Europe > Iceland > Reykjavík
Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Reykjavík car hire advice, please use the comments form below. |
Quick Ratings
Price band:
Reykjavík is in car rental price band: 5/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)
General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Reykjavík?
Sometimes. Economy rental prices are average by global standards.
Volatility:
Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Reykjavík between the peak and the off peak season?
5/10 (0 = stable prices)
Driving score: 10/10
Non car score:6/10
Balance: 8
(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)
General comment -
Why? Visiting Reykjavík using a hire car
Why do you need a car in Reykjavík ?
Although there are relatively few roads in Iceland outside the capital, there are still just about enough options to suggest various different popular tours, varying from the express one-way Golden Circle which picks out some of the most impressive places to visit within a day’s travel from Reykjavík, up to a full circuit of the whole island.
If you were to drive around Iceland non-stop without taking any additional inland detours, it might take you about 24 hours, hence a typical self-drive itinerary might take anything from 4 days to a fortnight.
Why not? Visiting Reykjavík without a car
Why don't you need a car in Reykjavík ?
Ratings: How does Reykjavík compare?
Is it worth hiring a car in Reykjavík? TBC
This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Reykjavík, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.
How does this compare if:
You are travelling:
Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc
Does car rental make sense on different budgets?
Do you need to hire a car in Reykjavík? TBC
This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Reykjavík (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".
Should you rent a car in Reykjavík? TBC
This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good.
See global comparisons
Hiring | Driving | Parking
Trains | Buses | Local travel
Car hire basics:
Public transportation basics:
Regular bus services: YES
Coach (inter-city): YES
Tram: NO
Metro: NO
Commuter Rail:
High Speed Rail:
Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):
As you start ....
Does Reykjavík airport have a direct rail link?
(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No
Changelog
Has our advice for Reykjavík car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?
2017 - 8
2019 - 6
2021 - 8
Average score - 8
Notes:
Iceland might be the sort of destination where the non-driver or the visitor who otherwise doesn’t want to rent a car can still get around, but options are always going to be heavily limited when compared to getting your own hire car.
Should you rent a car in Reykjavík? Yes!
Summary
Do you or don't you need a car in Reykjavík ?