Driving in Iceland 8 min read Updated April 2026

Parking in Iceland – What You Need to Know to Avoid Fines

Parking in Iceland can be confusing — our guide makes it simple.

Parking in Iceland catches a lot of travellers off guard — the rules are more specific than you'd expect, and the fines are real. From free parking in Reykjavik to popular tourist destinations that charge on arrival, this guide covers everything you need to know so you can enjoy your trip without any nasty surprises.

In this guide

1. Common fines to avoid — and how much they cost
2. What to do if you get a fine
3. Parking zones in Reykjavík
4. Free parking in Iceland
5. Getting your number plate right
6. The tunnel fee
7. Parking at popular destinations
8. Parking in Akureyri
9. Airports
10. Camping rules
11. Useful apps and links

Common fines in Iceland — and how much they cost

Iceland enforces its traffic and parking laws strictly. The most common fines tourists receive are:

• Parking fines — parking in a paid zone without paying
• Toll fines — not paying the tunnel fee within 24 hours
• Off-road driving — one of the most serious offences in Iceland, with heavy fines
• Illegal parking — parking in disabled bays, on roadsides, or blocking access
• Overnight camping outside campsites — illegal and strictly enforced
• Speeding — speed cameras are common across Iceland

Good to know

Always keep your parking receipt and take note of the zone you're parked in. Parking enforcement in Iceland is thorough — a quick check before you walk away saves a lot of hassle.

How much are parking fines in Iceland?

Fines vary depending on the type of violation and the location, but they are not cheap — and if left unpaid for more than 28 days they typically double. The simple rule: if in doubt, check the sign and pay. It costs far less than a fine.

What to do if you get a parking fine in Iceland

Don't ignore it — fines don't disappear just because you've left Iceland. Check the ticket for a reference number and payment instructions. Most Reykjavík fines can be paid online via the link on the ticket, or in person at a local bank such as Íslandsbanki, Landsbankinn or Arion Bank. Paying within 3 days usually gets you a discount on meter fines.

A note from Project Car Rental

We always encourage our customers to read through this guide before their trip — a little preparation goes a long way. Iceland is a beautiful country and we want you to enjoy every moment of it without any unnecessary stress or surprises. Drive safely, park smart, and have an amazing trip!

Parking in Iceland – Reykjavík zones explained

Downtown Reykjavík uses a colour-coded zone system with four zones radiating outward from the city centre. The closer to the core, the more expensive — but also the more likely to become free outside business hours.

A P1 parking ticket is valid in all zones. A P4 ticket is only valid in P4. The easiest way to pay is via the Parka or EasyPark apps — add your plate once and pay by the minute from your phone.

Parking zone signs are clearly displayed on lamp posts throughout Reykjavík — always check before you walk away.

Free parking in Iceland

There is plenty of free parking in Iceland if you know where and when to look. Here is a practical breakdown.

Free parking in Reykjavik

All paid zones in Reykjavik become free outside their active hours. The best zones for free parking are P3 and P4 — both are free on weekends and evenings, which covers most of the time visitors actually need to park.

When Reykjavik parking is free

• P3 zones: Free on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays
• P4 zones: Free on weekends and outside 08:00–16:00 on weekdays
• All zones: Free on most public holidays
• All zones: Free after 21:00 every day

If you are staying overnight in Reykjavik and arrive in the evening, check whether your street is in a P3 or P4 zone — there is a good chance parking is already free when you arrive and again the next morning before 08:00 or 09:00.

Free parking outside Reykjavik

Outside the capital, most of Iceland has no paid parking at all. Small towns, villages, and rural roads are generally free. The exception is popular tourist destinations, where parking fees have been introduced to manage visitor numbers. Always check for a payment sign or machine when you arrive at a new location — do not assume it is free just because it is outdoors or looks remote.

Some sites that are currently free include many of the smaller waterfalls and viewpoints along the Ring Road, most roadside pull-offs in rural Iceland, and street parking in smaller towns like Vík, Selfoss, and Höfn.

Local tip

If you are exploring Reykjavik for a day, park in a P3 or P4 zone and walk or take the bus into the centre. You save on parking costs and avoid driving around looking for a city centre space.

Getting your number plate right

A surprisingly common mistake when parking in Iceland is entering the wrong number plate when paying through an app or machine. You have paid — but for the wrong car — and you will still get a fine.

Icelandic number plates explained

Icelandic number plates follow the format: 3 letters + 2 numbers (e.g. ABC 12). The most common mix-up is confusing the letter O with the number 0. Save the plate in your phone notes as soon as you pick up the car — and double-check before confirming any payment.

Vaðlaheiðargöng – The tunnel fee

There is currently one toll tunnel in Iceland: Vaðlaheiðargöng in north Iceland, near Akureyri. There is no booth — you must pay online at tunnel.is.

You can pay up to 24 hours before or 24 hours after driving through. If you forget, the fine goes to the rental company — and then to you.

The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in north Iceland — pay online at tunnel.is within 24 hours.

Parking at popular tourist destinations

Many of Iceland's most visited natural sites now charge for parking to manage visitor numbers and maintain the sites. Always assume you need to pay and check before you leave your car. Different sites use different apps:

Top tip

Download Parka, EasyPark, Check-it and Sannir before you travel. Phone signal at many natural sites is poor — having the apps set up in advance saves a lot of stress.

Parking in Akureyri

Downtown Akureyri has paid parking managed through the Parka and EasyPark apps. One fun local detail: Akureyri's traffic lights show red hearts instead of red circles — a small gesture of warmth that was introduced during hard times. Keep an eye out for them when you drive through.

Parking at Iceland's airports

If you need to park at Keflavík International Airport in your rental car, parking is managed through Autopay via the Keflavík Airport website. This does not apply to picking up or dropping off a rental — only to longer stays.

Book in advance at kefairport.com.

Keflavík International Airport — book parking in advance at kefairport.com.

Camping and overnight parking rules

Wild camping — sleeping in your car or tent outside a designated campsite — is illegal in Iceland and strictly enforced. Fines are issued to the rental company and passed on to you.

Iceland has an excellent network of campsites across the whole country, so you are never far from a legal spot. Check camping.is for a full map.

Planning a flexible trip around Iceland?

All our rental cars can be picked up and dropped off at Keflavík Airport — including early morning and late night arrivals. We are a local family business and we know Iceland well. Check availability here →

Useful parking apps and links

Download these before your trip — they cover the vast majority of paid parking across Iceland:

Parka

Covers most tourist destinations and all Reykjavík zones. Pay by the minute, extend remotely.

parka.app →

EasyPark

Works in Reykjavík, Akureyri and city parking garages.

easypark.is →

Check-it

Used at Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss and other key sites.

checkit.is →

Sannir

Covers Kirkjufellsfoss, Hverir, Viking Park and others.

sannir.is →

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