Is Renting a Car Worth It for a 24-Hour Stay in Iceland

Driving in Iceland is a cinematic adventure: the open road winding through wild, scenic landscapes. It is the road trip every traveler deserves, even if you’re only in the country for a quick 24-hour stop.

Landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for a short stay often feels like a race against the clock. But you don’t have to spend your day stuck in a terminal lounge or waiting on a rigid bus schedule.Since the airport is situated right on the Reykjanes Peninsula The Reykjanes Peninsula starts right near the airport, and several bucket-list landscapes are only a short drive away. That means a quick-fire version of your dream Icelandic road trip is entirely within reach.

In this guide, we’ll break down why renting a car in Iceland is the most efficient way to maximize your stay.

Why a Car Rental Beats Taxis and Tours for Layovers

When you have a limited window in Iceland, the two biggest constraints are time and budget. Taxis and guided tours are convenient, but they often come with trade-offs that don’t always work well with short stays. Ultimately, an Icelandic car rental is usually the best choice for travelers in Iceland for a short visit.

First, renting a car in Iceland puts you on your own schedule. Organized tours can be great, but it comes with a significant lack of flexibility. Tours run on fixed departure times and set itineraries that may not align with your flight arrival or departure. When you rent a car, you are in complete control of your own itinerary.

Second, rentals in Iceland can be more cost-effective than relying on taxis for multiple stops. A single taxi to one of the popular Reykjanes attractions can easily cost as much as a full day’s car rental.

Finally, a car rental is efficient for sightseeing close to the airport. Instead of spending about 45 minutes each way just getting into Reykjavík, you can pick up a car near the airport and be at major landmarks within 20 to 30 minutes. For instance, Konvin Car Rental is only minutes away from KEF. This efficiency ensures that your day-long road trip focuses on seeing Iceland not sitting in traffic.

A Sample Itinerary for 24 Hours: The Reykjanes Loop

If you’re only in the country for the day, skip save the Golden Circle the Ring Road for another trip. Instead, set your sights on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It’s home to the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, plus an array of geothermal and coastal sights close to Keflavík Airport. Many highlights are reachable in roughly 20–45 minutes by car. Renting a car in Iceland lets you move through the day at your own pace (or skip stops if time gets tight).

• Hour 1 (Arrival and Pickup): Land at KEF, clear arrivals, and pick up your rental in the KEF area. If you book a car rental with Konvin, there is a free 24/7 shuttle to coincide with your vehicle pick-up or drop-off time. If you’re staying at Konvin Hotel, plan your pickup around the hotel’s morning airport shuttle service from 4-8am.
• Hours 2–5 (The Blue Lagoon): Just 20 to 25 minutes away, this world-famous geothermal spa is the perfect cure for jet lag. Be sure to buy your Blue Lagoon admission and book your slot in advance.
• Hours 6–8 (Bridge Between Continents and Gunnuhver): Drive to two quick, dramatic stops. Experience the Bridge Between Continents for the symbolic “two plates” photo, then Gunnuhver Geothermal Area for roaring steam and bubbling earth.
• Hours 9–11 (Reykjanes Lighthouse): Head to Reykjanesviti, widely cited as Iceland’s oldest lighthouse site, for big Atlantic views and rugged cliff scenery.
• Evening (Dinner at Keflavík): Return toward Keflavík for a relaxed meal at Konvin Hotel before your early night or late flight. Other restaurants nearby on Ásbrú include Völlur Mathöll and Public Deli..
• Morning (Departure): Enjoy an early breakfast, then use Konvin’s morning shuttle to get back to the airport for your flight.

Driving in Iceland: Must-Know Safety and Rules

Renting a car in Iceland promises scenic landscapes, but driving requires focus and an understanding of local laws.

• Headlights Must Always Be On: Iceland requires headlights at all times, day or night, year-round. Yes, even during Midnight Sun.
• Know the Speed Limits: General limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns, 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads, and 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads outside urban areas. Speed limits are enforced, and fines can be costly.
• New Kilometer Fee (From January 2026): Iceland is introducing a kilometer-based road fee. For standard passenger cars and SUVs up to 3.5 tons, the rate is 6.95 ISK per kilometer. Rental companies typically calculate and charge this based on recorded mileage. Konvin makes payment easy and transparent when you return the car.
• Stay On Designated Roads: Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland to protect fragile landscapes like volcanic soils and moss. Never stop in the middle of the road for photos, either. Use a marked pull-off or a parking area. 

Why Konvin Is the Perfect Base for Short Stays

For a 24-hour stay, the goal is to eliminate friction. Staying at Konvin Hotel makes it easier to rest while keeping Reykjanes Peninsula sights within reach. It’s especially convenient if you’re renting a car in Iceland. The hotel offers free on-site parking, and Konvin Car Rental is nearby for an efficient pick-up and return process. 

• Seamless Morning Transfers: Konvin provides a morning shuttle to Keflavík International Airport. It helps you wrap up your short stay with less stress, even after you return the car back to the rental company.
• Easy Rental Requirements: Konvin Car Rental notes that drivers must be at least 20 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. A credit card is also required for security purposes at the start of the rental. (Some vehicle categories may have additional requirements.)
• Insurance Included: To give you total peace of mind during your short trip, Konvin rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as standard. Additional insurance options are available as add-ons. 
• 24/7 Check-In: Travel plans don’t always land neatly. Konvin offers a 24-hour front desk and check-in availability at any hour, which is ideal for late arrivals or disruptions.

By basing yourself at Konvin, you unlock an effortless Icelandic adventure. You land, you drive, you explore, and you sleep; and then you’re back at the terminal without ever feeling rushed.

FAQs About Renting a Car in Iceland

Can foreigners rent a car in Iceland?

Yes, most foreigners can rent a car in Iceland provided they hold a valid driver’s license for at least one year. If your license isn’t printed in the Latin alphabet, it’s a good idea to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Is renting a car in Iceland easy?

Yes, car rentals in Iceland are generally straightforward, especially with Konvin Car Rental’s streamlined pickup and 24/7 service. Driving is also easy to manage as long as you stick to paved roads and follow local speed limits.

What are the requirements to rent a car in Iceland?

Requirements vary by company. Typical requirements include a driver’s license, a credit card in the driver’s name, and sometimes an ID (like a passport).

How much does renting a car in Iceland cost?

Car rental prices vary widely by season, vehicle type, and how early you book. Starting January 1, 2026, Iceland also charges a government kilometer fee of 6.95 ISK per kilometer.

Is it cheaper to rent a car or do tours in Iceland?

For couples and families, renting a car is often a better value. With car rentals, you’re paying one price for the vehicle instead of per-person tour fees. 

Is it easy to rent a car and drive around Iceland?

Yes, Iceland’s main routes are well-signed and easy to navigate, especially around the airport and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Just plan extra time for weather changes, wind, and slower driving on rural or gravel roads.