The Ring Road: self-drive guide
The Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland’s 1,300 km loop around the whole island on one mostly paved road - south-coast waterfalls, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the eastfjords, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri. Most drivers take 7-10 days. Collect an all-inclusive car at Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik; zero-excess cover earns its keep on Iceland’s gravel and weather.
The Ring Road is the ultimate Iceland road trip: a single 1,300 km loop (Route 1) that strings together almost every headline sight - the south-coast waterfalls and black beaches, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the remote eastfjords, the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn and the northern capital Akureyri - before returning to Reykjavik.
It is mostly paved and needs no 4x4, but the distances are real: most people take 7-10 days and overnight in Vik, Höfn and Akureyri. An all-inclusive Cardamar rental with zero excess takes the worry out of gravel shoulders, single-lane bridges and Iceland’s fast-changing weather.
Good to know
| Distance | ~1,300 km full island loop |
|---|---|
| Time to allow | 7-10 days (a week minimum) |
| Start / end | Reykjavik (or Keflavik Airport) |
| Road type | Mostly paved - no 4x4 for Route 1 itself |
| Best season | June-September for full access |
What you see around the loop
Heading clockwise from Reykjavik: the south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik), then Skaftafell and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the quiet eastfjords, Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss in the north, Akureyri, and the Borgarfjörður region back toward the capital. Side-trips like the Snæfellsnes peninsula are easy to add.
Driving clockwise puts the south-coast highlights first; anticlockwise saves them for the end. Either way, book accommodation ahead in summer - the loop is popular and beds are limited in small towns.
How long, and when to go
Seven days is the practical minimum; 10 days lets you slow down and add detours. June to September gives the longest daylight and open mountain roads. In winter the Ring Road stays open but conditions change fast, daylight is short, and a few sections can close briefly in storms - check road.is before each leg.
This is a touring route, not a race: 200-300 km a day with stops is plenty. Fill up whenever you pass a station in the east and north, where they are far apart.
Where to rent and why zero excess matters
Almost everyone collects the car at Keflavik Airport (KEF) on arrival or in central Reykjavik and returns it to the same place at the end of the loop. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, includes full insurance and zero excess - and over 1,300 km of Iceland’s gravel shoulders, ash and flying stones that is worth far more than at a typical sun-coast destination.
Confirm the Iceland-specific terms (gravel and sand-and-ash cover) at booking. With zero excess, a stone chip in the eastfjords or a wind-caught door costs you nothing.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in The Ring Road can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Rent your car for the The Ring Road
The Ring Road self-drive - FAQ
How many days do you need for Iceland’s Ring Road?
Seven days is the realistic minimum to drive the full loop without rushing; 10 days is more comfortable and lets you add detours like Snæfellsnes. Allow 200-300 km a day with stops.
Do I need a 4x4 for the Ring Road?
No - Route 1 itself is almost entirely paved and a 2WD is fine in summer (with winter tyres in the colder months). A 4x4 is only needed for highland F-roads, which the Ring Road does not use.
Can you drive the Ring Road in winter?
Yes, but with care: the road stays open, but daylight is short, conditions change fast and storms can briefly close sections. Check road.is daily, allow extra time, and a 4x4 with winter tyres is reassuring. Many first-timers prefer June-September.
Where do I pick up the car for the Ring Road?
Usually at Keflavik Airport (KEF) on arrival or in central Reykjavik, returning to the same point. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking with zero excess and gravel/sand-and-ash cover is ideal for the long loop.