Iceland Road Trip Guide - 1, 3 & 7 Days

Planning a road trip in Iceland? 

Most Iceland road trip guides make it sound like you can drive the entire country in two days without stopping. That’s… not how it works in real life. At Auto Car Rental, we talk to travelers every single day at pickup, during the trip, and sometimes when the weather surprises them. So instead of unrealistic plans, this guide is based on routes we recommend, roads we know well, and trips that leave room to enjoy Iceland instead of rushing through it. No stress. No crazy driving days. Just good trips.
 
1-Day Road Trip 
The Golden Circle (Simple & Always a Good Idea) 
Driving time: 4–5 hours total 
Roads: Fully paved 
Good for: First-time visitors, short stays, any season
 
If you only have one day, don’t overthink it. The Golden Circle is popular for a reason.
Stops we recommend: 
• Þingvellir National Park 
• Geysir geothermal area 
• Gullfoss waterfall 
• Optional: Kerið crater
 
Auto Car Rental tip: Start early or go later in the afternoon. 
What car works best? Economy or Compact is perfect here, even in winter. 
 
3-Day Road Trip
The South Coast (Waterfalls, Beaches & Glaciers) 
This is one of the most common routes our customers drive, and for good reason. 
Driving: 500–600 km total 
Roads: Mostly paved, but exposed to wind 
Best for: Nature lovers & photographers
 
Day 1 – Waterfalls & Black Sand 
• Seljalandsfoss 
• Skógafoss 
• Reynisfjara black sand beach 
Day 2 – Glaciers & Ice 
• Skaftafell area 
• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon 
• Diamond Beach 
Day 3 – Easy return with stops 
• Dyrhólaey viewpoint 
• Vík village
 
Auto Car Rental tip: Wind on the south coast is no joke. Always hold your car door we’ve seen more doors than cars damaged by wind and be extra careful on Reynisfjara black sand beach.
 
Recommended car: 
• Summer: Compact or Intermediate 
• Winter: 4×4 strongly recommended
 
7-Day Road Trip 
The Ring Road 
A full Ring Road trip is amazing if you don’t rush it. 
Total driving: 1,300 km
 Roads: Paved highways with mountain passes 
Best for: First full Iceland experience
 
A realistic plan: 
• Day 1: Golden Circle 
• Day 2: South Coast 
• Day 3: East Fjords 
• Day 4: Lake Mývatn & North Iceland 
• Day 5: Akureyri & Tröllaskagi 
• Day 6: West Iceland 
• Day 7: Back to Reykjavík / Keflavík
 
Auto Car Rental tip: Leave space in your plan, and consider expanding your stay to 10 days to get the most out of it or you can skip the West Iceland. Some of the best stops aren’t on Google Maps they’re the ones you notice while driving. 
Recommended car: Intermediate or 4×4, especially outside summer.
 
Choosing the Right Car (The Honest Version) We get this question all the time. 
• Summer: Most travelers are fine with 2WD
 • Winter: 4×4 is the safer choice 
• Gravel roads: Higher clearance helps 
• F-roads: 4×4 only and only when they’re open 
If you’re unsure, just ask us. That’s what personal service is for.
 
One More Thing… About Driving in Iceland 
Yes, sheep really do walk onto the road. Sometimes without warning. Sometimes in groups.
 
Add to that: 
• sudden weather changes 
• strong winds 
• narrow bridges 
Take it slow, check road.is and safetravel.is, and don’t feel rushed. Iceland rewards patience.
 
Ready to start your road trip? 
At Auto Car Rental, we focus on: 
• personal, friendly service 
• honest advice 
• cars prepared for Icelandic roads If you want help choosing the right car or planning your route, we’re happy to help.
 
Check availability & find the right car for your trip