Road Tolls in Iceland | 2025 Tunnel Payment Guide

Last updated: October 2025

Most roads in Iceland are toll-free — but there’s one important exception.
The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, located in North Iceland near Akureyri, is Iceland’s only toll road.
Here’s how to pay the fee correctly, avoid extra charges, and understand what happens if you forget.

Q: How Do I Pay for the Tunnel Toll in Iceland?

Payment is fully digital and based on license plate recognition.
You must pay before or within 3 hours after using the tunnel.

Step-by-Step Payment Guide:

Visit www.tunnel.is.
Enter your license plate number and vehicle information (make, model, color).
Select payment option (single trip or multiple use).
Enter credit or debit card details.
Confirm and save your receipt or email confirmation.

If you miss the payment window, Thrifty will automatically charge your card plus an administrative fee for the unpaid toll.

Q: How Much Is the Iceland Tunnel Toll?

Toll prices vary slightly depending on the vehicle type and size.

Vehicle Type	Toll (One Way)	Notes
Passenger car / SUV	1,500 ISK	Up to 3.5 tons
Larger van / camper	2,500 ISK	3.5–7.5 tons
Trucks / buses	5,000 ISK+	Over 7.5 tons
Motorcycles	Free	No toll charge

(Prices subject to change — always confirm on tunnel.is before travel.)

Q: What Happens If I Forget to Pay the Toll?

If you do not register within 3 hours after using the tunnel:

Your vehicle is automatically identified by camera.
Thrifty will pay the toll on your behalf and then charge your credit card for the toll plus a service fee.
Repeated non-payments may result in higher administrative costs or a collection invoice from the tunnel operator.

💡 Tip: The payment system works on license plates — even if you use a different rental company later, the vehicle must still be registered every time.

Q: Can I Avoid the Tunnel or Take an Alternative Route?

Yes, you can take the Víkurskarð mountain pass instead.

Route	Distance Difference	Conditions	When to Use
Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel (toll)	Saves ~16 km	Paved, all-year open	Best in winter or for fast travel
Víkurskarð mountain pass (free)	Adds ~20 min drive	Can be closed or icy in winter	Scenic route, summer only

In summer, many locals use the mountain route for sightseeing.
In winter, the tunnel is far safer and often essential for travel.

Q: Is Vaðlaheiðargöng the Only Toll in Iceland?

Yes.
As of 2025, Vaðlaheiðargöng is Iceland’s only active toll road.
There are no other paid sections on the Ring Road, Golden Circle, or any major tourist routes.

Future toll systems are occasionally discussed by the government, but no additional tolls are currently in use.

Q: What If My Rental Car Already Used the Tunnel?

If you received your car from Thrifty and it has already passed through the tunnel before your rental:

The toll system automatically tracks license plates.
If unpaid, Thrifty will be notified by the tunnel operator.
You may see the toll and an admin fee on your rental receipt.
Contact info@thrifty.is for details if you believe you were charged incorrectly.

Q: Can I Prepay the Toll Before Driving?

Yes — that’s the recommended method.
You can pre-register your plate number at www.tunnel.is hours or even days before your trip.
Just make sure the plate number matches exactly what’s on your rental agreement.

Q: How Do I Know My Payment Went Through?

You’ll receive an email confirmation once payment is processed.
Alternatively, return to tunnel.is, re-enter your license plate, and check for a “paid” status.
If no confirmation appears, the payment may have failed — try again to avoid later fees.

Q: Traveler Tips for the Tunnel

Check your Google Maps route — the tunnel may be automatically included.
Keep your credit card handy before driving through.
If sharing a car between drivers, make sure everyone knows the payment deadline.
Screenshot your tunnel.is payment confirmation for proof.
In winter, the tunnel saves time and improves safety — highly recommended.

Road Tolls in Iceland: How to Pay the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Fee (2025 Guide)