Guide to Renting a 4x4 in Iceland
According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, 61% of travellers choose to rent a car when they visit Iceland; it is, after all, one of the easiest and best ways to see the entire island on your own schedule. But, when visiting Iceland, it’s important to realise that you can't just rent a car and hit the road. Iceland’s dramatic landscape can be treacherous and the constantly changing weather can result in dangerous road conditions — and that’s exactly where renting a 4x4 vehicle can come in handy.
This guide explains when a 4x4 is necessary, which vehicle suits your trip, how much it costs, and what to expect on Iceland’s F-roads.
Go to chapter
- When Do You Need a 4x4 in Iceland?
- What 4x4 Models to Rent in Iceland
- How Much Does it Cost to Rent a 4x4 in Iceland?
- Where should you pick up your 4x4 car in Iceland?
- How to Rent a 4x4 Vehicle in Iceland
- Driving on F-Roads in Iceland
- Recap: Should You Rent a 4x4 in Iceland?
- Explore Iceland’s Wilder Side with a 4x4
When Do You Need a 4x4 in Iceland?
In general, more than 70% of our customers rent a 4x4 year-round, and for good reason.
In Winter (November to April)
From November to April, weather conditions can include snow, ice, blizzards, and low visibility. A 4x4 provides the traction, stability, and clearance necessary for safe travel. Do note that if you rent a car during the winter in Iceland, regardless of the type of car it is, it will be outfitted with winter tires. These winter tires may or may not be studded, but are mandatory by law during these months. In winter, 80% of our customers book 4x4 vehicles.
You might get by with a 2WD if you’re staying in Reykjavik and visiting only the Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle. But for the Ring Road, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or anything beyond, a 4x4 is a must.
In Summer (May to September)
The weather is milder, and roads are more accessible, but a 4x4 is still necessary if you're planning to visit:
- The Highlands (F-roads): These remote, mountainous roads are only open during the summer and legally require a 4x4 vehicle. They're often unpaved, with steep inclines, occasional river crossings, and rough terrain that can challenge even experienced drivers.
- The Westfjords: While some parts are accessible with a 2WD in perfect summer weather, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to gravel roads, elevation changes, and limited road maintenance.
- Any gravel roads off the main highways: Even if you're not heading into the Highlands or Westfjords, many scenic detours and less-visited attractions require travel on gravel roads. A 4x4 offers better handling, clearance, and stability on these uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of getting stuck or damaging the vehicle.
In these areas, rugged terrain and occasional river crossings demand a vehicle with better clearance and traction. In summer, 65% of our travellers choose a 4x4 to explore gravel roads, mountain areas, and F-roads.
For the Ring Road in Winter
The Ring Road is generally well-maintained, but in winter, or if you’re travelling with a large group, a 4x4 offers both safety and comfort. It also gives you the freedom to take detours onto gravel roads or explore beyond the main route.
For the Westfjords
In summer, it’s possible to explore the Westfjords with a 2WD, provided you avoid F-roads. Still, the ride is noticeably smoother in a 4x4. In winter, a 4x4 is essential for access and safety.
What 4x4 Models to Rent in Iceland
Wondering what type of 4x4 car rental in Iceland is right for you? Here are some of our recommendations.
Small SUVs
A small SUV is a good option if you want the height and practicality of a larger 4x4, but without the higher cost. You’ll stay safe on rugged roadways and in unpredictable weather. Best suited for couples or small families travelling light.
Examples: Suzuki Jimny, Dacia Duster
These are great for the Highlands (F-roads), the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes and the Ring Road. River crossings are very limited — always check your route.
Medium SUVs
If you're travelling in a group of 4–5 people with more luggage, a medium SUV is a comfortable choice.
Examples: Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4
Perfect for gravel roads and Highlands routes with smaller or medium river crossings. They strike a good balance between comfort, size, and price.
Large SUVs
Ideal for larger groups or anyone planning to tackle the toughest terrain Iceland has to offer.
Examples: Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery
Spacious, powerful, and suited for nearly all F-roads and remote areas — including those with significant river crossings. Keep in mind that passenger capacity may reduce luggage space.
4x4 Campers
Combining accommodation and transport, 4x4 campervans are a favourite for those wanting freedom and flexibility.
Examples: VW Transporter 4x4
Great for exploring remote parts of Iceland, especially if you want to camp without relying on hotels or guesthouses. Popular for the Ring Road and Highland detours.
Note: SUVs come in both manual and automatic transmissions. You'll find petrol, diesel, and hybrid options across most vehicle categories.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a 4x4 in Iceland?
Cost factors
How much your 4x4 rental in Iceland will cost depends on a few different factors.
- Size
While, in general, 4x4 vehicles are larger than 2WD vehicles, you’ll still find 4x4 vehicles in a range of sizes. Smaller 4x4 vehicles, like the Suzuki Jimny, are more affordable than larger 4x4 vehicles, like the Land Cruiser or even the 4x4 campervan rentals in Iceland.
- Transmission
Transmission, while not a first consideration for many travellers, will also play into your rental cost. In Iceland, manual transmissions are standard and more popular, so automatic transmission vehicles are in higher demand for travellers coming from other countries where automatic transmissions are the standard. Because of this higher demand, automatic transmission vehicles are slightly more expensive than standard transmission vehicles.
- Age
Of course, the newer the car, the more expensive.
- Season
You’ll find that rental costs fluctuate depending on the season in Iceland. The high season for tourism in the country is summer, so rental costs are higher then. Rental costs decrease in the winter.
- Rental period
The longer you choose to rent a vehicle, the higher the cost will be.
- Fuel
Beyond the cost of the rental itself, you should also consider the cost that will come from your fuel consumption. A 4x4 that runs on diesel will be overall more affordable than a 4x4 that runs on petrol, as diesel is more affordable than petrol in Iceland.
- How early you book
Travellers who book far in advance have, most of the time, a better deal and more choice than those who book at the last minute.
Estimated Daily Prices for a 4x4 rental in Iceland in 2025
| Winter | Summer | |
| Small 4x4 (Duster or similar) | From 6,500 ISK (46€ or $53) per day | From 14,000 ISK (100€ or $110) per day |
| Medium 4x4 (RAV4 or similar) | From 7,800 ISK (55€ or $62) per day | From 18,500 ISK (130€ or $150) per day |
| Large 4x4 (Land Cruiser or similar) | From 14,000 ISK (100€ or $110) per day | From 26,000 ISK (185€ or $200) per day |
Where should you pick up your 4x4 car in Iceland?
Most travellers rent directly from Keflavík Airport—Iceland’s main airport. It’s super convenient: just pick up your keys when you land in Iceland and start your road trip right away.
How to Rent a 4x4 Vehicle in Iceland
Prepare ahead
The best way to book a 4x4 in Iceland is online, and ideally several months before your trip. Early booking guarantees better availability and rates, especially in peak travel seasons.
Book with a local company
Choosing a local rental company ensures you get better service, competitive prices, and valuable local knowledge. The team is on the ground in Iceland and knows the road conditions, weather forecasts, and travel regulations better than any third-party provider.
A local company also offers direct benefits like included insurance, free cancellations, and occasional upgrades: perks that large platforms often charge extra for.
Why Rent from Lava Car Rental?
At Lava Car Rental, we make renting a 4x4 in Iceland as simple and stress-free as possible. We believe exploring Iceland’s rugged landscapes shouldn’t come with complicated rules or unnecessary obstacles—and that’s why our rental process is more flexible than most.
To rent a 4x4 with us, you only need to meet a few straightforward requirements. Drivers must be at least 20 years old, which is notably lower than the minimum age of 23 or even 25 required by many other rental companies in Iceland. This makes Lava Car Rental a great option for younger adventurers who want to hit the road without facing extra fees or age-related restrictions.
You’ll also need a valid driver’s licence. If your licence isn’t in the Latin alphabet, we simply ask that you bring an International Driving Permit.
Finally, all bookings can be secured using either a credit card or a debit card. While some providers only accept credit cards, we understand that many travellers prefer the convenience of using a debit card, so we’ve made that possible too.
All in all, Lava Car Rental is committed to making your rental experience as easy as your Icelandic adventure is unforgettable.
Driving on F-Roads in Iceland
F-roads ("Fjallvegur" or mountain roads) are remote, rough, and only open in summer, typically from mid-June to early September, depending on weather and road conditions. These roads take you deep into Iceland’s unspoiled wilderness, offering jaw-dropping views and a true sense of adventure. You’ll find most F-roads in the Highlands and some in the Westfjords.
F-roads are not just rough gravel roads. They can be narrow, winding, and steep, with uneven surfaces, rocks, mud, and occasionally unbridged rivers. For this reason, a 4x4 vehicle is mandatory by law, and rental companies strictly prohibit the use of 2WD vehicles on these roads.
Popular, Accessible F-Roads
- F35 (Kjolur) – Also known as the Kjolur route, this is the most popular Highlands route and ideal for first-time Highland drivers. It runs from Geysir on the Golden Circle through the heart of Iceland, ending in the north of the country. Along the way, you’ll pass several noteworthy stops, including Gullfoss — one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Hvítárvatn — a serene glacial lake, and Hveravellir — a remote geothermal area with hot springs and hiking trails. The route offers a great balance of scenic beauty and accessibility, and notably, there are no river crossings along the way. This makes F35 a particularly safe and approachable option for travellers wanting to explore the Highlands with more peace of mind.
- F347 – A detour off F35, F347 takes you to the geothermal wonderland of Kerlingarfjoll, a striking mountain ridge range known for its colourful landscapes, steaming vents, and bubbling hot springs. It's a paradise for hikers, with several scenic trails winding through geothermal terrain. Though short, this road is steep and rough, so a proper 4x4 is necessary.
- F88 – This rugged route takes you into northeast Iceland and toward the striking Askja Caldera. F88 branches off from the Ring Road and crosses through stark, moon-like volcanic landscapes that are unique even by Icelandic standards. Notable stops include Hrossaborg, a massive crater, and Herdubreid, a beautiful tuya (flat-topped volcano) in Vatnajökull National Park. Travellers should be prepared for a challenging drive, including several river crossings — a high-clearance 4x4 is required.
- F550 (Kaldadalsvegur) – The shortest and one of the oldest Highland routes, F550 runs between Þingvellir and Húsafell. It’s often considered a great introduction to F-road driving for beginners. The landscape features lava fields and barren, moon-like scenery. While it's a gravel road, there are no unbridged river crossings, making it more accessible than many other F-roads, though a 4x4 is still required.
- F208 – One of the most scenic routes through the Highlands. The northern section of F208 leads to Landmannalaugar, a stunning geothermal area famous for its colourful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and hiking trails. This route is generally considered easy and suitable for most 4x4 vehicles. While the track includes rocky terrain, river crossings are minimal, with only an optional shallow crossing at the very end to reach the inner Landmannalaugar car park. If you'd prefer to avoid it, there’s a designated parking area before the river, and you can walk across a footbridge into the valley. This flexibility makes F208 North a popular choice for travellers looking for a manageable yet rewarding Highlands adventure.
Roads Prohibited in Iceland with a Rental Car
- Road 622 (Westfjords)
- Road 337 (Pjofahram)
- Road F578 (Arnavatsheidi)
- Road F210 (Myrdalsjokull)
- Road F26 (Highlands)
- Road F910 (Oskjuvatnsvegur)
- Road F980 (Kollmuluvegur)
- Road F249 (Porsmork)
Always check with your rental provider and refer to updated lists from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
For more information about what is and isn’t permitted while driving in Iceland, check out our complete guide to driving in Iceland.
How to Drive on Iceland’s F-Roads
Just because these roads may be a little more rugged than what you're used to, don’t let that intimidate you or stop you from seeing all the sights and sounds they offer. Compared to Iceland's Ring Road, the F-roads are far more remote and less crowded, so you’ll get the chance to see some of Iceland’s most pristine areas without all of the tourists.
All it takes to traverse the F-roads safely is a little bit of preparation and caution.
Before you head out, check the weather and road conditions:
On the day of your trip, bring everything you need as shops and gas stations are few and far between:
- Food and water
- Full tank of fuel and extra fuel canister if it is really remote
- Warm clothes and emergency supplies
For extra safety, submit a travel plan to Safe Travel. This allows the Icelandic Association of Search and Rescue to monitor your route and launch help if needed.
How Safe is River Crossing in a 4x4?
As you travel the F-roads, you may encounter small rivers that need to be crossed. While many people do this in Iceland, it's entirely at your own risk. No rental insurance covers river damage.
If you choose to cross a river, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t cross alone — wait until another driver is nearby
- Cross early in the day when water levels are lower
- Drive slowly, with the flow of water
- Avoid calm-looking spots, as they’re often deepest
- Never go off-road to find an easier path
- If unsure, don’t cross. Turn around and take an alternate route
Recap: Should You Rent a 4x4 in Iceland?
| You should rent a 4x4 if you | You can manage without a 4x4 if | |
|
Depending on the season |
Visit during fall, winter and spring |
Visit in summer only and travel paved road |
|
Depending on the itinerary |
Plan to explore the Highlands or the Westfjords |
Stay on main paved roads (Golden Circle, Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon) in summer |
Explore Iceland’s Wilder Side with a 4x4
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, tackling F-roads, or just want extra peace of mind, a 4x4 is your best bet for flexibility and safety on Icelandic roads.
