Getting around Iceland

Travelling Iceland as a Group: Vans, Minibuses and Private Tours

Drive Reykjavik team · 5 min read

Iceland group travel works best when transport is simple. Whether you are a family of six, a wedding party, a team on a company trip or a group of friends, the same questions come up: how many cars do you need, how do you keep everyone together and what do you do about luggage?

Choosing the right vehicle

Group size decides your vehicle. With Drive Reykjavik the price is fixed per car, not per person, which makes larger groups easier to plan and split.

  • 1 to 4 passengers: Economy car (Tesla).
  • 5 to 7 passengers: Van (Mercedes Vito), with more room for people and luggage.
  • 8 to 16 passengers: minibus, available on request by WhatsApp.

You can see the options on our fleet page. If your group is larger than 16 or you are not sure which vehicle fits, message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 with your numbers and dates.

A winding road through green valleys and mountains in Iceland
Iceland’s roads are scenic but long, so comfortable transport matters on group trips.Photo: Ike Unger / Pexels

Do not forget luggage

Group trips often fail on luggage, not seats. Count suitcases, backpacks, prams and any special items such as sports gear or camera equipment, and tell us when you message. Seven people with seven large suitcases is a different job from seven people with cabin bags, and it is better to discuss it before the day.

Airport arrivals for groups

Group arrivals can be messy: people clear immigration and baggage claim at different speeds. A pre-booked transfer helps because your driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and you get 45 minutes of free waiting at the airport. Add the flight number when you book.

  • Nominate one person as the contact for the driver.
  • Agree on a meeting point if you land on different flights.
  • Add your flight number to each booking.
  • Book at least one hour before pick-up; for larger groups, book much earlier.

Our airport transfer guide explains how the pick-up works step by step, and our comparison of private transfers and the Flybus shows how per-car pricing changes the maths for groups.

Private tours for groups

On a private tour your group has the vehicle and driver to itself. You decide when to start, how long to stay at each stop and when to eat, and nobody waits for strangers at a coach departure.

  • Everyone travels together, so no one gets lost or left behind.
  • You can adapt the day to the weather and the mood of the group.
  • Your driver handles the road, so everyone can enjoy the view.
  • Stops can be tailored for photos, toilet breaks and meals.

Popular routes for groups are the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Both are long days, so plan lunch in advance.

A road leading through the Icelandic landscape towards snow-capped mountains
Long stretches of open road are a good reason to leave the driving to someone else.Photo: Artūras Kokorevas / Pexels

Planning tips for larger groups

  1. Fix the dates and group size as early as possible, especially for minibuses.
  2. Decide who is paying and how; the price is per car, so splitting is simple.
  3. Plan for restaurants that can seat a large group, and book ahead.
  4. Keep days short: groups move more slowly than individuals.
  5. Share the plan with everyone in a single message, including the WhatsApp number +354 777 3949.
  6. Have a bad-weather plan; see our what to pack guide so everyone arrives with the right clothes.

Payment and cancellation

For online bookings you can pay a 20% deposit and pay the rest to the driver by card or cash. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before pick-up. For larger or minibus bookings, message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the details.

Types of groups and what they need

Every group is different, and the best plan depends on who is travelling.

  • Families and multi-generation trips: plan shorter days, more stops and easy walking. A van keeps everyone together.
  • Friends and celebrations: flexible timing and a shared vehicle make it easy to split costs and stay together.
  • Corporate and incentive groups: a fixed schedule matters, so share the programme and flight details early.
  • Weddings and special events: tell us the dates and the number of guests as soon as you can, so we can confirm what is possible.
  • Photography and activity groups: extra luggage and equipment may need a larger vehicle.

In every case, the most useful thing you can do is share the details: the dates, the number of people, the amount of luggage and the places you want to visit. With that information we can tell you whether a van or a minibus is the right fit, and whether you need more than one vehicle.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. Iceland’s weather and road conditions can change the plan, and a group moves more slowly than a couple. Leaving a little slack in the schedule is the best way to keep everyone relaxed and on time.

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