Driving in Iceland — International Driving Permit guide
Iceland flag

Conduire en Iceland

Land of fire and ice with Ring Road adventures. Waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers await self-drivers.

Photo : Jonatan Pie / Unsplash

Informations essentielles

IDP Status
Permis international requis
Sens de circulation
Droite

Limitations de vitesse

50
Zone urbaine
50 km/h
80
Route rurale
80 km/h
90
Autoroute
90 km/h

Guide de voyage du pays

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, offers otherworldly landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and Northern Lights. This North Atlantic island provides one of Earth's most unique road trip experiences around the famous Ring Road.

The Ring Road (Route 1) circles Iceland in 1,322 kilometers, passing major attractions including the Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir), the black sand beaches of Vík, and the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón where icebergs float to sea.

Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, charms with colorful houses, the Hallgrímskirkja church, and excellent restaurants featuring New Nordic cuisine. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa provides the iconic Iceland experience.

The Westfjords offer remote adventure off the Ring Road with dramatic cliffs and isolated villages. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in miniature," features the glacier-capped volcano from Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The Northern Lights appear from September to March, while summer brings midnight sun. Hot springs dot the landscape—from Reykjadalur's hot river to Mývatn's nature baths.

Icelandic cuisine has evolved from traditional fermented shark and dried fish to celebrated New Nordic restaurants. Lamb, seafood, and geothermal-baked rye bread represent local staples.

Driving in Iceland is on the right. The Ring Road is paved but conditions vary. F-roads require 4x4 vehicles. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Weather changes rapidly—check conditions before driving and never stop in the middle of roads for photos.

Meilleures destinations

1
Ring Road (Route 1)
2
Golden Circle
3
South Coast
4
Westfjords

Conseils de conduite

Portez toujours votre permis international avec votre permis national
Familiarisez-vous avec les règles de circulation locales
Vérifiez les exigences d'assurance lors de la location d'une voiture
Respectez les limitations de vitesse locales

Questions fréquemment posées

Do I need an IDP to drive in Iceland?

Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Iceland. The IDP works alongside your national driving license.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Iceland?

In Iceland, traffic drives on the right side of the road.

What are the speed limits in Iceland?

Speed limits in Iceland: urban areas — 50 km/h, rural roads — 80 km/h, highways — 90 km/h.

How do I get an IDP for Iceland?

You can get your IDP online through our website in just a few minutes. You'll need a photo and your national driving license details.

Prêt à voyager vers Iceland?

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Informations utiles

Code du paysIS
Côté de conduiteDroite
Statut PCIRequired
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