Driving in Iceland 6 min read Updated April 2026

4WD Car Rental in Iceland – F-Roads, Rules and What You Need to Know

A proper 4WD opens up Iceland's highlands, F-roads and remote interiors — here's what you need to know before you book.

If you're planning to go beyond the Ring Road in Iceland, 4WD car rental is worth taking seriously — not just an AWD crossover, but a vehicle that's genuinely built for gravel, river crossings, and highland tracks. This guide covers what the rules actually are, what kind of 4WD you need for different routes, and how to avoid the most common mistakes travellers make when booking.

In this guide

1. Do you actually need a 4WD?
2. F-road rules and what's legal
3. Which 4WD for which route?
4. Insurance — what to watch out for
5. Best routes for a 4WD rental
6. Common questions

Do you actually need a 4WD?

It depends entirely on where you're going. For the Ring Road, the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, and most popular tourist sites — a standard 2WD car is fine. These are all paved roads with no special vehicle requirements.

You need a 4WD if you want to:

• Drive any F-road (legally required by Icelandic law)
• Access the highlands — Landmannalaugar, Kjölur and other highland destinations
• Attempt river crossings on mountain tracks
• Travel through the Westfjords on gravel mountain passes in spring or autumn
• Drive in winter conditions off the main highways

4WD vs AWD — they're not the same

Many rental cars marketed as SUVs have AWD (all-wheel drive), which is fine for gravel roads and light conditions. True 4WD — with low-range gearing and locking differentials — is what you need for F-roads and river crossings. Always confirm which system your rental has before booking.

F-road rules and what's legal

F-roads are Iceland's highland mountain tracks, marked with an "F" prefix (F35, F208, F26 etc.). By Icelandic law, only 4WD vehicles are permitted on them — no exceptions. Getting caught on an F-road in a 2WD results in a fine, and more importantly, your rental insurance is immediately void.

What else you need to know about F-roads

• Seasonal access only — most F-roads open in late June and close in mid-September, depending on snowmelt and weather. Some don't open until July. Never assume a road is open — always check road.is before you go.
• River crossings — many highland routes include unbridged rivers. You must stop, assess the depth and current on foot, and only cross if it's clearly safe. Water damage from a crossing gone wrong is not covered by any rental insurance.
• No services — no fuel, no phone signal in many areas, no rescue nearby. You're on your own out there, which means preparation matters.
• Tyre pressure — on rough gravel, slightly reducing tyre pressure improves traction and reduces puncture risk. Ask us for the recommended PSI before you go. Reinflate immediately when you return to paved roads.
• F249 is widely restricted — this route to Þórsmörk is restricted by most rental companies in Iceland, including us. It's not just a Project Car Rental policy — the river crossings on F249 are considered too dangerous for standard 4WD rentals.

Important

Off-road driving — leaving marked tracks entirely — is illegal in Iceland and carries heavy fines. Tyre tracks in Icelandic moss can take decades to recover. Stick to marked roads at all times.

F-road signs mark the start of highland routes — 4WD required by law beyond this point.

Which 4WD for which route?

Not all 4WDs are equal, and the right vehicle depends on what you're planning to do. Here's a practical breakdown:

Always check with us before heading to the highlands

Not all F-roads are permitted under our rental agreement. Some highland routes — including F249 and F26 — are restricted regardless of vehicle type. Always confirm with us which routes are covered before you go. Driving on a restricted road voids your insurance and carries significant fines.

For most travellers doing the popular highland routes — Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Kjölur — a well-equipped medium 4WD like the Dacia Duster is perfectly capable in normal summer conditions. For the more remote and technically demanding routes, a larger vehicle with higher clearance is the safer choice.

Insurance — what to watch out for

Standard rental insurance does not cover F-road driving. Before heading into the highlands you need to confirm your policy explicitly includes gravel and highland coverage. This is one of the most common and expensive mistakes travellers make.

River crossings

No rental insurance covers water damage from a river crossing. This is standard across all Icelandic rental companies. If you attempt a crossing and flood the engine, you're liable for the full repair cost — which can run to tens of thousands of euros.

Best routes for a 4WD rental

Landmannalaugar — the classic highland trip

The most popular highland destination in Iceland and the one most travellers do with a Dacia Duster or similar 4WD. The F208 route involves river crossings and rough gravel, but is well within a medium 4WD's capability in normal summer conditions. The reward is extraordinary — coloured rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and hiking trails you won't find anywhere else. Open roughly late June to September.

Kjölur route (F35) — the easier highland crossing

The Kjölur route connects north and south Iceland through the interior, passing between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Compared to Landmannalaugar, it has fewer river crossings and is generally more manageable. A great option if you want the highland experience without the most technical driving. Usually accessible from mid-June.

Westfjords

Iceland's least-visited region and genuinely remote. The main roads are paved but many of the best destinations — Hornstrandir, Dynjandi, the Látrabjarg bird cliffs — involve steep gravel mountain passes. A 4WD gives you much more confidence here, especially in shoulder season when the passes can be slippery.

Landmannalaugar is accessible by 4WD from late June — one of Iceland's most spectacular highland destinations.

Common questions

Can I drive an F-road in an AWD car?

No. Icelandic law requires true 4WD on F-roads — AWD is not sufficient and you risk a fine and voiding your insurance. If you're unsure whether your rental is 4WD or AWD, ask the rental company before you pick up the car.

What licence do I need?

A standard full driving licence from your home country is valid in Iceland, including for 4WD and F-road driving. An international driving permit is not required for most nationalities. Minimum age for 4WD rentals is typically 20–23 depending on the company.

What happens if I get stuck in the highlands?

Call 112 — Iceland's emergency number. Always tell someone your route before heading into the highlands and keep your rental company's number saved. Staying with your vehicle is the right call while you wait for help.

Is the Dacia Duster good enough for F-roads?

For most popular F-roads in normal summer conditions — yes. The F208 to Landmannalaugar and the Kjölur route are both well within the Duster's capability. Always confirm with us which routes are permitted under your rental agreement before heading into the highlands.

Is there a road usage fee in Iceland?

Yes — from January 2026, Iceland introduced a government road usage fee (kílómetragjald) of ISK 1,550 per rental day, regardless of kilometres driven. This applies to all rental companies in Iceland and is collected at pick-up. It is non-refundable.

Do I need to book a 4WD in advance?

In July and August — yes, definitely. Good 4WDs sell out weeks in advance during peak season. If you're travelling in June or September you have more flexibility, but booking early is always worth it to get the specific vehicle you want.

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