Reykjavik Car Hire

Find the best deals in Reykjavik

With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Reykjavik.

  • Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
  • Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
  • 10 years experience in car hire

Compare Car Hire in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city as well as its largest metropolis. Located on the shore of Faxaflói bay in the country’s south west, it’s the world’s most northerly capital and is home to around 131,000 people, with around 233,000 resident in the Capital Region.

Reykjavik is the engine of Iceland’s economy and government, the beating heart of its culture and a popular tourist destination where visitors flock from around the world to experience its eclectic nightlife, awesome aesthetics, colourful buildings and creative citizens.

This is a small city by international standards, but by every other measure it feels expansive. There’s a sense of space and serenity that’s a breath of fresh air compared to the cramped, edgy energy of other European cities and museums and galleries aplenty to stimulate to mind. Meanwhile, cool cafes and restaurants serve world-class cuisine to tantalise your taste buds and bustling bars and bouncing clubs make the nightlife legendary. A port city with a proud Viking past, Reykjavik is also the gateway to Iceland’s gorgeous natural attractions ̶ geysers, glaciers, geothermal spas, volcanoes, mountains and waterfalls are all within easy reach whenever you want to strike out into the wonderful wilderness, while the Northern Lights crown this captivating capital with a sprinkling of stardust. Visit Reykjavik once and you’ll be spellbound by its unique energy ̶ this is an uber-cool city where traditional and contemporary ingredients blend beautifully in a bubbling volcanic hotpot.

Prices for hiring an economy car like a Toyota Yaris start at €27 a day when you book off-season and even a Dacia Duster SUV ̶ perfect for sightseeing trips ̶ is just €39 a day. Hire a car in Reykjavik with Enjoy and Iceland’s capital is your launchpad for legendary adventures, but first, find out some fascinating information on this superb city:

  • About Reykjavik: this is a capital city that instantly looks and feels different to others ̶ the stiletto tower of the retro futuristic Hallgrímskirkja church punctuates the skyline but the rest of the city is characterised by a cascading collection of colourful low-rise corrugated iron buildings reminiscent of Lego bricks. Don’t equate a dearth of skyscrapers with a lack of sophistication however ̶ these basic building designs are excellent at withstanding the elements and Reykjavik’s well-ordered streets secrete attractions to satisfy visitors of all tastes. History buffs can while away hours in the Old Harbour and National Museum, culture vultures can browse bijou boutiques packed with stylish Icelandic design or muse over the masterpieces in the National Gallery, foodies can sample everything from tapas to traditional cuisine and pleasure seekers can party in craft beer bars and cosmopolitan night clubs. Best of all, when you need a break from urban attractions you can hop in your car and hit the road for breath-taking attractions in a nation where the great outdoors is at its most glorious ̶ Reykjavik is an inspirational interface between city life and natural wonders.
  • Reykjavik’s creation story starts with Iceland’s first settler, the celebrated Ingólfur Arnarson, who arrived in 874AD and upon mistaking gushing geyser vapours in the distance for fiery smoke, named the area ‘smoky bay’ (‘reykja vik’ in the native tongue). Despite these dramatic origins, Reykjavik’s poor farming soil meant it was largely ignored for several hundred years until its prime coastal position attracted Danish traders here during the 17th Century sea fishing boom and its early economy gradually cranked into gear. By the mid-18th Century, skilled administrator Skuli Magnusson, widely regarded as the city’s founder, turbocharged Reykjavik’s development by opening a network of mills and tanneries and attracting skilled foreign tradesmen to settle here and upskill the indigenous workforce. By 1786 the city’s population numbered only 176 souls, but by the end of the 18th Century it had been granted a municipal charter, was the nation’s seat of religion complete with a Lutheran Cathedral, and the AlϷingi, the national assembly first formed in 930AD, was re-established here in 1845. Therefore in the space of a few short centuries, Reykjavik had transformed from volcanic wasteland to a bustling city at the beating heart of Iceland’s rising nationalist movement.

    The Allied occupation of Reykjavik during World War II proceeded unopposed, stimulated Iceland’s economy and fast-tracked its journey to full independence. The British and American forces constructed Reykjavik and Keflavik Airports, the Republic of Iceland was declared in 1944 and an elected president replaced the king. From this point onwards, Reykjavik’s expansion continued on an upwards trajectory and its port and fishing industry provided employment for over half of the island’s populace, while it also harnessed the abundance of geothermal energy as a cheap source of heating. In the past few decades Iceland has taken off as a major international tourist attraction with Reykjavik at its heart and despite the dip in its fortunes caused by the economic crash in 2007/08, the country and its capital are now confidently riding the crest of a comeback wave propelled by sports, culture and commerce.

  • Famous Reykjavik: well-known sons and daughters of the Icelandic capital include soprano Engel Lund, wrestler Sigurjón Pétursson, writer Halldór Laxness, TV star and writer Magnus Magnusson, jazz singer Anna Mjöll, and footballer Elín Metta Jensen.

Guide to Reykjavik

There are more diverse and dynamic attractions per square inch in Reykjavik than some capitals ten times its size, so you’ll always find something fantastic to entertain, educate and inspire you.

City Centre

Bisected by the crystalline waters of Lake Tjörninn, the clusters of corrugated iron buildings and corner cafes that comprise Reykjavik’s compact city centre are a rare pleasure to ramble around and the most distinctive landmark is the aforementioned white concrete Hallgrímskirkja church, which towers over the city with a ghostly grandeur. Meanwhile, if you’re yearning for some retail therapy, spoil yourself with something special from the chic boutiques of Laugavegur and let your credit card cool off while you sip a glass of bubbly in one of this area’s hip bars.

Arty Attractions

Distinctive art and design surrounds you in Reykjavik, from the sublime works of sculptors Einar Jónsson and Asmundur Sveinsson that permeate the streets and parks to the iconic Sun Voyager statue statue on the waterfront which is endowed by a chameleonic charm as it’s struck by the changing light, and the street art that adorns many buildings. But there are plenty of formal institutions to discover here too, including the Reykjavik Art Museum which showcases established masters like Erró and Kjarval as well as emerging artists, while contemporary galleries like Harbinger are also brilliant places to find excellent examples of edgy Icelandic design.

Party time

The nightlife in Reykjavik is fun and funky, with everything from craft beer bars to cool cocktail emporiums and bass-heavy dancefloors on offer. Nestled in the basement of Restaurant Reykjavik, Micro Bar is a beer lover’s paradise where you can sample local brews and imports from as far afield as Germany, the US and Belgium while chilling out to a soul and jazz soundtrack. For something slightly livelier, try Kaffibarrin ̶ this distinctive red corrugated iron bar was once owed by Damon Albarn from the band Blur and at weekend it’s packed with revellers downing shots and draught beers as they groove to DJs on the wheels of steel spinning everything from hip-hop to indie rock and classic house music.

What to visit in Reykjavik?

From historical highlights to mind-blowing nature, you’ll never run out of things to do in Reykjavik ̶ you’ll find something fulfilling in every nook and cranny.

Viking history

If you want to step back in time to see what life was like in ancient Iceland, don’t miss the Landnámssyningin (Settlement Exhibition). The highlight here is the remains of a Viking-era farmhouse housed in its own special vault ̶ its oval stone walls enclose an 85 square metre living space which was occupied between 930AD and 1000AD. There’s also an animal spine buried under one of the house walls to protect it from evil spirits, amazing artefacts excavated from the site (like a beautiful silver bracelet), and sylvan scenes on the walls depicting the birch woodlands that characterised Reykjavik during the time of the first settlers.

Puffin-spotting and whale watching

Whales and puffins are probably the most iconic creatures you’ll spot in Iceland and you can set off on an organised sightseeing tour from Ægisgarour jetty in Reykjavik harbour. Whale watching boats operate year-round and usually head for the bountiful waters around Faxafloi bay, where you’ll get up close and personal with orcas, minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. Puffin watching trips are available between May and August, when you’ll head out to the breeding grounds of these colourful birds on the islands of Akurey and Lundey. You’re not permitted to step ashore, you’ll still enjoy a vivid up close view of these vibrant birds perched in their cliffside burrows.

Proper choppers

For a bird’s eye view of Reykjavik, take a helicopter tour across Faxafloi bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula, leaving from City Airport. The views across the city and its elegant environs are outstanding and although it isn’t cheap, it’s a bucket list activity that’s worth every penny.

Eating out in Reykjavik

Cuisine in Iceland covers everything from traditional local fare to tasty street food and international dishes ̶ you’ll never go hungry and there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Classic Icelandic Cuisine

If you want to sample authentic Icelandic cuisine lovingly prepared in a friendly, family-run restaurant, you’ll adore Old Iceland. Located at Laugavegur 72 in the heart of the city, the focus is on fresh fish and meat infused with locally grown herbs and spices. Try the 12-hour braised beef cheek with crushed potatoes, cream cheese and tarragon, charred asparagus and pepper sauce ̶ it’s divine. Main courses are around €20-€35.

Superb sweet treats

Sandholt bakery is the best place in Reykjavik bar none to satisfy your sweet tooth. The hot chocolate is divine, there’s amazing artisan bread and the macaroons, fruit tarts, ice creams and sorbets are heavenly.

Ocean-fresh seafood

You can’t spend time in Reykjavik without sampling the local seafood and harbourside fishmonger Sægreifinn (the Sea Baron) has an in-house restaurant that’s famous for dishes like fresh halibut, lobster soup and cod skewers. Prices are reasonable ̶ for instance it’s only around €10 for a huge bowl of lobster bisque.

Transport to and from Reykjavik

Airports and access

Iceland’s international airport is Keflavik Airport (KEF), it’s 50km southwest of Reykjavik and handles around 10 million passengers annually from many global locations. There’s a small airport in Reykjavik but this is for domestic use and has a limited number of services.

Reykjavik Airport (RKV) is just 2km from the city centre and it’s the Icelandic capital’s main domestic airport, however the main international airport is Keflavik (KEF), which is 50km away. Enjoy partners with tried and tested car hire providers at these hubs like City Car Rental, Enterprise, and Alamo.

Driving around Reykjavik

This city is a brilliant base for exploring many of Iceland’s most inspirational attractions and many are a stone’s throw away. Here are a few magical road trips from Reykjavik:

Vik is a picture-postcard village 180km southeast of Reykjavik via Route 1 and if you fancy rolling out of the city for a while you can be there in around two and a half hours, taking in some terrific scenery along the way. If you want to break up your journey with some natural wonders, stop at the superbly named Glugafoss waterfall, which also affords vivid views over to the active Eyjafjallajokull volcano, and move from fire to ice at the Sólheimajökull glacier. Once you reach Vik itself, explore the distcinctive red-roofed Vik I Myrdal Church and enjoy the black pebbles and craggy cliffside vistas of romantic Reynisfjara beach.

Alternatively, if you’re keen to sample the delights of Iceland’s second city for a couple of days, take the Route 1 ring road northwards to Akureyri and you’ll cover the 400km drive in around 6 hours if you don’t dilly dally on the way. When you reach Akureyri there are plenty of awesome attractions, including the traditional Laufas Turf Houses which faithfully recreate the living conditions of Icelanders in days of yore, whale watching tours where you’ll also spot dolphins and porpoises, and the impressive Akureyri Church, with its distinctive Gudjon Samuelsson design and beautiful bas-reliefs by Asmundur Sveinsson.

Driving tips

You always drive on the right side of the road in Reykjavik. The speed limits are 50 km/h (31mph) for towns and cities, 80 km/h (49mph) for country roads and 90 km/h (55mph) for major roads.

Seat belts are mandatory, mobile phone use is forbidden unless it’s hands-free and drink driving laws are stringently enforced.

Buses

There’s no metro or train system in Reykjavik but the bus service is reasonably reliable and affordable. The service is called Straeto, runs seven days a week and covers every area of the capital, with buses running between 630AM and midnight. You can buy tickets when you board buses, but you should have the right change ready, however you can also purchase electronic tickets through the Straeto app.

Got a Question? Chat with our UK support team

Online chat help is open 08:30am to 17:00 weekdays. Email: [email protected]

ENJOY FAIR FUEL POLICY

FAQs about car hire in Reykjavik

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Reykjavik

An economy car like a Toyota Yaris in Reykjavik costs just €27 a day when you book in advance and an intermediate car like a Suzuki Vitara costs €45 a day.
Prices for a small car like a Hyundai i10 start at just €20 a day in the off season.
The minimum age for car hire in Reykjavik is 20 and you must also have held your licence for one year. Some providers apply a surcharge for drivers under 25 so please check.
There aren’t usually. Excess-free packages are fairly standard for many car hire operators and include components like 24-hour theft protection and roadside assistance.
Yes you can  ̶  additional drivers can usually be added as long as their license is valid, and an additional daily fee is paid.
A roomy Renault Megane Sport Tourer is ideal for long road trips into the spectacular Icelandic interior.
You should inform your rental company straight away if you have an accident. If you have a serious accident in Reykjavik, call emergency services immediately on 112.
Explore popular places in Iceland

Enter your email address for the latest discount codes and special offers across car hire, holiday accomodation and much more!

Get the latest travel news and offers
Thanks for signing up