Car Rental Iceland - Price Comparison Winter 2015

With public transportation being almost non-existent outside of the larger cities, like Reykjavik, renting a car gives you the freedom at a fraction of the cost when compared to the sightseeing tours sold at tourist information centers.

Despite being a big supporter of public transport I think the best way to travel around Iceland is by renting a car.

We recommend to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport to save money to and from the airport. For example, if you pick up your rental from the city of Reykjavik, you may incur an additional cost of about USD $25-35 / EUR €20-30 in shuttle bus fees each way to get to Keflavik International Airport. This is because the airport is about an hour from Reykjavik. However, planning to pick up your rental at the airport may save you from incurring the additional cost.

PRICE COMPARISON WINTER 2014-2015
November 30th - December 7th
Pick up: Keflavík International Airport / Drop off: Keflavík International Airport

Option A - New Cars:

CARS ICELAND *     BEST COMPANY WINTER 2014-2015
http://www.carsiceland.com 
Kia Rio diesel               314€
Dacia Duster 4x4         450€
*prices with all insurances included

HERTZ
http://www.hertz.com
Toyota Yaris                  416€
Toyota Rav4                 735€

REYKJAVÍK CARS *     BEST COMPANY WINTER 2014-2015
http://www.reykjavikcars.com
Hyundai i10                       333€
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4   459€

EUROPCAR
http://www.holdur.is/en
Volkswagen Polo         493€            
Suzuki Grand Vitara     874€

AVIS
http://www.avis.is
Hyundai i10                 696€
Suzuki Jimny               942€

SIXT
http://www.sixt.com/
Volkswagen Polo         555€
Dacia Duster 4x4         724€

Option B - OLD Cars:

REYKJAVÍK CARS 
http://www.reykjavikcars.com
Hyundai i10                 303€
Hyundai Tucson 4x4    449€

SADCARS
http://sadcars.com/en
Toyota Yaris                412€
Toyota RAV4              590€

AUTO ICELAND
http://www.autoiceland.com
Kia Picanto                  456€
Suzuki Grand Vitara    612€

ICELAND CAR RENTAL
http://www.icelandcarrental.is
Hyundai i10                 397€
Toyota RAV4               506€

ARTIC CAR RENTAL
http://www.arctic.is
Toyota Yaris                405€
Toyota RAV4               534€

SAGA CAR RENTAL
http://www.sagacarrental.is
Ford Fiesta                  435€
Ford Kuga                   560€

Tips for Driving Iceland’s Ring Road in Winter

1. Rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle and, if it’s an option, spring for studded tires. Studded tires help driving on the slippery, and often ice covered roads.
2. Bookmark the Vegagerdin.is website.
3. Download the 112 Iceland app. It sends a signal with your coordinates to Iceland’s search and fire rescue. Get the 112 Iceland app for Android and for iPhone.
4. Fill up when you see a gas station.
5. Maximize daylight hours.

What should I do if an accident occurs?

Don't move your car (unless it is in a dangerous position which might lead to another accident) and wait for the police to arrive. You can call them on 112. It is a legal requirement to carry a warning triangle and this should be used if necessary.

In the meantime swap insurance information and addresses with the other driver. If you have a camera handy take pictures of the accident for police and insurance purposes. You should give a copy of the police report to your insurance company.

What are the seat belt regulations in Iceland?

All passengers must wear seatbelts. Having your headlights on while driving is also mandatory while it is illegal to drive while talking on a mobile phone.

What are the motorway signs?

There is one main highway in Iceland which goes from Reykjavik all the way along the coast. It is called the Route 1 Ring Road and you can't miss it.

What is the alcohol limit?

The drinking limit is 0.05% and the minimum fine is ISK 70,000 or 386 Euros.

What documents do I need?

You need to have your driving licence, your passport, some proof of insurance (including third party fire and liability insurance) and your vehicle registration information.

What phrases might I find useful when driving?

- Motor oil - motor olia
- Entrance - inngangur
- Detour - krokaleid blylaust bensin
- Diesel - disiloliaHospital - spitali
- Police - logregla
- Police Station - logreglustod
- Parking - bilastaedi
- Highway – hradbraut
- Road goes from being paved to Gravel - malbik endar (change your speed down accordingly)
- Unleaded petrol - blylaust bensin
- Gas station - bensinstod
- Exit – otgangur
- One lane bridge – einbreio bru (you should give way to cars already on the bridge)

What are the speed limits?

• 50 kilometres per hour in built up areas.
• 80 kilometres per hour on open roads.
• 90 kilometres per hour on highways. 90 kilometres per hour is the maximum speed limit and should never be exceeded in Iceland as the penalties are steep.

Berglind Rós, Iceland24

October 2014
© 2014 by Iceland24