Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Work with the water - drive diagonally across in the direction of the current, making
sure you're in a low gear. Drive steadily, without stopping or changing gear, just slightly
faster than the water is flowing (too slow and you risk getting stuck, or letting water up
the exhaust).
Driving Licences
You can drive in Iceland with a driving licence from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zeal-
and and most European countries. If your licence is not in Roman script, you need an Inter-
national Driving Permit (normally issued by your home country's automobile association).
Fuel & Spare Parts
There are regularly spaced petrol stations around Iceland, but in the highlands you
should check fuel levels and the distance to the next station before setting off.
At the time of research, unleaded petrol and diesel cost about Ikr245 (€1.60) per litre.
Some Icelandic roads can be pretty lonely, so carry a jack, a spare tyre and jump leads
just in case.
In the case of a breakdown or accident, your first port of call should be your car-hire
agency.
Although the Icelandic motoring association Félag Íslenskra Bifreiðaeigenda (FÍB;
www.fib.is
) is only open to locals, if you have breakdown cover with an automobile asso-
ciation affiliated with ARC Europe you may be covered by the FÍB - check with your
home association.
FÍB's 24-hour breakdown number is 511 2112. Even if you're not a member, it can
provide information and phone numbers for towing and breakdown services.
Car Hire
Travelling by car is often the only way to get to parts of Iceland. Although car-hire rates
are expensive by international standards, they compare favourably to bus or internal air
travel, especially if there are a few of you to split the costs.
To rent a car you must be 20 years old (23 to 25 years for a 4WD) and hold a valid li-
cence.
The cheapest cars on offer, usually a small hatchback or similar, cost from around
Ikr12,000 per day in high season (June to August). Figure on paying from around
Ikr24,000 for the smallest 4WD that may offer higher clearance than a regular car but
