- Length of Route 1
- 1,322 km
- Non-stop driving
- ~17 h
- Recommended
- 7–10 days
- Max speed limit
- 90 km/h
How long do you need for the Ring Road?
Route 1 is 1,322 km long and almost entirely paved. You could drive it in two long days, but you would see almost nothing. Seven days is the realistic minimum, with 3–5 hours of driving a day; ten days lets you add Snæfellsnes, Stuðlagil or a whale-watching trip without rushing; two weeks leaves room for the Westfjords.
8-day Ring Road itinerary
| Day | Route | Distance | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keflavík → Golden Circle → Hella | ~300 km | Hella / Hvolsvöllur |
| 2 | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara | ~100 km | Vík |
| 3 | Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón | ~270 km | Höfn area |
| 4 | Stokksnes, East Fjords | ~250 km | Egilsstaðir |
| 5 | Stuðlagil, Dettifoss, Mývatn | ~250 km | Mývatn |
| 6 | Húsavík, Goðafoss | ~190 km | Akureyri |
| 7 | Skagafjörður, Hvítserkur | ~380 km | Borgarnes / Snæfellsnes |
| 8 | Snæfellsnes → Reykjavík | ~300 km | Reykjavík |
Most travellers drive anticlockwise (south coast first), because the South Coast highlights come early and the drive back from the north is fast. Clockwise works just as well, and is better if the weather forecast is worse in the north at the start of your trip.
Driving the Ring Road
- Speed limits: 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel, 50 km/h or lower in towns. Speed cameras are common and fines are high.
- Single-lane bridges: the first car to reach the bridge has right of way. There are still many in the south-east.
- Fuel: stations are frequent except between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn and in parts of the north-east. Most are self-service with card and PIN.
- Never stop on the road to take photos. Use marked parking areas.
- Winter: from October to April, a 4x4 with winter tyres is strongly recommended, and parts of the north and east can close in storms. Check umferdin.is and safetravel.is every morning.
Read more in our Iceland driving guide.
Where to stay on the Ring Road
Hotels, guesthouses, farm stays and cabins are spread thinly along the route, and in summer the best-located ones sell out months ahead. Book every night in advance, ideally places with free cancellation, rather than hoping to find something on the day.
The south-east (Skaftafell to Höfn) has the fewest rooms on the whole route. Book this night first.
Hotels near Höfn & Jökulsárlón ↗Plan your trip to the Ring Road
Tours & tickets
Prefer not to drive? Multi-day minibus tours go round the Ring Road in 6 to 10 days.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive the Ring Road in winter?
Yes, but it requires care and flexibility. Use a 4x4 with studded or winter tyres, check road conditions every morning, keep spare days, and be ready to wait out storms. Daylight is only 4 to 6 hours in December and January.
Is the Ring Road paved?
Yes, Route 1 is paved for its entire length apart from very short sections during roadworks. Many side roads to sights are gravel.
Clockwise or anticlockwise?
Both work. Anticlockwise is more popular because the South Coast and Golden Circle come first, when you have the most energy, and the return from the north is a fast drive.
How much does a Ring Road trip cost?
Costs vary widely, but for two people in summer expect a substantial budget for car hire, fuel, accommodation and food each day; self-catering and booking accommodation early make the biggest savings.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.