Akureyri Iceland Car Rental
Start your North Iceland road trip the smart way.
Looking for Akureyri car rental that’s easy, affordable, and airport-friendly? Thrifty Iceland has you covered. With our car rental desk inside Akureyri Airport (AEY), you can step off the plane and straight into your self-drive adventure – no delays, no detours.
Whether you’re here for epic waterfalls, lava fields, or relaxing soaks in geothermal baths, renting a car in Akureyri gives you total freedom to explore the best of North Iceland on your own schedule.
Why Book Your Car Hire in Akureyri?
Because starting in the north is smarter, quieter, and a whole lot less crowded.
Most travellers land in the south at KEF, but if you want a head start on Iceland’s wildest landscapes, choose Akureyri Airport car hire instead. With direct international flights from the UK and Europe, plus daily domestic connections from Reykjavík, getting to Akureyri is easier than ever.
✨ Bonus? You skip the south coast crowds and dive straight into North Iceland’s hidden gems.
Car Hire at Akureyri Airport – What We Offer
Reliable rentals for every itinerary – and every budget.
From quick weekend getaways to full-on Ring Road trips, our Akureyri Iceland car rental fleet includes:
🚗 Economy & Compact Cars – Easy to drive and park, perfect for town and short drives
🚙 4WD SUVs – Great for winter, gravel roads, and exploring farther afield
🚐 Passenger Vans – Roomy and comfy for families, groups, or extra luggage
✔️ Automatic & manual options available
✔️ Clean, modern vehicles
✔️ No deposit required – your card is only held for security
🎯 Ask us about our Zero Excess Coverage at the desk – it’s peace of mind with no surprise costs.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Akureyri Airport
Fast. Easy. On your way in minutes.
To make your pickup smooth and speedy, have these ready:
✅ Booking confirmation email
✅ Driver’s license (held for at least 1 year)
✅ Credit card in the driver’s name
Our Thrifty team is based right at the Akureyri Airport terminal, so no shuttle needed. You’ll be on the road in no time.
Driving Tips for Akureyri, Iceland
Stay safe and drive smart with these quick tips:
🚦 Speed Limits:
- Residential: 30 km/h
- Urban roads: 50 km/h
- Gravel roads: 80 km/h
- Paved rural roads: 90 km/h
🚫 Off-road driving is illegal – stick to marked routes only.
🚇 Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel:
Heading east to Mývatn or Húsavík? This shortcut tunnel saves time – but remember to pay the toll online within 3 hours.
- Cost: 1,500 ISK (on time) | 2,500 ISK (late)
- Forget to pay? We’ll charge your card with the toll + a small service fee.
Parking in Akureyri
🅿️ Two parking zones in city center:
- P1: 200 ISK/hour
- P2: 100 ISK/hour
🕓 Paid hours: Weekdays, 10:00–16:00
📲 Pay via EasyPark or Parka app.
🚐 Driving a camper or caravan? Overnight parking in town is not allowed. Use a designated campground.
What to See in Akureyri with Your Rental Car
Top things to do in the North’s cozy capital:
- Akureyri Botanical Garden – Arctic plants in bloom
- Akureyri Church – Iconic hilltop views
- The Christmas House – Festive vibes all year
- The Aviation Museum – Iceland’s flying history
- Laufás Farmhouse – Step back in time
- Hof Cultural Centre – Music, events, and art
Best Day Trips from Akureyri
Rent a car, hit the road, and explore beyond the city:
- Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall
- Lake Mývatn – Volcanic landscapes, birdlife, and geothermal magic
- Mývatn Nature Baths – A soothing soak with a view
- Goðafoss – A must-see stop on the Ring Road
- Húsavík – The whale watching capital of Iceland
- Dimmuborgir – Eerie lava formations, Icelandic legends
- Krafla Volcano – One of Iceland’s active volcanic zones
- Námaskarð (Hverir) – Bubbling mud pools and steaming vents
Book Your Akureyri Airport Car Rental Today
Adventure starts the moment you land.
Thrifty makes it easy to get behind the wheel with no deposit, flexible pickup, and the best selection of rental cars in North Iceland. So why wait?
🚗 Book your Akureyri Iceland car rental now at www.thrifty.is
And turn your Iceland itinerary into an unforgettable self-drive journey.
