Driving in Iceland
Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
With no railroads and sparse population density outside the immediate Reykjavik area, driving is one of the easier ways around Iceland. However, there are some pitfalls and potential problems to avoid, especially in remote parts of the country.
UnderstandAs in most of Europe, Iceland has right-hand driving. Most roads are two-lane undivided; there are multiple lanes in each direction in and around the capital area.
RoadsRoads in Iceland can be split into four categories.
Vehicle and gearOn the mountain roads (those with number prefixed with F) four-wheel-drive cars are needed. In winter, Icelandic cars use Nordic quality winter tires (studded tyres are permitted from November to April).
Rules and regulationsRules and road signs are generally the same as in the rest of Europe with the field of the sign in yellow rather than white so as to contrast with snow. Like the UK, the E-roads are not signposted.
Glossary
Stay safeDriving standards are moderately well-maintained in Iceland, with the traffic being (statistically) among the safest in the world.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Driving in Iceland" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons