Iceland’s Ultimate Road Trip Decision
Iceland is one of the world’s premier self-drive destinations. In 2026, with Iceland’s tourism fully recovered (projecting approximately 2.5 million international visitors for the year), choosing the right route has become the most important pre-trip decision.
Most visitors opt for the classic Ring Road (Route 1), approximately 1,332 km circling the island and passing Iceland’s most iconic landscapes. But increasingly, the Westfjords (Vestfirðir) — Iceland’s most remote and pristine region — is attracting sophisticated travelers seeking something beyond the well-trodden path.
Both routes offer irreplaceable experiences. This article provides a comprehensive comparison across route characteristics, ideal traveler profiles, time requirements, and costs.
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Ring Road (Route 1) Complete Overview
Route overview: Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland’s main arterial highway, approximately 1,332 km circling the entire island, passing through all major Icelandic cities and attractions.
Standard itinerary (8-10 days): Days 1-2: Reykjavik (acclimate, explore Golden Circle) Day 3: South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Black Sand Beach) Day 4: Vatnajokull National Park (ice cave adventure) Day 5: Eastfjords (Egilsstadir town) Day 6: Dettifoss + Lake Myvatn area Day 7: Akureyri (capital of the North) Day 8: Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Church Mountain) Days 9-10: Return to Reykjavik
Key data:
- Total distance: approximately 1,332 km (150-200 km per day average)
- Paved road percentage: approximately 95% (F-roads have gravel sections)
- Fuel cost reference: Iceland gas ~$2.1/liter (~16 ISK/liter)
- Car rental reference (September): compact SUV ~$120/day; 4WD SUV ~$180/day
Westfjords Deep Dive
Westfjords overview: The Westfjords is Iceland’s most remote region, covering approximately 10% of Iceland’s total land area but with extremely sparse road coverage. Most roads are gravel, and many are closed due to snow from October through April. This area preserves Iceland’s most pristine fjord scenery with extremely low population density (some areas with fewer than 1 person per square km).
Typical itinerary (7-9 days): Day 1: Fly to Reykjavik Day 2: Drive to Westfjords entrance (approximately 5 hours) Day 3: Isafjordur (largest town in Westfjords) Day 4: Hornstratir Nature Reserve Day 5: Stykkisholmur Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Church Mountain) Days 7-8: Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon Day 9: Depart
Key data:
- Main access route to Westfjords: 5 hours from Reykjavik to Isafjordur
- Gravel road percentage: approximately 40% (significantly higher than Ring Road)
- Westfjords open season: typically May through late September (weather-dependent)
- Fuel cost: same as Ring Road, but gravel roads cause higher vehicle wear
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Dimension | Ring Road (Route 1) | Westfjords |
|---|---|---|
| Total distance | 1,332 km | ~800 km (internal Westfjords) |
| Total trip days | 8-10 days (full loop) | 7-9 days |
| Road condition | 95% paved | ~60% paved, rest gravel |
| Best season | May-September; Dec-Feb for northern lights | June-August only (very narrow window) |
| Landscape type | Diverse: glaciers, waterfalls, black sand, volcanoes | Pristine fjords, cliffs, seals, reindeer |
| Infrastructure | Many towns along route; abundant accommodation/food | Limited accommodation; book 2-3 months ahead |
| Cost Item | Ring Road (10 days/2 people) | Westfjords (8 days/2 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental | $1,200 (compact SUV) | $1,440 (4WD SUV required) |
| Fuel | $250 | $200 |
| Accommodation | $1,500-2,500 | $1,200-2,000 |
| Food | $600-900 | $500-800 |
| Attractions | $150-250 | $100-180 |
| Total estimate | $3,700-5,600 | $3,440-4,620 |
Who Should Choose Which Route?
Choose Ring Road if:
- This is your first visit to Iceland
- Limited travel time (8-10 days or less)
- Moderate driving experience; unfamiliar with gravel road driving
- Traveling May-October (flexible season)
- Want maximum accommodation and dining variety
- Combining with northern lights (September-March)
Choose Westfjords if:
- This is your second or third visit to Iceland
- Seeking remote wilderness and deep exploration
- Experienced with gravel and mountain driving
- Traveling June-August (Westfjords’ open season)
- Passionate about photography (birds, seals, dramatic cliffs)
- Want to escape the tourist crowds on Route 1
Combine both (14-16 days): If time allows (14+ days), combining both routes is highly recommended: do the Westfjords first (4-5 days), then return via the northern Ring Road through Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, and Dettifoss, finishing with the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Westfjords Driving Safety Notes
Road condition risks: Westfjords roads are narrow, winding, and steep, with many unfenced edges. Some gravel sections (such as Route 62 and Route 641) become extremely muddy after rain, and two-wheel-drive vehicles can easily lose traction.
Vehicle recommendation: Strongly recommend renting a 4WD SUV (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser, RAV4 AWD or equivalent). Do not rent a two-wheel-drive vehicle to save money — the risk of skidding on Westfjords gravel roads and increased vehicle wear can substantially increase both travel costs and safety hazards.
Weather preparedness:
- Westfjords weather changes extremely fast — sunny departure can turn into 80+ km/h winds within an hour
- Essential gear: waterproof jacket, hiking boots, offline maps, satellite navigation device
- Weather forecasts: vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office)
FAQ: Iceland Self-Drive Questions
Q1: Do I need a 4WD for the Ring Road? No. Approximately 99% of the main Ring Road (Route 1) is fully paved, and a two-wheel-drive vehicle is perfectly adequate. However, if you plan to access F-roads (mountain routes, such as F208 into the Highlands), a 4WD is mandatory. The standard Ring Road itinerary does not require F-roads.
Q2: Can I visit the Westfjords in winter? Technically yes, but not recommended. Most Westfjords roads are closed October-April due to snow. In winter, flying to Isafjordur airport is the only access option for much of the region. For winter Iceland trips, focus on the Ring Road for northern lights — not the Westfjords.
Q3: Do I need an international driver’s license for Iceland? A Chinese driver’s license + English translation (notarized or International Driving Permit translation) is accepted for car rental in Iceland. Confirm with your rental company in advance — most accept the notarized document + original license combination.
Q4: How accessible are gas stations in Iceland? Ring Road gas stations are plentiful — you’ll find one every 50-100 km along the main route. However, gas stations are sparse inside the Westfjords. Fill up every time you encounter a gas station in the Westfjords — never wait until the tank is nearly empty.
Q5: What is the speed limit on Iceland’s Route 1? Iceland’s Route 1 has a speed limit of 90 km/h; residential areas are limited to 50 km/h. Gravel roads typically have an 80 km/h posted limit, but actual speeds should be adjusted based on conditions — safety always comes first on Icelandic roads.
Q6: Do I need to pre-book accommodation in Iceland? Very much so. Iceland has a limited hotel inventory, and during peak season (June-August), accommodations in popular areas (Black Sand Beach, Lake Myvatn, Snaefellsnes Peninsula) often sell out weeks in advance. Book accommodations 1-2 months ahead in general; for Westfjords lodging, book 2-3 months ahead.
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