- The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometre loop that includes Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Haukadalur geothermal area
- Strokkur geyser in Haukadalur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes
- The Ring Road is 1,309 kilometres long and passes through almost all areas except the Westfjords
- Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast, so check safetravel.is before you go
What Self-Drive Tour Packages Include
Check the tour details to see what's covered in your package.
Keflavík International Airport is approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. Long-term and short-term parking is available at the airport.
Popular routes include the Golden Circle, south coast, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Check the tour details before you commit.
Self-Drive Tour Packages in Iceland
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Private tour · 2 hoursReykjavík Trails – Guided 4x4 Self-Drive Tour✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €685 per groupSee availability →
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The Golden Circle is a loop of about 300 kilometres from Reykjavík into the southern uplands and back.
The three primary stops are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur. Haukadalur contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.
Many travellers combine it with a visit to the Secret Lagoon at Hverahólmi near Flúðir. The Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, made in 1891.
Check road conditions before you go.
If you prefer not to drive, Golden Circle guided tours run from Reykjavík.
- The Ring Road passes through Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and other major attractions
- Keflavík International Airport is approximately 50 kilometres from Reykjavík via Route 41
- Routes like the Golden Circle can be driven as day trips from Reykjavík
- You can combine driving segments with activities like <a href="/glacier-hike/">glacier hiking</a> or <a href="/silfra-snorkeling/">snorkelling at Silfra</a>
- Weather and road conditions change fast
- Emergency support is available by calling ICE-SAR volunteers or 112 services
- <a href="/bus-tours/">Bus tours</a> or <a href="/private-tours/">private tours</a> handle driving for you
South Coast and Ring Road Self-Drive Itineraries
The south coast runs east from Reykjavík along Route 1. Popular stops include Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Vík.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road. Diamond Beach lies just across the road.
The Ring Road is 1,309 kilometres long. It was completed in 1974. The Ring Road passes through almost all areas except the Westfjords.
Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast, so build flexibility into your itinerary.
| Route | Distance from Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Golden Circle | About 300 km loop |
| South Coast | Along Route 1 |
| Ring Road (full loop) | 1,309 km |
| Blue Lagoon | Approximately 20 km from airport |
Day Trips from Reykjavík by Car
Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, at 64°08′ N. Reykjavík is located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland.
The Golden Circle is a popular day trip. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 kilometres from Keflavík International Airport in a lava field.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula features Kirkjufell mountain as a highlight.
South coast trips can reach Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
If you prefer not to drive, day trips from Reykjavík are available with transport included.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Winter Driving Safety and Road Conditions
Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast.
Check safetravel.is before you go. Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR, The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. ICE-SAR is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation with over 4,500 volunteers available day and night, year-round.
The safetravel app lets you send your GPS location to 112 emergency services. They can find you if you're hiking or trekking. For health issues call 00354 5131700, available 24/7.
Always check current conditions before you travel.
Small group tours or multi-day guided tours remove the driving requirement.
When to Choose a Guided Tour Instead
Guided tours make sense when weather is unpredictable or you want expert commentary. Iceland tours include transport.
Bus tours cover the Golden Circle, south coast, and other routes. Guides explain the geology and history at each stop.
Private tours offer flexibility without driving. The driver adapts to weather and road closures.
Super Jeep tours reach highlands and rough terrain. They're useful for ice cave visits and Landmannalaugar trips.
Check the tour details to see which option suits your travel style.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Combining Self-Drive with Activities and Lagoons
Self-drive tours let you book activities independently.
Glacier hiking is available at Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell. Ice cave tours include the Katla ice cave and Vatnajökull ice cave.
Snowmobile tours run on Langjökull glacier. Into the Glacier tours enter a tunnel inside Langjökull.
Lagoon visits fit easily into itineraries. The Secret Lagoon is located at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir. Sky Lagoon is in Kopavogur, part of the Capital Region surrounding Reykjavík. Forest Lagoon is 3.6 kilometres from Akureyri, an estimated 4 hour drive from Reykjavik at 391 kilometres.
You can also add northern lights tours. Check the rebooking policy before you book.
Self-drive tours let you set your own pace and stops. Guided tours remove the driving requirement and add local knowledge. Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast.
More tours to compare
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How long is the Golden Circle self-drive route?
The Golden Circle is a loop of about 300 kilometres from Reykjavík. The three primary stops are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Haukadalur geothermal area.
How long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road (Route 1) is 1,309 kilometres long. Completed in 1974, it passes through almost all areas of Iceland except the Westfjords.
Where do I check road conditions before driving in Iceland?
Check safetravel.is for safety updates. Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast.
What is ICE-SAR?
ICE-SAR is The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. It's a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation with over 4,500 volunteers available day and night, year-round.
How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavík?
Keflavík International Airport is approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. The airport is linked to downtown Reykjavík via Route 41 dual carriageway.
