One-Way Car Rental from Reykjavik to Akureyri | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Reykjavik to Akureyri

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Local renters may need to present additional documents such as a utility bill within 3 months or undergo extra verification if living within 100 km of the rental location.

Notes: Local renters living within 100 km of the rental location may require additional verification or documents such as a utility bill within 3 months.
Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some locations may accept debit cards, but this is not guaranteed.
Age requirements: Drivers must generally be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, which vary by location and range from $5.92 to $47.07 per day. Some policies cap the total young driver fee for the rental period.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. If the licence is not in English or Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation (e.g., NAATI-certified or embassy-authorized) is required. Some countries may accept specific licences, such as EU or South Korea's English version.

Notes: Foreign renters may need to present additional documents, such as a return airline ticket, depending on the country of residence.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some locations may accept debit cards, but this is not guaranteed.
Age requirements: Drivers must generally be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, which vary by location and range from $5.92 to $47.07 per day. Some policies cap the total young driver fee for the rental period.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 479-742	US$ 0.00-208.60	US$ 552-828	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 955-956	US$ 168.22-208.60	US$ 812-1054	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 643-1430	US$ 0.00-242.67	US$ 759-1782	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 634-826	US$ 0.00-208.60	US$ 739-924	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 725-1430	US$ 208.60-242.67	US$ 874-1782	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 1115-1556	US$ 0.00-189.88	US$ 1386-1964	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fees: Be aware that one-way rentals often include an extra fee to cover the cost of the car's return to the original location.
Understand the Route: Plan your journey and familiarize yourself with any toll roads, routes, or potential detours along the way.
Driver's License Requirements: Ensure you have a valid driver's license that is accepted in the country of rental and meets the rental agency's requirements.
Refueling Policies: Check whether the rental policy requires a full tank on return, and confirm fuel station options near your drop-off point.
Insurance Coverage: Clarify what type of insurance is included in your rental agreement and consider supplemental coverage if needed.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book in Advance: Secure your vehicle early to get the best rates and ensure availability, particularly in popular regions.
Choose a Vehicle Suited to the Route: Consider the road conditions and weather on the route to select the most appropriate vehicle type.
Verify Drop-Off Options: Confirm the exact location and operating hours of the rental agency's drop-off point in Akureyri.
Learn Local Driving Laws: Familiarize yourself with the local driving rules and regulations to avoid fines or complications.
Pack Essentials For the Journey: Bring a map, water, and emergency supplies, especially given Iceland's remote regions within this route.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Olís Akureyri - Tryggvabraut 1, 600 Akureyri, Iceland

Orkan - Hörgárbraut, 603 Akureyri, Iceland

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Plan your route to minimize unnecessary driving.

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated.

Reykjavik Parking

Consider using parking apps to find the best spots.

Parking in Reykjavik is regulated by zones, with varying costs based on proximity to the city center.

Akureyri Parking

Look for marked parking areas to avoid fines.

Akureyri offers free parking in many areas, but some central spots may have time restrictions.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parka and EasyPark can help users locate and pay for parking in Iceland.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a payment method for the tunnel toll.

Use a credit card for quick payment at toll stations.

Iceland has limited toll roads, with Hvalfjörður Tunnel being the most notable.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Routes From Reykjavik to Akureyri:

Route 1: Ring Road (Route 1)

Scenic Highway 5.5 hours

This is the most direct and popular route between Reykjavik and Akureyri, featuring breathtaking landscapes along the Ring Road.

Borgarnes , Blönduós , Hvítserkur Rock

Route 2: Coastal Fjords Route

Coastal Adventure 6.5 hours

Explores more of the northern coastal scenery with opportunities to visit Arnarfjörður and other serene fjords.

Dalvík , Grenivík , Ólafsfjörður

Route 3: Highland Pass

Adventure Route 7 hours

For adventure seekers, this highland route through central Iceland requires a four-wheel drive.

Kerlingarfjöll , Hveravellir Geothermal Area , Holtavörðuheiði

Extended Trips En Route to Akureyri:

Golden Circle Detour

8 hours total

Combine a visit to Iceland's iconic Golden Circle route before proceeding towards Akureyri.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

9 hours total

Detour to the volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines of Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Dettifoss Waterfall

8 hours total

Add an adventure through the Dettifoss area, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Húsavík Coastal Route

9 hours total

Explore the beautiful coastline and enjoy whale-watching opportunities at Húsavík.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Choice: Choose a car type suitable for your route, such as a 4x4 for highland roads.

Fuel Planning: Fill up your tank regularly as stations can be spread out.

Navigation: Update your maps and confirm GPS signals as coverage can vary in remote areas.

Seasonal Considerations: Be prepared for variable weather conditions and check road closures.

Cost Management: Compare rental prices and query additional fees like one-way charges.

Safety Precautions: Carry emergency equipment and heed all road signs to ensure a safe journey.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for the Reykjavik to Akureyri route, prioritize those offering one-way rentals combined with competitive rates and a variety of vehicles.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Wide range of options including eco-friendly and luxury vehicles	Available in main cities across Iceland	Comprehensive insurance packages , Roadside assistance included
Avis	$$	Extensive options ranging from compact to SUVs	Serves all major Icelandic towns	Online check-in for quicker pickup , Offers discounted rates for early booking
Europcar	$	Balanced offerings with emphasis on reliability	Branches focused in main tourist areas	Low excess damage charges , Efficient booking process
Blue Car Rental	$	Specializes in 4x4 vehicles for rugged terrain	Convenient locations throughout Iceland	Dedicated to Icelandic routes and road conditions , No hidden fees

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Key Information About Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers typically operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with some offering 24/7 drop-off options.

Location Information:

Car rental agencies in Reykjavik are primarily based near Keflavik International Airport and in downtown Reykjavik; Akureyri drop-offs are central to Akureyri Airport.

Shuttle Services:

Frequent shuttles operate between the primary rental office regions and the respective airports for convenient transport.

Fueling Options:

Gas stations are widely available on the Ring Road, including near drop-off points in Akureyri.

To avoid extra fees, ensure to refuel your vehicle before dropping it off and confirm the office's operating hours for a smooth return process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the car rental in Akureyri if I picked it up in Reykjavik?

Yes, most car rental companies offer the option of one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up the vehicle in Reykjavik and drop it off in Akureyri. However, it's advisable to confirm this option during the booking process as additional fees might apply.

Do one-way car rentals between Reykjavik and Akureyri include unlimited mileage?

Policies vary depending on the car rental company. While many include unlimited mileage for domestic rentals, others may have restrictions or limits for long-distance travel. It's recommended to verify the terms stated in your rental agreement.

How long does it typically take to drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri?

The driving distance between Reykjavik and Akureyri is approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles). The journey generally takes around 5-6 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, and stops made along the route.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals in Iceland?

Some rental companies charge a one-way fee for picking up a car in one location and dropping it off in another, such as Reykjavik and Akureyri. It's best to check the rental conditions or ask the company directly about extra charges.

What should I keep in mind driving between Reykjavik and Akureyri?

Be aware of varying weather conditions, especially during winter. The route is generally safe, but parts might require caution if icy or during snow. Check for road closures or travel advisories before departure.

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