Planning an Iceland Ring Road Trip: Route, Days and Tips

The Iceland Ring Road, officially Route 1, loops around the entire island and connects almost every region visitors want to see. It is roughly 1,300 km long, which sounds manageable on a map. In reality the stops, the weather and the pace of rural driving mean you need more time than you might expect.

This guide breaks the route into sections, suggests how many days to allow, explains how the seasons change the plan and covers the options if you would rather not drive every kilometre yourself.

How many days for the Iceland Ring Road?

The distance can in principle be driven in a few days, but you would see mostly the inside of a car. Most travellers find that around seven days is the practical minimum, and ten days or more is far more relaxed. Our 7-day itinerary is a useful comparison if you are deciding how much to cover.

• 5 to 6 days: possible, but with long driving days and few stops.
• 7 to 8 days: a workable pace with some highlights and some rushing.
• 9 to 10 days or more: time for detours, weather delays and slower mornings.

Add buffer days for bad weather. Conditions can force you to change the order of stops or wait for a road to reopen, especially outside summer.

The route in sections

Think of the Ring Road as five stretches, each with its own character. Distances and times are approximate and depend on weather and stops.

1. Reykjavík to Vík: the South Coast

Waterfalls, black sand and glacier views start soon after leaving Reykjavík. This is the busiest section for day trips, covered in our South Coast guide.

2. Vík to Höfn: the southeast

Here the road passes glaciers and vast black sand plains. Glacier lagoons are a highlight, but they are far from Reykjavík, so many travellers stay overnight in the area.

3. The East Fjords

A quieter stretch of winding roads along fjords and small fishing villages. Allow extra time, because the road is slower than the distances suggest.

4. Mývatn and the north

Volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity and waterfalls around Lake Mývatn, then on to Akureyri. Our guides to Lake Mývatn and Akureyri cover the stops.

5. Akureyri back to Reykjavík

The final stretch heads through the north-west and past Borgarnes, with farmland, hot springs and waterfalls on the way, before returning to the capital.

A realistic Ring Road day is around three to five hours of driving including stops, which leaves time to enjoy the places you pass. Overnight stays work best when they are spread evenly: one base near the South Coast, one in the southeast or east, one around Mývatn or Akureyri and one on the way back. Choose places with flexible cancellation so you can adjust when the weather changes.

Think about what you want from the trip before you commit to the whole loop. If your main interests are waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs, the south and the Golden Circle may already deliver most of them, and a shorter out-and-back route can be calmer than a full lap. The Ring Road is not a challenge to complete; it is a way to choose the landscapes you enjoy.

How the seasons change your plan

In summer the Ring Road is generally easier, with long daylight and open roads. In winter, snow, ice, wind and short days can make driving hard and may close sections for a while. If you are considering a winter trip, read our guide to driving in Iceland in winter first. Check road conditions and weather every morning on the official sources, and be willing to change the plan.

Practical planning tips

• Book accommodation early for your dates, especially outside the main towns where options are limited.
• Fill the tank before long, quiet stretches and do not rely on the next station being close.
• Check road and weather updates daily and respect closures.
• Pack layers and waterproofs; see our packing checklist.
• Plan your driving days with the light in mind and avoid driving in the dark where you can.

If you would rather not drive it yourself

A full lap by rental car is a big commitment, particularly for first-time drivers on Icelandic roads. You can split the trip: use a rental car for part of it and take pre-booked rides for the rest, or skip the rental entirely and build your trip around transfers and private tours. Our guide to getting around Iceland without renting a car explains how.

We offer transfers between towns and from the airport, with a fixed price per car, one way, and private tours with your own driver. Message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 with your route and dates and we will tell you honestly what we can arrange. Our Economy (Tesla) takes 1 to 4 passengers and our Van (Mercedes Vito) takes 5 to 7.

FAQ

How long is the Ring Road?

How many days should I allow?

Is the Ring Road open all year?

Do I have to rent a car?

Can you arrange rides between towns?