Holiday in Iceland Rental Car suitable for October weather

acer911

Hi,

I am going to Iceland later this month for 4 days. I am looking to rent a car for 4 days which I will used to visit some of the major attractions such as Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir, Geysir and Gulfoss. Does anyone know if I would need a 4*4 at this time of year to visit this place?

Also there appears to be a lot of insurance add-ons covering different risks like sand damage, ask and gravel damage etc, does anyone know if these should be purchased or not?

I am renting a car for the first time also so is there anything I should be aware of? I have heard of people being charged for "damage" that was there before the car was rented etc.

Thanks

tannytantans

I'm going to Iceland around the same time and I'm looking into this too!Would prefer a car to see the sights rather than being restricted to a bus tour. Nervous about driving in wintery conditions though.

I've been reading up on Tripadvisor and they recommend getting Sand and Ash insurance along with the other usuals. Lots of horror stories on there about people being charged huge amounts for bringing back cars that are slightly damaged.

Would love to hear other peoples experiences!

coylemj

Sand, ash, geysers, volcanoes. Wouldn't you be much better off doing guided tours with a local in a vehicle appropriate for the conditions on the day? Given the rugged landscape and the geological volatility of the country, it's the last place on Earth I'd be going independent in a hired car.

OK maybe Argentina in a UK-registered Porsche might be slightly more hazardous!

Just my tuppence worth.

Been to Iceland many times (you'll love it by the way!) and have been to all the places you mentioned. Escorted tours aren't as restrictive as you think. It's often just small groups in SUVs as opposed to 60 or 70 drunken parents with screaming brats on a bus. Depends on the landscape, but I usually agree that I prefer doing my own thing as opposed to a group agenda. Iceland was an exception though.

As for the Blue Lagoon, great day out and well worth it, but honestly, it's a public transport bus ride from Reykjavik and if anything is not worth renting a vehicle for then it's this.

Couple of spare hours, there's a huge indoor flea market by the harbour, and some great fishing trips on some small trawlers. You keep what you catch, but some have a deal where they clean and gut whatever fish you catch and cook it for you in a restaurant when you get back.

acer911

Thanks for the replies.

I like the freedom of having a car and from looking at prices for certain trips I think it could work out cheaper than the tours (not that this matters too much).

@misterbizmuth where did you book the tours?

acer911

acer911 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.


@misterbizmuth where did you book the tours?

Just walk around the commercial shopping area of downtown Reykjavik and it won't take you long to find any number agents and ticket sellers. It doesn't matter what shop you go into because the actual tour provider will be the same. A lot of hotels will sell them from reception as well.

For the Blue Lagoon you can also get a tour that picks you up and drops you there when you want, but for the return they just give you a bus ticket and you simply get on any public transport coach parked outside the entrance and go back to the city at a time that suits yourself. In other words you can go with a group but you dump them pretty much immediately and stay how ever long you want.