Car Rental in Selfoss

Where to drive

• Golden Circle Tour: Drive from Selfoss to Þingvellir National Park (≈45 km, 40 min), Geysir geothermal area (≈70 km, 1 hr), and Gullfoss waterfall (≈80 km, 1 hr 10 min).
• South Coast Adventure: Head east from Selfoss to Seljalandsfoss waterfall (≈60 km, 50 min), Skógafoss waterfall (≈90 km, 1 hr 20 min), and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara near Vík (≈130 km, 1 hr 50 min).
• Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: A short drive from Selfoss (≈20 km, 20 min) to the trailhead for a beautiful hike to a natural hot spring river where you can bathe.
• Kerid Crater: Visit this striking volcanic crater lake, just a short drive north of Selfoss (≈15 km, 15 min), a unique geological formation.
• Hveragerði Geothermal Park: Explore the 'Flower Town' of Hveragerði (≈10 km, 10 min) with its geothermal park, hot springs, and greenhouses, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Iceland, you generally need a valid driver's license held for at least one year. For non-European licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often required by rental agencies, alongside your national license. You will also need a passport and a major credit card in the main driver's name. The minimum age for renting a car is typically 20 years old for economy cars and 23-25 for larger vehicles or SUVs.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Selfoss vary significantly by season and vehicle type. An economy car might start from around 30-50 EUR per day during the quietest months, while an SUV or premium vehicle could range from 80 EUR to well over 150 EUR daily. Peak summer months (June-August) see prices for all categories increase substantially, often doubling or tripling compared to winter lows. For example, an economy car could be around 80-120 EUR daily in summer, and an SUV might exceed 200 EUR per day.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Iceland, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 90 km/h on paved rural roads. All occupants must wear seatbelts. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night. Children under 135 cm (approximately 53 inches) must use an appropriate child restraint system. The blood alcohol limit is extremely strict, effectively 0.00% for practical purposes, as even a small amount can lead to heavy fines and license suspension.

Parking

In Selfoss, parking is generally free and readily available in most areas, including around shops and attractions. Unlike larger cities like Reykjavík, you won't typically find paid parking zones or parking meters. However, always check for signs to ensure you are parking legally and not on private property.

Fuel stations

Fuel is widely available in Selfoss and along major routes in South Iceland. Gas stations are less frequent in more remote areas, so it's wise to fill up whenever you see a station, especially before longer drives. Fuel prices are generally higher than in many other European countries, fluctuating but typically around 250-300 ISK per liter (approx. 1.70-2.00 EUR per liter). Most stations are self-service and accept credit cards with a PIN. Some remote stations may require a credit card only.

Which car to choose

For exploring the main paved roads and popular attractions like the Golden Circle and South Coast, a 2WD economy or compact car is usually sufficient, especially during summer. However, for winter travel (October-April) or if you plan to venture onto F-roads (mountain roads, only open in summer) or gravel routes, a 4x4 SUV is highly recommended for safety and comfort. An automatic transmission is common and generally preferred for ease of driving.

Frequently asked questions