How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Iceland?

Planning your Iceland ring road adventure can be daunting as there’s just so much to see. In this blog, we’ll explore the places that travelers generally consider the must-sees and how they might fit into an itinerary. We’ll recommend our favorite detours, discuss how road tripping differs from season to season and find out a little more about Iceland’s roads. So how long does it take to drive around Iceland?

Must-See Stops Along Iceland’s Ring Road

Iceland’s breathtaking scenery isn’t confined to one region, but the south of the country is packed with the most must-sees. Work your way along the coast with stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, the glacier lagoons of Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, both close to Diamond Beach.

Before you hit the road, read our guide to car rental in Iceland for everything you need to know about renting safely and smartly.

Popular Detours That Add Time to Driving Around Iceland

It would be a pity to drive the ring road and not peel off from time to time for some of Iceland’s other beauty spots. These include:

Driving the Golden Circle and How It Affects Your Iceland Itinerary

Most visitors loop this trio of sights – Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park – in a day. However, there are other sights too, such as colorful Kerið crater. Add another day if you plan to snorkel through Silfra Fissure, soak in one of the area’s lagoons or ride an Icelandic horse.

Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on Your Ring Road Trip

This peninsula in the west of the country is sometimes dubbed Iceland in Miniature. With striking coastal scenery close to places like Arnarstapi, quirky attractions such as the shark museum at Bjarnarhöfn and another of Iceland’s national parks, it’s not hard to see why it’s so highly regarded.

Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon: Worth the Stop?

This is the part of Iceland which you drive through to reach Keflavik Airport; a stop at the Blue Lagoon is almost a rite of passage for travelers. It’s also where recent volcanic activity has been taking place – the Volcano Express is a useful timesaver – and a UNESCO Global Geopark with much geothermal activity. If you’re flying into or out of Iceland, check out our brief guide to Keflavík Airport for useful arrival and departure tips.

Driving the Diamond Circle in North Iceland

This scenic driving route in North Iceland connects many incredible sights, not least Dettifoss which is the most powerful waterfall in the country. Take a whale watching trip from Húsavík and spend time in charming Akureyri while you’re up here, as well as loop the delightful Tröllaskagi peninsula.

How the Westfjords Impact Your Iceland Road Trip Time

Perhaps the ultimate detour is the remote and unspoilt Westfjords. Extraordinarily beautiful, this off the beaten track region is magical, with highlights such as charming Ísafjörður, the Látrabjarg bird cliffs and stunning Rauðasandur beach. Time stands still here, and you’ll need at least a few days even to explore a fraction of it.

Detouring Into Iceland’s Highland Region

This is not for the fainthearted as traveling in Iceland’s mountainous interior involves fording rivers and tackling rough terrain. You’ll need a high clearance 4x4 if you hope to detour into the Highlands on F-roads, something that’s only possible from June to early September.

Driving Distances, Road Conditions, and Speed Limits in Iceland

Traffic and weather permitting, you should be able to maintain 90kph (55mph) on many stretches of Iceland’s ring road as it’s tarmacked. However, on more remote gravel roads that’s not the case, especially in hilly areas, where the speed limit is lowered to 80kph (50mph). Stopping distances are longer on such loose surfaces, so brake early and steadily.

How Weather Impacts Driving Time Around Iceland

Even in summer, challenging weather conditions can impact driving distances. The presence of ice, snow and of course wind has a bearing on safe speeds. Severe storms can sometimes result in temporary road closures. So while in theory it’s possible to loop the ring road in less than 24 hours, you’ll want to allow at least five to ten days – more if you plan to detour a bit.

Seasonal Factors: How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Iceland in Summer vs Winter?

The amount of daylight will also have a bearing on how much is achievable. Days are short in winter, when you’ll have as few as four or five hours of daylight to play with, though that means you can start your Northern Lights hunt earlier. In summer, however, the Midnight Sun means you can reasonably expect to continue sightseeing late into the evening. This is particularly enticing in busy areas such as the South Coast as you can time your stop for when the tour groups have left. For more seasonal driving tips, check out our guide to driving in Iceland during summer.

Essential Tips for Driving Around Iceland Safely

Bring a credit card; not only will you need it to rent a car you’ll also be able to use it at unmanned gas stations when you’re out in the countryside. Contactless payments are the norm in Iceland, even for parking. On a different note, familiarize yourself with some of the rules of the road, such as who has priority on roundabouts and single lane bridges, as well as memorizing the most common road signs.

So how long does it take to drive around Iceland? The answer is as long as you can spare. Plan the right pace for your Iceland driving tour and don’t be tempted to rush in an attempt to cram everything in – you won’t. Instead, take things easy, enjoy your stops properly and book up to come again.

How Long Does It Really Take to Drive Around Iceland?

While it’s technically possible to drive the entire Ring Road in less than 24 hours without stopping, that’s not what most travelers come to Iceland for. Realistically, you should plan at least 5 to 7 days if you want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and closer to 10–14 days if you’d like to include detours such as the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or the Westfjords.

The exact time depends on the season, weather conditions, and how many stops you make along the way. In short, the answer to how long does it take to drive around Iceland is: as long as you can spare. The slower your pace, the richer and more memorable your Iceland road trip will be.

FAQs About How Long It Takes to Drive Around Iceland

How long does it take to drive around Iceland without stopping?

It’s possible to finish the Ring Road in less than 24 hours if you don’t make any stops. But most travelers prefer to take several days to enjoy Iceland’s landscapes and attractions.

What is the best itinerary length for driving around Iceland?

Many visitors spend around a week exploring the Ring Road. For extra detours like the Westfjords or Snæfellsnes Peninsula, two weeks is ideal.

Can you drive around Iceland in winter?

Yes, but winter driving conditions can be challenging due to snow, ice, and storms. Always allow extra travel time and check the Icelandic road authority for updates.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive around Iceland?

A regular car is fine for the Ring Road during summer. A 4x4 is necessary only if you plan to explore the Highlands or drive F-roads.

How many kilometers is the drive around Iceland?

The Ring Road is about 1,322 kilometers, or 821 miles. With side trips and detours, most travelers end up driving a lot farther.