Why planning ahead is the secret to a stress-free Iceland car rental

Planning a trip to Iceland is a thrilling experience — volcanic landscapes, waterfalls that defy logic, glaciers that kiss the sea, and black sand beaches that feel like another planet. But there’s one essential part of your Icelandic adventure that travelers often leave too late: booking their car rental.

Here’s the truth: Iceland is a destination best explored behind the wheel. And with tourism booming year-round, waiting to book your Iceland car rental can leave you with limited options, higher costs, or no car at all.

At Zero Car Rental, we’ve analyzed our booking patterns and found that most travelers book their vehicle 30–60 days before arrival, but those who plan even further ahead often secure the best rates and widest selection. This blog will show you why booking early is not just smart — it’s essential.

Why renting a car in Iceland is essential

Before we dive into booking timelines, let’s address the obvious: Iceland is made for road trips. While Reykjavík is worth exploring, the real magic lies in the wild, remote landscapes you’ll find once you hit the open road.

From the Ring Road to the Westfjords, from the Golden Circle to East Iceland’s secluded fjords, renting a car is the only way to travel independently, at your own pace. There’s little public transport outside the capital, and guided tours can be expensive and inflexible.

If you want to make the most of your adventure, start by reading our Iceland car rental guide that covers the best vehicles for every kind of traveler.

When is the best time to book an Iceland car rental?

The earlier, the better — especially for Iceland

At Zero Car Rental, we’ve reviewed thousands of reservations and found that travelers who book well in advance consistently get better prices, better vehicle options, and better overall experiences.

As soon as your flight dates are set, you should book your rental car. This could mean 60, 90, or even 180 days ahead. Booking months in advance isn’t just safe — it’s recommended, especially if you're traveling during peak times like June–August or December–January, when Iceland sees a surge in tourism and cars get snapped up quickly.

Don’t wait for prices to rise or availability to drop. Book early and lock it in.

7 reasons to book your Iceland car rental as early as possible

1. Get the car that suits your trip

Whether you're traveling solo, with your family, or heading deep into the Highlands, booking early ensures you get the right vehicle for your route. Want a 4x4 to tackle F-roads? Or a fuel-efficient hybrid for a two-week Ring Road journey?

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find exactly what you need. Check out our detailed guide on choosing the right rental car in Iceland to match your car to your itinerary.

2. Lock in the best price

Car rental prices in Iceland fluctuate with demand. As more bookings come in for a specific week or season, rates rise. Booking far in advance means you lock in today’s lower rate before prices climb.

At Zero, our pricing is fully transparent and includes everything — insurance, roadside assistance, unlimited mileage — so there are no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. Our seamless rental experience is built around giving travelers peace of mind from start to finish.

3. Plan your trip with confidence

Once your car is booked, you can confidently start arranging accommodations, activities, and driving routes. Having your transportation locked in makes it easier to create a flexible, well-organized itinerary that suits your travel style.

Whether you’re heading clockwise or counterclockwise around the island, check out our blog on planning a northbound or southbound Iceland car rental for route inspiration and tips.

4. Avoid peak season shortages

Car availability in Iceland drops dramatically during summer (June–August) and the December holiday season. Travelers arriving with no rental booked often face long waits, inflated prices, or limited options that don’t fit their needs.

Booking your rental well in advance avoids the stress of settling for whatever is left. It’s one of the top reasons to choose a local rental company like Zero, as we explain in our blog on why Iceland travelers trust local companies.

5. More time to review what’s included

Booking early gives you time to understand what’s actually included in your rental. At Zero, every booking includes:

Full protection with no deductible, voverage for gravel, ash, and sand and unlimited mileage plus 24/7 roadside assistance!

Not only that, we offer a convenient keybox pickup/drop-off, with staff on-site at KEF Airport if you need help.

You can compare options confidently and know exactly what you’re getting. For more, read our guide on why renting with Zero is the best decision.

6. Sync your rental with your flights

Most travelers arrive in Iceland early in the morning at Keflavík (KEF). Booking early lets you schedule pickup from our KEF location immediately after you land — no waiting, no extra transfers. Begin your road trip right away.

Even if you're using our keybox system, staff are always present at the KEF office to assist you. That’s part of what makes renting a car with Zero such a smooth process.

7. Start your adventure without worry

Booking in advance removes one of the biggest stress factors from your trip planning. When your rental is confirmed, you can focus on the fun parts: hiking trails, hot springs, coastal drives, and of course — the Northern Lights.

Need ideas? Don’t miss our top 10 must-see sights with a car rental in Iceland to help build your dream itinerary.

A common scenario: booking late vs. booking smart

Booking late:
You start looking for a car rental two weeks before your July trip. Here's what you might find:

• The vehicle category you want is sold out
• The only cars available are oversized, overpriced, or manual
• The agency requires a deposit and doesn’t include full insurance
• Airport pickup isn’t available at your arrival time

Booking smart (well in advance):
You reserved your car with Zero months before your trip:

• You selected a hybrid SUV at a great rate
• You used the online check-in to save time
• You picked up your car directly at KEF Airport
• You drove off with full coverage, no deposit, and total peace of mind

How to plan your Iceland trip around your car rental

1. Confirm your travel dates

Book your flights into and out of Keflavík. Choose dates that give you enough time for your chosen route — at least 7–10 days for the full Ring Road.

2. Choose your route

Your route determines the car you need. Want to drive into the Highlands? You’ll need a 4x4. Sticking to paved roads? A compact or hybrid will do.

Check out our complete car selection guide to find the best match.

3. Book early with Zero Car

Book your rental car as soon as you confirm your dates. With Zero, you get:

• Cancel up to 24 hours
• Full insurance as standard with no deductible
• Roadside assistance with no deductible
• Peace of mind!

4. Plan the rest of your adventure

Once your car is reserved, you can confidently book hotels, tours, and stops without worrying about transportation availability.

Why travelers choose Zero for their Iceland car rental

Zero Car isn’t just a rental company — we’re a local team focused on making car rental in Iceland honest, easy, and stress-free.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• All-inclusive pricing — no upsells, no surprises
• Zero deductible coverage for gravel, ash, sand
• Unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside support
• Self-service keyboxes with live staff support at KEF
• A modern, fuel-efficient fleet of 4x4s, EVs, and more

Thousands of travelers trust us every year. Learn why in our post on how to choose the best Iceland car rental company.

FAQs: booking your Iceland car rental in advance

1. How far in advance should I book my rental car in Iceland?
As early as possible. Ideally, you should book your car as soon as your travel dates are confirmed — especially if traveling in summer or over the holidays.

2. Do rental prices increase closer to the travel date?
Yes. Rental prices rise with demand. Booking early helps you avoid higher prices and limited availability.

3. Can I cancel or change my rental if plans shift?
With Zero Car, you can cancel or change your booking up to 48 hours before your rental start time — no penalty, no deposit lost.

4. Is insurance included when I book with Zero?
Yes. All Zero rentals include full insurance coverage (gravel, sand, ash) with zero deductible, roadside assistance, and unlimited mileage.

5. What if I arrive late at night or early in the morning?
Our keybox system supports 24/7 pickup and drop-off. And there is always staff present at KEF to help if you need assistance.

Book your Iceland car rental now and hit the road with confidence.