Everything You Need Before Visiting Iceland
Planning a trip to Iceland? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore even more of this incredible country, a little preparation can make all the difference.
From arriving at Keflavík International Airport and hiring a car to understanding Iceland’s weather, driving safely, budgeting your trip and knowing what to expect, you’ll find all the essential information in one place.
Everything on this page is based on our own experiences travelling around Iceland, including driving the entire 1,920-mile (3,090 km) Ring Road in winter. We’ve learned plenty along the way, and our aim is to help you travel with confidence and make the most of every moment.
Quick Facts About Iceland
Before you travel, here are a few useful things worth knowing.
Arriving in Iceland
Almost every international visitor arrives through Keflavík International Airport (KEF), around 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavík.
Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Despite being Iceland’s busiest airport, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate and makes a fantastic first impression.
Entry Requirements
If you’re travelling from outside the Schengen Area, you’ll pass through passport control on arrival.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced across the Schengen Area, meaning some travellers may have their passport, fingerprints and facial image recorded electronically instead of receiving a passport stamp.
During the rollout, processing times may vary slightly, particularly for first-time registrations.
Always make sure your passport meets the latest entry requirements before travelling.
Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
Airport Transfer Bus
Flybus and Airport Direct are popular options.
Services operate around arriving flights and journeys generally take around 45–60 minutes.
Many services also offer hotel drop-offs.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside the terminal.
They’re convenient but expensive, with journeys to Reykjavík often costing around 20,000–25,000 ISK.
Car Hire
If you’re planning to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavík, hiring a car is one of the best ways to experience the country.
Most rental companies are located at or near the airport.
During winter, consider a 4×4, especially if you’ll be travelling outside the capital region.
Blue Car Rental
If you’re hiring a car in Iceland, Blue Car Rental is one of our recommended options. They’re based close to Keflavík Airport and offer a wide range of cars and 4×4 vehicles for exploring Iceland.
Icelandic Adventure readers can also save 5% when booking using our link.
Affiliate link: we may receive a commission if you book using our link, at no extra cost to you.
Many rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Check the requirements of your chosen company before you fly.
Iceland’s Weather
One thing you’ll quickly learn about Iceland: the weather changes constantly. Sunshine, rain, wind and even snow can all appear in the same day.
☀️ Summer
June–August
- Typical temperatures: 10–15°C
- Nearly 24 hours of daylight
- Ideal for road trips and hiking
❄️ Winter
November–March
- Typical temperatures: -1°C to 4°C
- Short daylight hours
- Best chance of seeing the Northern Lights
🍂 Spring & Autumn
Shoulder seasons
- Fewer crowds
- Beautiful seasonal colours
- Great balance between daylight and prices
Always check the latest Icelandic weather forecast before starting a journey. Conditions can change quickly.
Driving in Iceland
Driving is one of the best ways to experience Iceland. It gives you the freedom to discover waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal lagoons and hidden gems at your own pace. Conditions can, however, change rapidly.
Essential Driving Tips
- Drive on the right.
- Keep your headlights on at all times.
- Never drive off-road.
- Only drive F-roads in suitable 4×4 vehicles.
- Check road conditions before every journey.
- Slow down during strong winds.
Conditions can change quickly
A road that looks straightforward when you leave can feel completely different an hour later.
Allow extra time, avoid overly ambitious itineraries and never ignore official warnings or closures.
The journey is part of the Iceland experience. You don’t need to rush.
Essential Travel Websites
Before every drive, particularly in winter, we recommend checking these official Icelandic travel resources.
Explore Iceland with CampEasy
Prefer turning your Iceland trip into a proper road trip? A campervan gives you the freedom to travel around the country while taking your accommodation with you.
We recommend CampEasy for Iceland campervan adventures, with a range of vehicles suitable for different trips and seasons.
Affiliate link: we may receive a commission if you book through our link, at no additional cost to you.
Accommodation
You’ll find accommodation in Iceland to suit a wide range of travel styles and budgets.
If you’re travelling during summer or over Christmas, book well in advance, especially outside Reykjavík where accommodation can fill quickly.
Geothermal Lagoons
No trip to Iceland feels complete without relaxing in naturally heated geothermal water.
Some of our favourites
Whichever you choose, we’d recommend booking ahead during busy periods.
Useful Apps for Iceland
A few useful downloads before you travel can make exploring Iceland much easier, especially when checking weather, navigation, safety and the Northern Lights.
Hello Aurora
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your Iceland bucket list, we recommend downloading Hello Aurora.
The app combines aurora information with real-world community sightings, helping you understand what’s happening right now rather than relying on one forecast number alone.
It’s particularly useful for checking aurora activity, Bz, live reports and sightings from other aurora hunters.
Saily eSIM
Having mobile data in Iceland makes navigation, checking weather forecasts, monitoring road conditions and finding attractions considerably easier.
Saily allows compatible phones to use an eSIM data plan without needing to swap your physical SIM card.
Affiliate link: we may receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you.
More useful apps
Vedur
Useful for keeping an eye on Iceland’s constantly changing weather conditions.
Google Maps
Useful for navigation, route planning and finding attractions while travelling.
Maps.me
Handy for mapping and offline navigation options.
112 Iceland
Useful access to Icelandic emergency services information.
SafeTravel
Important travel warnings and safety information for journeys around Iceland.
Road Conditions
Keep road.is bookmarked so you can quickly check closures and conditions.
Money & Payments
One of the easiest things about travelling in Iceland is paying for things. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
Paying
Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted.
You’ll rarely need cash.
Currency
Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
ATMs are available throughout the country, although many visitors never need one.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t expected in Iceland.
Service charges are generally included and tipping is entirely optional.
Budget Tips
Iceland isn’t cheap — but there are plenty of ways to save money.
- Shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets.
- Refill your water bottle from the tap.
- Make packed lunches for road trips.
- Book activities in advance.
- Travel outside peak summer where possible.
Health & Safety
Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Even so, its natural environment should always be respected.
Stay Safe
- Check weather forecasts.
- Stay on marked paths.
- Never ignore warning signs.
- Keep away from cliff edges.
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Wear suitable clothing.
Heading somewhere remote?
If your journey takes you away from busier tourist areas, consider registering your travel plan with SafeTravel.
Barriers, road closures and safety notices should never be treated as suggestions.
Wildlife
There are no dangerous wild animals waiting around the corner. Instead, Iceland offers some incredible opportunities to see wildlife in its natural environment.
Admire wildlife from a sensible distance and never feed animals.
Before You Fly Home
- Arrive at KEF around 2–3 hours before departure.
- Fill your hire car before returning it.
- Visit duty free if you’re buying souvenirs or Icelandic snacks.
- Remember that some airport cafés and restaurants may close earlier than expected.
Our Top Tips for First-Time Visitors
If we could give somebody heading to Iceland for the first time just a few pieces of advice, these would be them.
Iceland isn’t a country to rush through. Some of our favourite moments came from pulling over at an unnamed waterfall, watching weather roll across the mountains or simply enjoying the silence of the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Iceland Adventure?
We hope this guide has answered some of your biggest questions and helped you feel more prepared for your trip.
Explore the rest of Icelandic Adventure for detailed destination guides, Ring Road itineraries, honest reviews, travel tips and videos from our own adventures exploring this extraordinary country.
We can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Iceland for yourself. 🇮🇸
