I’m considering either the Ring Road or the Golden Circle in September, but as I’m from the UK, driving on the right makes me a bit nervous.
I’ve driven on the right before in smaller places (Santorini and the Azores), which was fine overall, but I still didn’t love it. I’m curious what the roads are like in Iceland.
I’m guessing that outside Reykjavík there isn’t too much traffic, is that generally correct? More specifically, what’s it like driving from the airport and around Reykjavík itself?
I’m currently looking at self-drive tours, but if I decide against driving, I’ve also seen a few bus tour options. That said, I do really like the idea of road-tripping and being able to stop whenever I want.
Has anyone who normally drives on the left done this in Iceland, and how did you find it?
I did this solo hiring a fabulous 4x4 Pajero camper ideal for one or ‘cosy’ for 2. Very easy as roads are quiet, especially outside of towns.
I did it in 2017 and even then the Golden Circle route wasn’t entirely tarmacced and once you get off the main road, as you will want to, roads are often gravel tracks, but better than that sounds. So get a 4x4 if you can to give you peace of mind and more options. Some remote roads/tracks are designated 4x4 only.
The golden rule is to be slow and steady on snow and loose gravel. Avoid doing anything suddenly.
Different vehicles have different set ups, but most most will be permanent 4x4. Whoever to get if from will explain how to use it in different circumstances.
I wasn’t driving myself - but my recollection of being on the bus and walking around town is that the roads around Reykjavík weren’t crazy traffic. It was more of a big road which connected the airport to the city and there was a main road which ran around the outside of the rather small city centre… that road had the hotel we stayed in and we walked everywhere from there. If you were staying in the few blocks of the very tourist heart maybe the roads are a bit tighter, but otherwise you’ll be absolutely fine in the city. Once outside the Capital - it’s basically one big ring-road which runs around the whole country and it wasn’t a super busy road. There’s no big trees in Iceland, so you could see for miles (so long as the fog and rain wasn’t in… which it might well be!). Seemed a very easy place to drive and self-drive tours seem to be one of the main / most popular options there. Have fun!
Thanks @Garry - this is very reassuring - I don’t plan to stay in Reykjavik anyway, so that sounds pretty doable! But yes, i guess the weather is the unknown factor!
Thanks @BigAndyC - so did your hire car company let you take your 4x4 off road/on gravel tracks?
I know they are very strict about this in Australis so hadn’t really considered it! But if the roads are gravel in some places, I guess it is agiven, in which case a 4X4 does sound a good option - a campervan would definitely be cool!
The 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser is a brilliant off-roader allowing you to go just about anywhere. I’m a big guy so sharing the sleeping face would have been cosy, but very comfortable for one. Not cheap but perfect.
4x4 are required to use the F-roads, the gravel highland roads, and advisable for the lowland gravel and dirt roads. Off-roading off of the designated roads and tracks is illegal and potentially very dangerous.
We’re still seven months away, but I look forward to seeing where you end up. Maybe you’ll consider my initial suggestion - or someone might even add more candidates to the mix.
