Driving in Iceland during winter is an unforgettable experience—but it comes with challenges that every visitor should be prepared for. Snow, ice, strong winds, and limited daylight hours can make road conditions unpredictable, especially outside the capital area. Before setting off, always check the latest weather forecast at vedur.is and road conditions on road.is. If you’re not used to winter driving, it’s a good idea to slow down, allow extra travel time, and avoid driving in the dark whenever possible.
At Thrifty Iceland, we recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle during the winter season (October to April), especially if you plan to explore areas outside of Reykjavík. All of our winter rentals come equipped with mandatory studded winter tyres for extra grip. If you’re unsure about your route, speak with our local team when picking up your car—we’re also here to help you plan a safe and enjoyable self-drive adventure in Iceland.
DRIVING ON ICE
Always drive slowly, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Use low gears when going downhill and never use cruise control in icy conditions. Even with studded winter tyres, your car can lose traction, especially on remote or shaded roads. If your vehicle starts to slide tap the break gently several times and keep calm. Do not push the break to the floor as the tyres might lock – losing their ability to slow you down.
HOW TO IDENTIFY ICE
1. Landscape – The chances of ice in flat areas are greater than in incline. Temperatures also decrease when you go higher up so chances of ice on mountain roads are greater than in the lowlands.
2. Weather – There are greater chances of ice when there are clear skies in twilight and during night. Usually the nights are colder when the air is dry and in those circumstances dew and damp can cause ice on the surface of the roads.
3. Proximity to water or sea – Where roads lie close to rivers, waters or sea there is more dampness in the air which increase the chances of ice on the roads.
4. Shelter – Increased chances of ice are on roads who are sheltered by for example forests, cliffs or other parts of the landscape. There are more chances of night-frost in still weather than in wind.
5. The thermometer in the car – Drivers should not depend too much on the thermometer in the car as the temperature close to earth can be different than what the meter shows. If the meter shows less than 4-5°C in still weather, drivers need to be alert and keep in mind that ice can form concurrent to precipitation (rain, snow etc.) or when the roads are wet.
ICE ON GRAVEL ROADS
Many rural roads in Iceland are gravel roads, not suited for fast driving. During winter they can be icy as well. Please drive carefully as driving on ice is very different compared to dry surfaces. We recommend that you drive at the speed you feel comfortable with and let other drivers pass you rather than try to keep up with other drivers.
When a car comes from the opposite direction, slow down and pull out to the right side of the road. This can reduce risk of costly damage to paint and windshield from flying stones.
BLINDED BY THE SUN
The low winter sun in Iceland can be unsurprisingly blinding, especially during sunrise and sunset when it hangs just above the horizon for long stretches of the day. This glare can significantly reduce visibility while driving, making it harder to see the road, signs, or oncoming traffic. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses handy and slow down when the sun is in your eyes. Be especially cautious when the sunlight reflects off icy roads or snowy landscapes, which can intensify the glare.
DRIVING IN SNOW
Snow can accumulate quickly, reducing visibility and making roads slippery, especially on rural routes. If the road lines are unclear, yellow sticks mark where the road lies. Snow removal services can be limited, and some roads might be closed temporarily. If you’re unfamiliar with winter driving, we recommend choosing a 4×4 vehicle for better grip and stability. Always check road conditions.
IF STUCK IN SNOW
If stuck in snow – wiggle the car front and back without pressing the accelerator too hard. Have someone push the car back and forth, as you wiggle. Move snow away from the tyres and from underneath the car.
If there is no hope of getting the car out, please call for help. It is advised to not leave the vehicle.
ROAD CLOSURES
Roads can be closed temporarily due to extreme road conditions, weather and snow. These closures can be in place for hours or even days at a time and are usually clearly marked both online and on-site. Please do not enter a road that is blocked it’s not only illegal but can also put you and your passengers in serious danger as well as cause serious damage to the rental car. Always check information about road closures before hitting the road.
Important Information
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