This guide serves as your go-to resource for car rental in Iceland, ensuring you're well-prepared for the adventure. By the end, you'll find a quick recap summarizing all essential details.
Yes, Greek travelers can rent and drive cars in Iceland by presenting a valid Greek or EU/EEA driving licence and standard identity documents. Age limits and young/old driver surcharges may apply depending on the rental company.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport at the rental counter.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• A full, physical EU/EEA driving licence held for at least 1 year, with no major endorsements.
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards typically include Visa and MasterCard; some offers may also accept AMEX, Discover or DinersClub depending on the specific rental company. Debit cards are generally not accepted for deposit.
Age requirements:
Depending on the specific offer, the minimum and maximum driving ages range broadly between 18–99 years. Common standard ranges include 19–74, 20–99, 21–80/99, 23–70/99 and 25–80. Young driver surcharges may apply, for example: 18–20 years (about US$ 8.37 per day in ISK), 19–20 years (about US$ 11.35–14.07 per day in EUR), 20–22 years (about US$ 8.37 per day in ISK), 21–24/25 years (about US$ 7.03–11.73 per day in EUR), or 23–25 years (about US$ 21.11 per day in EUR). In some UK-priced offers, surcharges of around US$ 67.56 per day may apply for drivers 19–21/23, and US$ 54.04 per day for drivers 80–85. Exact applicable age band and fee depend on the chosen rental supplier and car group.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Choose from trusted global chains or innovative local alternatives. Each offers different advantages for Greek travelers visiting Iceland.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Europcar
Locations:
83Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and eco-conscious renters
Hertz
Locations:
54Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Budget
Locations:
36Prices:
$Key Advantages
Best for
Cost-conscious travelers and families
SIXT
Locations:
19Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking premium vehicles and flexible rental options
Alamo
Locations:
13Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and families
Icerental 4x4
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Adventure seekers and winter travel
FAIRCAR
Locations:
6Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
ACE Rent A Car
Locations:
4Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
SAGA Car Rental
Locations:
1Prices:
$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
Lava
Locations:
1Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local excursionsChoosing the right rental car can make your trip more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in Iceland
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with different types of transmissions
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Greek insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and exploring Iceland's scenic routes
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Reykjavik, AkureyriMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Ring Road, Golden CircleSUV/4WD with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Vatnajökull National Park, Westfjords, Highlands
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Iceland captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and unique travel experiences. Explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, or Reykjavik for unforgettable adventures.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Iceland, but for peace of mind on a long road trip, extra coverage is strongly recommended. Insurance rules vary, and what's included in your rental price may be minimal. Choosing the right protection can save you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Iceland. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Travelers from Greece visiting Iceland can save significantly on car rentals by following simple strategies tailored to this destination. Rental car prices in Iceland can vary widely depending on season, demand, and rental duration.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Iceland.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Traffic rules in Greece (GR) and Iceland (IS) differ in areas such as parking regulations, speed limits, and winter driving requirements, but share similarities in seatbelt laws and mobile phone usage policies.
Parking Regulations
Strict regulations, especially in urban areas. Unauthorized parking can result in fines.
Parking is less regulated in rural areas. Urban zones may have specific restrictions.
Winter Driving
Mandatory use of winter tires during cold seasons.
No mandatory winter tire regulations.
Speed Limits
Limits are generally 90 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in urban areas.
Higher rural speed limits, often exceeding 100 km/h on main roads.
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants in the vehicle.
Mandatory for all passengers regardless of seating position.
Mobile Phone Use
Use of handheld devices is prohibited while driving.
Hands-free devices are required while operating a vehicle.
Traffic Signals
Strict compliance with traffic lights is enforced.
Similar adherence to traffic signals is expected.
Common questions for travelers from Greece renting a car in Iceland
