One question that doesn’t get asked often enough before visiting Iceland is:
“Are there public toilets?”
The answer is yes—but they’re not always where you expect them to be.
If you’re planning a self-drive holiday or travelling the Ring Road, knowing where to find toilets (and whether you’ll need to pay) can save you from an uncomfortable situation.
We’ve travelled around Iceland several times, and after countless stops at waterfalls, cafés, campsites and supermarkets, here’s everything we’ve learned.
Are There Public Toilets in Iceland?
Yes.
You’ll find public toilets at many of Iceland’s most popular attractions, including:
- Waterfalls
- National parks
- Visitor centres
- Museums
- Popular beaches
- Geothermal lagoons
- Campsites
However, if you’re driving through remote areas, they can be few and far between.
Do You Have to Pay?
Sometimes.
Many public toilets are free, but some attractions charge a small fee, usually around:
200–500 ISK
Payment is often by:
- Contactless card
- Debit card
- Credit card
Cash is rarely required.
Where Can You Find Toilets?
You’ll usually find toilets at:
Visitor Centres
Almost always available and generally very clean.
Petrol Stations
Fuel stations are one of the best places to stop during a road trip.
Many have:
- Toilets
- Cafés
- Snacks
- Coffee
Supermarkets
Larger supermarkets sometimes have customer toilets, although this varies by location.
Campsites
If you’re staying overnight, campsite facilities are usually excellent.
Many include:
- Toilets
- Showers
- Washing-up areas
- Laundry facilities
Restaurants & Cafés
If you’re stopping for food or a coffee, customer toilets are almost always available.
Are Toilets Clean?
One thing that really impressed us was how clean most public toilets are.
Even at busy tourist attractions, they’re generally very well maintained.
Of course, standards vary slightly depending on location and the time of day, but overall we’ve found Iceland’s public facilities to be excellent.
Don’t Wait Too Long
This is probably our biggest piece of advice.
If you see a toilet…
Use it.
Distances between towns can be surprisingly long, particularly when you’re driving the Ring Road or exploring the Westfjords, East Iceland or the Highlands.
You never know how far the next opportunity might be.
Can You Just Stop Anywhere?
No.
While Iceland has vast open landscapes, you shouldn’t relieve yourself in nature unless it’s an absolute emergency.
Doing so can damage fragile environments and spoil popular beauty spots for other visitors.
Always use proper toilet facilities whenever possible.
Toilets at Popular Attractions
Most major attractions provide toilet facilities, including:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir
- Gullfoss
- Skógafoss
- Seljalandsfoss
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Dyrhólaey
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Some are free, while others may charge a small fee.
Toilet Stops During a Ring Road Trip
When driving the Ring Road, we normally combine toilet breaks with:
- Fuel stops
- Coffee breaks
- Supermarket visits
- Lunch
It makes the journey much more relaxed.
Campervan Travellers
If you’re travelling by campervan, you’ll have access to campsite toilets each evening.
Many campsites also have excellent shower facilities.
We travelled around Iceland with CampEasy, and campsite facilities were generally much better than we’d expected.
If you’re considering your own campervan adventure, our readers also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.
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Having a Car Makes Things Easier
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a car is the flexibility to stop whenever you need.
Rather than relying on tour schedules, you can plan toilet breaks alongside food, fuel and sightseeing.
We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental, making Iceland road trips incredibly easy.
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Stay Connected
Having mobile data is useful for finding nearby petrol stations, cafés and supermarkets if you need facilities.
We always use Saily eSIM, which activates before we land.
📱 Save 10% with Saily here:
https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717
Our Top Tips
- Use toilets whenever you have the opportunity.
- Carry a contactless payment card.
- Keep a small packet of tissues in your bag (just in case).
- Plan toilet stops alongside fuel and food.
- Respect Iceland’s environment and avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are toilets free in Iceland?
Many are, but some tourist attractions charge a small fee, usually between 200 and 500 ISK.
Can I pay by card?
Yes.
Most paid toilets accept contactless card payments.
Are there toilets on the Ring Road?
Yes, but they can be spread quite far apart in remote areas.
It’s best not to wait until the last minute.
Are campsite toilets good?
In our experience, yes.
Most campsites have clean, well-maintained toilet and shower facilities.
Final Thoughts
Public toilets in Iceland are generally clean, easy to find at major attractions and straightforward to use.
The biggest thing to remember is that Iceland is a country of long distances.
If you’re travelling between towns or exploring remote regions, don’t assume another toilet will appear just around the corner.
A little planning goes a long way, and it’s one less thing to worry about while enjoying Iceland’s incredible scenery.
Happy travels—and remember our golden rule:
If you see a toilet… use it!
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