RV Hire in Iceland: 2025 Road Trip Guide
If you are planning a self drive adventure, choosing RV hire in Iceland is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore the country. With RV hire in Iceland you travel with your bed, kitchen and gear in one place, turning every scenic pull off into a potential home for the night. This guide explains how RV hire in Iceland works, what it costs, how to stay safe on the roads and how to plan an unforgettable route.
Internal link: Still comparing vehicle types? See our full range of campervans and motorhomes on the North Star camper fleet page.
Outbound links: For daily travel safety updates use SafeTravel Iceland, check road conditions at road.is and see general visitor information on Visit Iceland.
What Does RV Hire in Iceland Actually Mean
RV hire in Iceland sometimes appears under different names such as motorhome rental or campervan rental. In all cases you are renting a self contained vehicle with sleeping, storage and basic cooking facilities, so your RV becomes both your transport and your accommodation. Instead of packing and unpacking between hotels, you travel with your home on wheels, which suits Iceland's long distances and fast changing weather.
Why Travelers Choose RV Hire in Iceland
Even though RV hire in Iceland is not always cheaper than renting a car and booking hotels, it offers a different kind of value that fits the way many people want to experience the country.
- Freedom and flexibility: Adjust your plans on the go, stay longer where it is beautiful, move on when you are ready.
- Wake up inside nature: Glaciers, fjords, volcanoes and black sand beaches become part of your morning view.
- Save on food costs: Cooking in your RV kitchen with supermarket groceries is far cheaper than eating out three times a day.
- Storage and comfort: Keep wet hiking clothes, camera gear and extra layers organised and dry between stops.
RV Hire in Iceland vs Car and Hotels
| Category | RV hire in Iceland | Car plus hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Very high | Moderate |
| Cost control | High if you cook and use campsites | Lower, food and hotel costs add up |
| Comfort | Good, but more compact | Highest, full hotel services |
| Scenic experience | Excellent, sleep close to nature | Good, but more distance from landscapes |
Choose RV hire in Iceland if you value freedom, changing views and the ability to stay close to nature. Choose car and hotels if you prefer fixed plans and traditional comfort every night.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Iceland Trip
The ideal vehicle for RV hire in Iceland depends on the season you are travelling, your group size, your route and how confident you feel driving larger vehicles.
RV Size and Sleeping Capacity
| RV type | Key benefits | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small campervan (2 to 3 people) | Affordable, easy to drive, fuel efficient, great for couples and solo travelers. | Less storage space and a more compact kitchen. |
| Medium campervan (up to 4 people) | More room for families or small groups, better separation between sleeping and storage. | Can feel large on narrow rural or mountain roads. |
| Large motorhome (up to 5 people) | Often includes bathroom, indoor dining area and more storage, ideal for long trips. | Higher fuel use, more sensitive to wind and less suited to tight parking areas. |
Do You Need a 4x4 for RV Hire in Iceland
- Summer (June to August): A two wheel drive RV is usually enough for the Ring Road and most popular sights.
- Winter (November to March): A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended because of ice, snow and changing road conditions.
- F roads in the Highlands: A 4x4 is required by law. Many RV hire companies do not allow larger motorhomes on F roads, so always check your contract.
What Is Typically Included in RV Hire in Iceland
Most reputable RV hire companies in Iceland include the essentials so you can start your trip immediately:
- Heating system for the living area
- Basic cookware, dishes and cutlery
- Mattresses, pillows and bedding or sleeping bags
- USB charging ports and often Bluetooth connectivity
- Basic insurance and access to roadside assistance
How Much Does RV Hire in Iceland Cost
Prices for RV hire in Iceland vary with vehicle size and season. As a rough guide, expect small campervans at the lower end and large motorhomes at the top of the range.
| RV type | Low season (May, September) | High season (June to August) |
|---|---|---|
| Small campervan | 80 to 120 USD per day | 150 to 200 USD per day |
| Medium campervan | 120 to 170 USD per day | 180 to 250 USD per day |
| Large motorhome | 180 to 230 USD per day | 250 to 350 USD per day |
What Affects RV Hire Pricing
- Booking several months in advance usually gives better rates.
- July and August are the most expensive months.
- One way rentals and extra drivers often add to the total cost.
- Insurance upgrades and optional extras such as Wi Fi also increase the daily rate.
How to Book RV Hire in Iceland the Smart Way
- Look for clear terms on insurance, mileage and deposit before you reserve.
- Check that 24 hour roadside assistance is included in your RV hire.
- Confirm what equipment comes as standard so you do not pay for bedding you do not need.
- Verify pick up and return times and whether the depot is at Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik.
- If you are travelling in peak season, reserve your RV hire in Iceland as early as possible.
Driving Rules and Safety Tips for RV Hire in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is straightforward when conditions are good, but the weather can change quickly. Respecting local rules and forecasts is an essential part of RV hire in Iceland.
Mandatory Rules Checklist
- Drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Keep headlights on at all times, day and night.
- Ensure every passenger wears a seatbelt.
- Never stop in the middle of the road or on blind hills for photos. Use designated pull offs.
- Do not drive on F roads without a suitable 4x4 and permission in your contract.
| Speed limit | Location |
|---|---|
| 50 km per hour | Towns and urban areas |
| 80 km per hour | Gravel roads outside towns |
| 90 km per hour | Paved highways |
Safety tip: Wind is one of the biggest risks for RVs in Iceland. Keep both hands on the wheel in strong wind and open doors slowly so they are not pulled from your hands.
Daily Checks During Your RV Trip
- Review road conditions each morning at road.is.
- Check the weather forecast at en.vedur.is.
- Keep your fuel tank topped up. Stations can be far apart, so do not wait until the last minute.
Best Routes for RV Hire in Iceland
RV hire in Iceland works best when you give yourself enough time on the road. Here are popular routes to consider:
- The Ring Road (10 to 14 days): A full loop of around 1,332 kilometres that includes many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, glaciers, fjords and beaches.
- South Coast (4 to 5 days): Perfect for first time visitors. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Vik and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula (2 to 3 days): Often called mini Iceland, with lava fields, cliffs, small fishing villages and the Snaefellsjokull volcano.
- North Iceland (5 to 7 days): Focus on whale watching, geothermal pools and volcanic landscapes around Akureyri, Husavik and Lake Myvatn.
Where You Can Camp With RV Hire in Iceland
Wild camping is not allowed for RVs and campervans in Iceland. All RV hire in Iceland requires you to stay overnight at official, designated campsites.
What Official Campsites Offer
- Hot showers and toilets
- Indoor or outdoor dishwashing areas
- Electricity hookups for RVs and campervans
- Indoor kitchen shelters or common rooms at larger sites
| Popular campsite | Region | Average cost per adult |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik Campsite | Capital region | 10 to 25 USD per night |
| Skaftafell Campsite | South east | 10 to 25 USD per night |
| Husavik Campsite | North Iceland | 10 to 25 USD per night |
| Vik Campsite | South coast | 10 to 25 USD per night |
What to Pack for RV Hire in Iceland
- Clothing layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers are essential.
- Warm accessories: Hat, gloves and warm socks even in summer.
- Personal items: Hiking shoes, toiletries and any medication you require.
- Navigation and power: Offline maps, chargers and a power bank in case you are away from hookups.
- Food supplies: Buy groceries at budget supermarkets such as Bonus or Kronan before heading into remote areas.
- Useful RV extras: Microfiber cloths for condensation and indoor shoes or slippers for cold floors.
Money Saving Tips for RV Hire in Iceland
- Shop in supermarkets rather than convenience stores or gas stations.
- Travel in May or September to balance price and daylight.
- Avoid one way rentals when possible to keep costs down.
- Choose the smallest RV that comfortably fits your group for better fuel economy.
- Outside peak season, many campsites allow you to arrive without advance booking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With RV Hire in Iceland
- Ignoring strong wind warnings or driving too fast for conditions.
- Skipping travel insurance that covers wind, ash and gravel damage.
- Attempting F roads in a two wheel drive RV or without permission.
- Booking RV hire in Iceland too late for summer dates.
- Planning an overpacked itinerary with too much driving and not enough time to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Hire in Iceland
Is wild camping allowed with an RV in Iceland
No. Wild camping is not allowed for RVs and campervans in Iceland. You must stay overnight at official campsites or with clear permission from a landowner on private land.
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Iceland
Costs vary by vehicle type and season, but most travelers pay between 80 and 350 US dollars per day for RV hire in Iceland, with small campervans at the lower end and large motorhomes at the higher end.
Do I need a 4x4 RV to drive the Ring Road
No. A standard two wheel drive RV is normally enough for the Ring Road in summer. A 4x4 is recommended for winter driving and required if you plan to use F roads in the Highlands.
What is the biggest danger for RVs in Iceland
Strong wind is one of the main risks for RVs in Iceland. Sudden gusts can affect steering and even damage doors if they are opened carelessly. Always follow wind warnings and park with care.
Final Thoughts on RV Hire in Iceland
RV hire in Iceland gives you control over your schedule, lets you stay close to nature and turns the whole island into your backyard. With realistic planning, respect for local rules and a reliable rental company, an Iceland RV trip becomes the kind of journey people remember for the rest of their lives.
Ready to start planning
When you are ready to take the next step, you can explore vehicle options and availability with North Star RV and campervan rentals in Iceland and turn your road trip ideas into a confirmed itinerary.