When planning a trip around Iceland's ring road, there's one thing to consider before all else. It will affect not only your budget or the areas of Iceland you'll be able to access but also where you'll spend the night. So, what will it be? What type of vehicle will you rent for your vacation in Iceland? There are three available options, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
Everything, from price to ease of use and comfort, are decisive factors when choosing the best way to travel around Iceland. Whether you choose to rent a car, camper, or motorhome, you will definitely have one of the best trips of your life, let’s see what we have!
Car Rentals
The first option is the most standard. Many of our visitors choose to combine car rentals with staying in hotels. This is an excellent alternative and is probably the most comfortable of the three. You can relax with a nice hot shower at the end of the day and sleep in a large, comfortable bed. Who doesn't like staying in a spacious hotel room or B&B, where everything is at your disposal and your only concern is resting? Travelers who choose this option may have a larger budget.
You can choose to travel around the Nordic island in a car if you plan to visit the country only driving on the N1 road. If you plan to go on mountain roads (F-Roads), you must rent a 4x4 vehicle. These are required by law for this type of road. SUVs like the Dacia Duster or Kia Sportage are perfect for these types of trips. If you have doubts about which car to rent, you can visit our guide to the different categories of cars for traveling around Iceland.
The disadvantage of renting a car or SUV in Iceland is what you'll have to pay for accommodation. Car rentals and refueling are not excessively expensive. The hotel price is what will most affect your wallet. To give you an idea, the price of a room per night in Reykjavik ranges from €150 to €400. One way to save money is to use campsites, as in this case, you would only pay €7 to €15 per night per person. On the other hand, you won't be able to cook, so you'll always eat out.
Camper Rentals
This is the favorite option for young people and couples: A camper! The trendy vehicle for road trips. You have almost everything you need in your house on four wheels. During the day, you drive listening to your favorite music, just you, the road, the sky, the beautiful Icelandic landscapes, and yourself.
When you're ready to sleep, you simply drive to the nearest campsite and set up for the night. No need to set up a tent, as the vehicle includes a warm and cozy bed in the back, along with a Webasto heater to keep you warm during the night. When you wake up in the morning, turn the bed into a dining area. You’re likely to have a gas stove included with the camper rental, some of them even come with a sink.
The only downside I can think of when renting a camper is that they are not as luxurious as the other two options. With a camper, you will have to stay at campsites and use their facilities. This means you'll share bathrooms and showers with other people. Also, you will have to pay to use hot water. However, most campsites offer multiple services like WiFi. I recommend planning your route in advance and checking which services and facilities are available at the campsites you wish to visit.
Some camper models like the Marco Polo and California are 4x4, ideal in case you plan to drive on mountain roads (F).
Motorhome Rentals
Motorhomes in Iceland are the favorite means of transport for families. Every summer, the roads of our small island are filled with these land monsters. Motorhomes are fantastic because you will really feel at home. Besides being well-equipped with a full kitchen and dining area, they have a bathroom with a toilet and a shower with hot water. Here, you have the freedom of a camper combined with the comfort of a hotel. This hybrid way of traveling could be perfect for you if you want the best of both worlds.
You should keep in mind that motorhomes are more expensive than campers. Another drawback is that motorhomes cannot be driven on F roads, so you’ll have to stay on the ring road.
3 Ways to Travel Around Iceland: Car, Camper, or Motorhome
The best way to travel around Iceland really depends on you. Preferences regarding travel style, budget, itinerary, and even the type of vehicle you find most comfortable to drive are important factors to consider. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy during your visit to the land of fire and ice.
While travel style and transport may differ between our travelers, what you'll have in common is that you’ll live unique experiences that you won’t easily find anywhere else on Earth. Climbing a glacier in Vatnajökull or visiting the bubbling mud pits in Hverir are just some of the best things to do in Iceland, one of the most unique countries you can visit. Regardless of the vehicle you choose, make every Viking experience a unique moment.
No matter what mode of transport you choose, each way of traveling around Iceland has its own charm. Whether enjoying the comfort and flexibility of a car rental, the freedom of a camper, or the comfort of a motorhome, each option offers a unique experience. The important thing is that you choose what best fits your needs and desires, and enjoy your Icelandic adventure to the fullest.
If you have any doubts or need more information, feel free to check out our guides and recommendations on each type of vehicle and the best accommodation and route options. We're here to help you plan the perfect trip to Iceland!
