The Ring Road, or Route 1, in Iceland
Troll Peninsula (2)
Snaefellsjokull Volcano in the Snaefellsjokull National Park in West Iceland

Iceland Self Drive Holidays

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A self-drive holiday is perfect for those who enjoy independent travel. Our range of Iceland self-drive holidays can be tailored to your time-frame, interests and budget. Opt to travel full circle or choose a section of the country to visit and discover Iceland's natural beauty at your own pace. 

"We drove a 4x4 around Route 1 - just be organised in your timing to get the most out everything! All the hotels booked for us were excellent with yummy food and situated in very interesting and isolated places"

Mrs Linda Howick

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Popular & Scenic Routes in Iceland

Car on the road in Iceland

Route One

One of the best ways to discover Iceland’s superlative scenery is from the famous Route 1 road which circumnavigates the island. Also known as the Iceland Ring Road, this 1340km or 832-mile stretch connects all the major towns and villages. For a well-paced trip that really let's you explore the natural wonders, we recommend taking nine or ten days. Our Iceland Complete Self Drive and Around Iceland Self Drive are popular options. If you have more time, the Grand Discovery Self Drive is our longest voyage of discovery.

Gullfoss Waterfall in the summer in South Iceland

Golden Circle

Whether you're based in Reykjavik or choose to stay in a remote countryside location in South Iceland, the trio of natural wonders that make up the famous Golden Circle route can easily be explored in a day. Witness mighty Gullfoss waterfall plunge into a 32 metre crevasse and see Strokkur geyser erupting into the sky and soak up Icelandic history at Thingvellir National Park, where the first Icelandic parliament was established more than 1,000 years ago. Situated in a tectonic-plate boundary where Northern America and Europe are drifting away from each other, it's possible to walk through a canyon between the two plates. 

Snowy road in iceland

Arctic Coast Way

This spectacular 900km of coastal road in the north of Iceland was one of Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations for 2019. Just below the Arctic Circle, the scenery here, where volcanic sand meets the icy Arctic Ocean is simply breathtaking. From black sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs, to glacial river deltas and high mountains, the area is also home to whales, seals and during spring time thousands of migratory birds. Guesthouses and farm accommodation dotted along the route offer travellers a unique atmosphere and the chance to meet local people. Interested? Our Arctic Iceland Self Drive may be just what you are looking for...

Godafoss (2)

Diamond Circle

This 162-mile sightseeing route in the northeast of Iceland, is characterised by its sheer number of natural attractions, picturesque settlements and fantastic landscapes.

To make sure you experience the very best of what Iceland has to offer, before you travel we'll send you a list of natural wonders, suggested activities, local attractions and places to eat on your route. 


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Tailor-made Iceland self drive holidays

Base yourself in Reykjavik and travel to the national parks and remote landscapes surrounding the city, or opt for an exploration of the whole country, taking the famous Route 1 to the four corners of the island, staying at different places along the way. Whatever you would like to do, our experts can help craft the right route for you. All of our self-drive itineraries are suggestions and routes that have been popular with our customers, but we can create a trip based on your interests and the time you would like to be away, or tweak an existing route to add more or less time in various places. 

We'll send you a complimentary copy of Lonely Planet's Iceland Travel Guide Book and an Iceland road map when you book your self drive holiday

Exterior of Hotel Budir in West Iceland, in the summer by a lake.

Accommodation on Self Drive Holidays

With so many wonderful accommodation options to chose from, you can find yourself staying in a family-run farmhouse like Skalakot Manor one night, a design hotel like the incredible ION Adventure the next and a bustling bed and breakfast, in a 150 year-old building like Hotel Egilsen the next. In rural areas accommodation options can be limited and basic, but it all adds to the adventure of driving around Iceland. When planning a self-drive holiday, we will share with you our recommendations on where to stay. From budget options with shared facilities, to comfortable hotels and guesthouse and more luxurious properties, you decide and we'll organise.


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Wonderful Places to Stay in Iceland

Exterior of ION Adventure Hotel in South Iceland

ION Adventure

This chic retreat tucked away in the enchanted lava landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, amid the sweeping, black-lava landscape of Iceland’s southern region.

Nesjavellir, South Iceland

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Egilsen 13

Hotel Egilsen

Located in a building that dates back to 1867, this charming home away from home is a slice of Icelandic history. With just 10 cosy room inspired by the sea, it's perfectly placed for those exploring the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Stykkisholmur, West Iceland

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Wintery exterior of Hotel Budir in West Iceland

Hotel Budir

This fabulous family run hotel boasts a selection of elegantly designed rooms and a restaurant with a great reputation. Situated on a remote beach on the edge of a rugged lava field, it's hard to believe you're only a couple of hours drive from the capital.

Olafsvik, West Iceland

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Our Iceland team can't wait to help you plan your Self Drive holiday