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If you’re renting a car in Iceland, you’ll need to refuel before returning it — whether that means filling up a petrol tank or recharging an electric battery. Even short trips can rack up kilometres quickly, so knowing where and how to refuel will make your journey smoother and stress‑free.
This guide covers everything you need to know about gas stations and EV charging in Iceland, so you can focus on enjoying the road ahead.
The Main Gas Stations in Iceland
Just like at home, Iceland has a handful of fuel companies you’ll see again and again while driving around the country. The main ones are:
- N1
- Orkan
- OB
- Olis
- Atlantsolia
You’ll also come across smaller, independently run stations, especially in rural areas.
Iceland has one Costco, located near Reykjavík, with its own fuel station. If you’re a Costco member, this is usually one of the cheapest places to fill up — ideal if you’re starting or ending your trip in the capital area.
How Gas Stations Work in Iceland
Most gas stations in Iceland are self‑service and open 24/7. This means you:
- Pull up to the pump
- Pay at the card machine
- Select your pump number and fuel amount
- Fill up yourself
If you don’t end up using the full amount you selected, the unused balance is refunded to your card.
Some larger stations — mainly in towns — are attended during the day. These operate much like traditional full‑service stations and usually accept cards and cash.
Paying at Self‑Service Gas Stations
Most self‑service stations require a card with a PIN. If your card doesn’t have one, you won’t be able to pay at the pump.
If that’s the case, you have a few options:
- Use an attended station
- Check with your bank before travelling — many cards already have a PIN assigned
- Buy prepaid fuel cards, which are sold in many shops around Iceland
Where to Find Gas Stations in Iceland
Gas stations are easy to find in:
- Towns and villages
- Reykjavík and the surrounding area
- Along Route 1 (the Ring Road)
The Ring Road is well serviced, but distances between stations can still be longer than you might expect. It’s not unusual to drive 100 km or more (or about 62 miles) between stations in some areas.
More remote regions — such as the Westfjords, Eastfjords and North Iceland — have fewer stations, usually only in towns. In these areas, it’s best to refuel whenever you have the chance.
The Icelandic Highlands have no gas stations at all. If you’re heading into the Highlands during summer, you’ll need to plan carefully, carry extra fuel if appropriate, and make sure you’ve rented a suitable 4x4 vehicle.
Fuel Prices in Iceland
Fuel prices in Iceland fluctuate and are generally higher than in most European countries. Prices vary by location and provider, with stations in and around Reykjavík often slightly cheaper than those in remote areas.
As of February 2026, the average price is 203 ISK/litre (or $1.65 USD or 1.40 EUR) for both gasoline and diesel. A litre of gasoline is equivalent to about a fourth of a U.S. gallon.
For the most up‑to‑date prices, it’s best to check a live fuel‑price comparison website shortly before and during your trip.
Where to Find the Cheapest Fuel in Iceland
- Costco Reykjavík (membership required)
- Certain Orkan stations around the capital area
- Certain Atlantsolia stations around the capital area
Prices change regularly, so checking current rates can help you save a bit along the way.
Check this website to find the cheapest gas and diesel prices, based on your region, whether that be the Capital area, Southwest, South, East, North, West or Westfjords.
Tips for Using Gas Stations in Iceland
Convenient Refuelling Near the Lava Car Rental Office
If you’re returning your car to Lava Car Rental, refuelling beforehand is quick and easy. Just 100 metres from our office, you’ll find:
- A Tesla Supercharger station, ideal for topping up electric vehicles before return
- An N1 gas station, perfect for refuelling petrol or diesel cars
This makes last‑minute refuelling simple and stress‑free — no detours needed.
Fuel Discounts with Lava Car Rental
If you’re renting with Lava Car Rental, your car comes with fuel discount keychains for OB, Olís and N1 stations. Simply use the keychain when refuelling to receive a discounted rate — a small perk that can make a real difference over a longer road trip.
Free Self‑Service Car Washes
Many Icelandic gas stations offer free self‑service car washes. After driving gravel roads or in winter conditions, a quick rinse can improve visibility and keep the car comfortable for the rest of your journey.
Food, Snacks and Hot Dogs
Gas stations in Iceland are surprisingly good places to eat. Many offer fresh food, decent coffee and the famous Icelandic hot dog — a road‑trip classic and a favourite with travellers.
Want to save even more money on your Iceland road trip? Make a stop at a grocery store before you head out on the road, and stock up on food you can prepare yourself.
Petrol vs Diesel
If you’re used to driving petrol cars at home, don’t automatically assume your rental car in Iceland uses petrol. Many rental vehicles run on diesel, and using the wrong fuel can cause serious damage, additional charges, and unwanted delays to your trip.
Before refuelling, always check your rental agreement or the label inside the fuel cap to confirm whether your car takes petrol or diesel. When filling up, take a moment to double-check the pump as well. In most Icelandic gas stations, petrol pumps have green handles and diesel pumps have black handles — the opposite of what you’ll find in the United States. Because colours can vary, it’s always best to rely on the fuel label rather than colour alone.
Electric Charging Stations in Iceland
If you plan to rent an electric car in Iceland, you’ll want to know exactly where you can find charging stations throughout the country. Iceland’s electric vehicle charging network is well developed and continues to expand, making it entirely possible to explore the country in an electric car. While chargers are still less common than petrol stations in very remote areas, coverage across Iceland is strong and improving every year.
The main charging networks include:
- ON
- Ísorka
- Charge and Drive
- Tesla Superchargers
For finding and using charging stations, we recommend downloading the ON and Ísorka apps. These allow you to locate nearby chargers, check availability, and pay directly through your phone.
PlugShare, on the other hand, is best used as a planning tool. It’s a website and app that shows the locations of charging stations across Iceland, along with user reviews and practical notes — ideal for mapping out your route in advance.
There are currently 13 Tesla Supercharger stations, strategically located around the country and covering all corners of Iceland. This makes long-distance travel in a Tesla both practical and convenient.
How to Charge an Electric Car in Iceland
While you might not want to wait until you’re on a road trip in a foreign country to try driving an electric car for the first time if you do rent one for your Iceland road trip and you’re unfamiliar with how to charge one, rest assured that it’s relatively easy.
Types of Charging
There are three common types of EV chargers in Iceland:
- AC chargers (22 kW): Best suited for overnight or slow charging. These are most commonly found in Reykjavík, hotel car parks and other urban areas.
- DC fast chargers (50 kW): Faster charging stations typically located along the Ring Road and in most larger towns.
- Tesla Superchargers (up to 225 kW): Ultra-fast chargers exclusive to Tesla vehicles, ideal for quick top-ups between destinations.
Charging Time
The time it takes to charge your electric vehicle depends on both the charger type and the size of your battery:
- AC chargers: typically 6–10 hours, making them best for overnight stays
- DC fast chargers: approximately 60–90 minutes
- Tesla Superchargers: around 20–40 minutes to reach 80% charge
It’s smart to charge your car overnight at your accommodation or during extended sightseeing stops to avoid downtime.
Charging Costs (Typical 2026 Rates)
Charging prices vary slightly by provider and charger speed, but you can expect roughly:
- AC (22 kW): around 30 ISK/kWh (approximately €0.21 or $0.24)
- DC (50 kW): around 50 ISK/kWh (approximately €0.35 or $0.40)
- Tesla Superchargers (225 kW): around 65 ISK/kWh (approximately €0.46 or $0.52)
Fast charging is more expensive than slow charging, and rates can change, so checking prices in the provider’s app is recommended.
Paying for EV Charging in Iceland
You can usually pay:
- Via the charging provider’s app (ON or Ísorka)
- Through your vehicle, if you’ve booked a Tesla with Lava Car Rental and added the Supercharger option, which allows free charging at Tesla Superchargers
Ready to Get on the Road?
Whether you’re driving a petrol car or an electric vehicle, refuelling in Iceland is easy once you know what to expect. With a bit of planning — and the right rental — you’ll be free to explore Iceland at your own pace.
When you’re ready to book, explore the range of vehicles available at Lava Car Rental and choose the option that best suits your journey.
Looking for more practical driving tips? Don’t miss our guide to parking in Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel & EV Charging in Iceland
Are gas stations in Iceland open 24/7?
Most gas stations in Iceland are self-service and open 24/7, especially along the Ring Road and near Reykjavík. Attended stations usually operate during daytime hours only.
Can I pay for fuel in Iceland with a foreign card?
Yes, but most self-service pumps require a card with a PIN. If your card doesn’t have one, use an attended station or purchase a prepaid fuel card.
How often should I refuel when driving in Iceland?
It’s best to refuel whenever you have the opportunity, especially in rural areas. On the Ring Road, distances between stations can reach 100 km or more, and in regions like the Westfjords, stations are limited to towns.
Do I need to refuel my rental car before returning it?
Yes. Rental cars in Iceland are returned with the same fuel or charge level as at pick-up. Refuelling shortly before return is recommended — especially since there’s an N1 gas station and a Tesla Supercharger just 100 metres from the Lava Car Rental office, making it quick and easy.
Are electric cars suitable for road trips in Iceland?
Absolutely. Iceland’s EV charging network is well developed, with reliable coverage across the country and 13 Tesla Superchargers located in all corners of Iceland. With a bit of planning, electric vehicles are a great option for Iceland road trips.
Which apps should I download for EV charging in Iceland?
We recommend:
- ON app and Ísorka app for finding chargers and paying
- PlugShare website for planning routes and checking charger locations, reviews and availability
How long does it take to charge an electric car in Iceland?
That depends on the charger type:
- Tesla Superchargers: around 20–40 minutes to 80%
- DC fast chargers: about 60–90 minutes
- AC chargers: 6–10 hours (best for overnight charging)
Is EV charging expensive in Iceland?
EV charging costs in Iceland depend on the charger type and provider. Slow AC charging is the most affordable, while fast and ultra-fast chargers cost more due to the higher charging speeds. As a general guide:
- AC chargers (22 kW): around 30 ISK/kWh
- DC fast chargers (50 kW): around 50 ISK/kWh
- Tesla Superchargers (up to 225 kW): around 65 ISK/kWh
Prices can vary slightly by location and provider, so it’s always a good idea to check the current rate in the charging app before plugging in.
