule. A rental car makes getting to your meetings and other events easy, no matter where you’re going or when.

What should you look for when booking a car for business travellers in Iceland?

Look for a car rental provider that offers transparent pricing, comprehensive insurance within the base rental fee, high-quality and modern vehicles and local knowledge of Iceland roads and terrains. Additionally, look for a provider with strong customer reviews and easily reachable customer support.

What will make renting a car for business travellers in Iceland more efficient?

For the most efficient car rental process possible during a business trip, look for a provider that offers 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off, as well as flexible cancellation or modification terms, so you can change your pick-up and drop-off dates and times, if needed. Additionally, look for a provider with an office near the Keflavik Airport, and easy payment options.

Should business travellers in Iceland rent a car with a global or local company?

Local car rental companies can provide a greater level of local knowledge, ensuring for a seamless and safer trip. Additionally, they can offer customer service that’s ultimately more helpful, as employees know Icelandic weather, driving and road conditions, and can provide assistance in real time.

When should you book a rental car for an Iceland business trip?

Book your rental car as soon as your trip is confirmed, particularly if you’re travelling during the summer, when demand for rental cars in Iceland is exceptionally high. Booking early makes it more likely that you’ll get a good price, as well as the vehicle you want and need for your trip.

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