Thinking about exploring Iceland on your own? Great idea! The Land of Fire and Ice is made for solo travellers. It’s safe, welcoming, and packed with natural beauty that’s best enjoyed at your own pace. Iceland is also a stunning place to disconnect from the world and feel the joys of isolation. And when you want to visit a popular landmark or join a group tour, you’ve got plenty to choose from!
But if you’ve never been before, you might be wondering: what is the best way to travel Iceland independently? Is it practical to go beyond Reykjavík on your own? What about the rural areas, or reaching remote sights like glaciers, volcanoes, and highland trails?
We’ve got you covered. At Ice Guardians, we operate Iceland adventure activities in our country’s stunning southeast, well beyond the tourist-heavy routes. We know what it takes to explore this country solo — and how to do it well.
Let’s get started on our Iceland solo travel tips. And if you have any questions as we go, please just get in touch.
Iceland is Built for Independent Travel
The good news? Travelling solo in Iceland is not just possible, it’s incredible. The roads are well-maintained, the signs are easy to follow, and almost everyone you meet will speak English. We cover the latter in more detail in our blog How Easy is it for an English-Only Speaker to Navigate Iceland?
There’s very little crime here, and Icelanders tend to look out for each other (and visitors, too). Public transport works well in the Reykjavík area, but it quickly becomes limited the further you get from the capital. That’s when travelling independently really starts to shine, because it gives you the freedom to go where buses can’t.
Why Hiring a Car is the Best Way to See Iceland
If you’re wondering what the best way to travel Iceland independently is, the answer’s simple: hire a car. Driving gives you full control over your journey. Want to stop at a roadside waterfall? Detour to a black sand beach at sunset? Take a slow, scenic route through the mountains? No problem. When you’ve got your own vehicle, you’re not bound by tour schedules or bus timetables.
Many of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring places aren’t accessible by public transport. That includes areas like the Vatnajökull region in the southeast (where we’re based), as well as hidden gems like Þakgil, Fjallsárlón, and Sigöldugljúfur, all of which feature in our picks for the best underrated things to do in Iceland.
Even if you’re sticking to the main Ring Road (Route 1), there are dozens of lesser-known spots along the way that you’ll miss if you’re not behind the wheel of your own vehicle. And for solo travellers, the sense of independence and quiet discovery is hard to beat.
Is Route 1 your preferred way to get around our island? Don’t miss our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road!
Practical Tips for Solo Drivers in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is pretty straightforward, but the landscape and weather can be unpredictable, which is something to always keep in mind if you’re going it alone. These Iceland solo travel tips will help you stay safe and confident on the road:
- Choose your vehicle wisely: In summer, a small car is often enough. In winter, or if you’re planning to explore gravel roads, a 4×4 is essential. Rental cars in Iceland should be equipped with studded winter tires each November, so ensure this is the case.
- Check the conditions: Use road.is for road closures and vedur.is for weather updates. Always check routes and conditions before setting off each day.
- Plan your fuel stops: Petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas, so always top up when you can.
- Stay flexible: Iceland’s weather changes quickly, so it’s smart to build some wiggle room into your plans. Having a plan B is always a good idea.
- Know the basics: Drive on the right, keep headlights on at all times, and brace for sudden gusts of wind, especially near the coast.
Looking for even more local insights before you arrive? We think you’ll love our top five travel tips for Iceland!
Best Routes for Independent Travellers in Iceland
One of the great things about Iceland solo travel is that our country is naturally broken into distinct routes, each offering something different.
The Ring Road is a favourite for first-timers — it circles our country and connects most major sights, towns, and cities. Give yourself at least a week to make the full loop without rushing; but 10 days or more would be even better. If you have less than a week to spare, we recommend focusing more on a specific area and immersing yourself in it.
The south coast is one of the best places for this! It’s ideal for solo travellers who want to see some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights in a shorter time. From waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss to the glacier lagoons near Vatnajökull, it’s packed with dramatic scenery and solo-friendly places to stay.
Other great options include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (often called “Iceland in Miniature”) on the west coast and the East Fjords, which are both among the quietest and most remote places to explore. If you like the sound of the east coast, we recommend reading our blog Best Things to Do on Iceland’s East Fjords when you have finished here.
What About Campervans in Iceland?
If you’re looking for even more freedom, a campervan can be a great option. It combines transport and accommodation, making it ideal for long solo trips or for those who want to sleep and wake up surrounded by nature.
That said, they’re not for everyone. You’ll need to stay at registered campsites, and the nights can get pretty chilly outside of summer. If you prefer a warm, cosy bed, hiring a car and booking guesthouses or hostels along the way might suit you better.
Still, if you’re travelling between May and September and you’re comfortable going with the flow, a campervan can be one of the most flexible ways to experience Iceland solo. And even in the winter, you can still stay warm! Most campervans, even the small ones, have a diesel engine heating system inside. This heats the interior quickly and is ideal because it works even when the engine is off.
Exploring Iceland’s Remote Southeast
We might be biased, but we think southeast Iceland is one of the most rewarding regions in our country, especially for independent travellers. Here, the roads wind through black sand plains, past iceberg-filled lagoons, and under the towering presence of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier by volume. It’s not the kind of place you reach easily without a car, but that’s part of what makes it special.
This is where we run our Iceland glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and other adrenaline-pumping experiences. You can base yourself in towns and villages like Höfn or Kirkjubæjarklaustur and use your car to reach trailheads and meeting points. For solo travellers, joining a small guided tour like ours is a great way to dive into Iceland’s wild terrain while meeting a few like-minded explorers along the way.
Discover our picks for the five must-sees in southeast Iceland and find out more about this awe-inspiring region.
What if I Don’t Want to Drive in Iceland?
Not everyone feels comfortable renting a car, and that’s completely fine. While driving is the best way to travel Iceland independently, there are other ways to get around, especially if you plan carefully.
You will have plenty of options for bus tours from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle, and some seasonal bus routes head into the Highlands while the roads are open. They’re slower and more limited, but they can still get you to some beautiful places.
Iceland has a public bus system that covers the island, but it’s not a realistic option for visitors looking to make the most of their time here. Put simply, the routes are long and slow, and they only drop off at specific stops. However, buses lack the flexibility, frequency, and reach required to experience Iceland’s diverse and often remote attractions.
The reality is, to head out into the wonders of Iceland beyond Reykjavik and the surrounding areas, hiring a car is by far the best option.
Start Planning Your Iceland Adventure Activities
So, what is the best way to travel Iceland independently? If you ask us, it’s behind the wheel, windows down, music up, and no set schedule. Hiring a car is key to unlocking our country’s lesser-known wonders and creating a trip that’s entirely your own. For solo travellers, it means freedom, flexibility, and a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
If your travels take you southeast, come and say hello! We’d love to help you experience the magic of Vatnajökull up close. Browse our range of Iceland adventure activities and see which of our experiences stirs your sense of adventure!
Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
