Iceland Stopover Guide: Must-See Spots & Car Rentals
If a trip to Iceland has long been on your travel bucket list, but you just haven’t been able to make it happen yet, you may want to take advantage of an Iceland stopover.
Basically the same thing as a layover, the stop-over Iceland experience allows you to spend some time exploring the country during flights across the Atlantic. For example, if you were flying from New York City to Paris, you could plan a layover in Iceland, wherein you leave New York, spend a day or up to a week in Iceland, and then travel on to your final destination, Paris.
Even if Iceland isn’t on your travel bucket list, the stop-over Iceland experience is such a unique travel experience that it’s one you should seriously consider, if your travel itinerary allows.
So, what do you need to know to make the most of your Iceland stopover? No matter how long you plan to stay, renting a car with Lava Car Rental can make your visit far more convenient, flexible and easy. Here’s what you need to know about where to go and how to plan your perfect Iceland stop-over itinerary.
Stopover in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know
The Iceland stopover experience is like no other travel experience out there. At no extra cost, you can stop into one of the most unique and incredible destinations on the planet, as you travel either from North America to Europe or from Europe to North America.
Have a few questions before you get started planning your stop-over itinerary Iceland experience? We wouldn’t blame you. Here are some of the questions we hear most often.
How long are Iceland stopovers?
If you’re flying on Icelandair, the airline makes it incredibly easy. You can stay for a layover for a day or up to a week, and book your stopover at the same time that you’re booking your flights. Even if you’ve already booked your original flight, you can add on a stopover after the fact, by contacting the Icelandair service centre.
Need a little more time than a week? If you fly on PLAY airline, a low-cost Icelandic airline, you can extend your Iceland stopover to 10 days.
What are the benefits of an Iceland stopover?
There are many, many reasons why you might want to experience a stop-over in Iceland.
- Cost savings
First, there are the cost savings. If you’re already travelling across the Atlantic for work or another trip, tacking on the Iceland stopover is free, so it’s almost like you get an extra trip at no cost for the additional airfare! This can be much cheaper than booking a flight to and from just Iceland, or booking a trip to Iceland and then to another destination after the fact.
- Extra time in Iceland
Plus, since you can stay up to a week or 10 days in Iceland during a stop-over, depending on the airline you’re flying with, it’s really a leisurely experience. Unlike a typical layover that might last just a few hours, an Iceland stopover can really give you enough time to fully enjoy yourself.
- Break up a long flight
Then, of course, there’s just the simple fact that an Iceland stop-over breaks up what can be a very long flight. You may find that stopping in Iceland, half-way between Europe and North America, gives you a much-appreciated break.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Iceland?
It will depend on where you’re travelling from. If you’re a resident of a country within the Schengen zone, then the Schengen Agreement will apply to you. All countries within the zone allow its residents to travel between one another, with no need for a visa.
Many travellers, though, are coming from countries like the United States or Canada, which are outside the Schengen zone. For American and Canadian travellers, though, they can travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days, within a six-month period, without a visa.
Ultimately, visa requirements will depend on your home country. To check if a visa is required for your trip, check the Iceland public services website.
Stop-Over Itinerary Iceland Options: Less Than 24 Hours
Convinced that the stop-over Iceland experience is right for you? Here are our stop-over itinerary Iceland recommendations, based on how long you plan on staying in the country.
How to Spend a 4–6 Hour Layover in Iceland
So let’s say that you’ve only chosen to spend a few hours, less than a day, in Iceland for your stopover. Can you still see things beyond Keflavik airport? Yes! Absolutely!
One of the best things to do when you have just a few hours for your Iceland stop-over is visit the nearby Blue Lagoon. The famous attraction is just a short drive from the airport and you can either take a bus from the airport to the lagoon, or you can rent a car at the airport and drive yourself.
If you choose to rent a car with Lava Car Rental, no matter how long you plan on staying for your layover, you’ll be picked up and taken to our Keflavik office, where you’ll be outfitted with your car and sent on your way. Then, when you bring the car back, you’ll be transferred back to the airport as well.
Once you arrive at The Blue Lagoon, you can, of course, bathe in the relaxing, calming heated geothermal waters, but there’s also so much more to do. You can enjoy spa treatments or eat at the restaurant. There’s even luxury lodging on-site, if you do stay longer. So you don’t have to wait in a lengthy line, make your reservation to visit the lagoon in advance.
Driving to the lagoon from the Keflavik airport is easy and only takes about 20 minutes. All you have to do is follow Reykjanesbraut and Hafnavegur to Reykjanesbær, continue to Grindavíkurbær, merge onto Route 426 and that will take you to the lagoon.
How to Spend a 6–8 Hour Layover in Iceland
If you have a little more time, then you can extend your explorations a bit further from Keflavik and the surrounding region, to go into Reykjavik. That said, getting to Reykjavik does take more time and effort than getting to the Blue Lagoon, so renting a car can make the process easier. Just make sure to check out our guide to parking in Reykjavik first!
With a six to eight-hour layover in Iceland, you should have enough time to pick up your rental car, drive to Reykjavik, which is less than an hour away, and then spend the morning or afternoon exploring some of the top sites. We recommend visiting Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall and Laugavegur Street, where you can shop and dine.
How to Spend an 8–12 Hour Layover in Iceland
If you have even more time, consider visiting Reykjavik and doing the activities suggested above, but also combine your visit with a scenic drive. There are several lovely spots near the city, where you can take in some of Iceland’s best views.
Try a drive to the coastal areas or points of interest like Grotta Lighthouse.
Again, you’ll want to rent a car for this type of layover itinerary in Iceland, but doing so will be well worth it, as you’ll be able to drive where and when you want.
How to Spend a 12–24 Hour Layover in Iceland
If you have the most of the day, consider trying most of the above suggestions, for a full day of classic Iceland fun.
Start by spending a few hours at The Blue Lagoon, since it's closest to the airport, then drive to Reykjavik for lunch and a visit to some landmarks or museums. Then, go to the Reykjanes Peninsula for scenic vistas and views. If your layover puts you in Iceland in the evening in the winter, you can even go northern lights chasing!
Whatever you choose to do, with a rental car, you’ll be able to customise your itinerary to your specific wants and needs.
How to Spend a 1-Day Layover in Iceland
If you have a full day in Iceland, consider driving a rental car to some of the nearby top sites to see.
For example, The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most famous driving routes, and while you can spend a few days there, if you go at a leisurely pace, with the convenience of a rental car, you can easily see the whole circle and its main sites in a day. These main sites include Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
If The Golden Circle doesn’t catch your fancy, or if you just want to go somewhere that’s a little more remote and less crowded, drive from the airport to Reykjanes Peninsula instead. There, you can likewise see geothermal areas and coastal cliffs, for loads of scenic views and abundant nature.
Still deciding if either of these options are right for your Iceland layover? Check out some of our favourite day trips from Reykjavik.
How to Spend a Multi-Day Layover in Iceland
If you’re lucky enough to spend two or three days enjoying an Iceland stopover, then your options are even more plentiful.
During your first day, see Reykjavik and explore historic sites, museums, shopping and dining.
Then, consider either driving down to the South Coast to see the many waterfalls in the region, as well as the black sand beaches and village of Vik, or touring the Golden Circle. With a few days, you can really take your time with either.
For a more detailed Iceland stop-over itinerary, check out this three-day itinerary that shows off some of the best of Iceland.
Do note that, since public transportation in Iceland is minimal and mostly relegated to Reykjavik, to do any of the above, you will need to rent a car. Additionally, during a multi-day itinerary, having a rental car can just make your experience more flexible and enjoyable, as you’ll be able to come and go at your convenience, discovering hidden gems and following wherever the wind takes you. If you’re travelling to Iceland as a family, a rental car is even more valuable, as you’ll be able to easily tuck the entire crew into your vehicle and travel according to your children’s schedules.
Is your layover longer than three days? We have more suggestions! Our five-day itinerary, seven-day itinerary, eight-day itinerary and 10-day itinerary can all help you plan your perfect Iceland layover.
Top Tips for Your Iceland Stopover
Here are a few tips for the best Iceland stopover experience possible.
1. Book a rental car.
For the greatest flexibility and freedom, book a rental car.
Having a car rental in Iceland makes exploring the country so much easier. You can plan an itinerary that’s unique to your wants and needs, go where and when you want and take as many breaks or stops as you’d like. Reserve a rental car before you arrive, for the best price and the greatest number of options. Otherwise, you could find that you can’t get any car rental at all, once you arrive, as car rentals are in high demand in Iceland.
Lava Car Rental makes the process easy, allowing you to reserve and book everything online, including your rental insurance, and we offer pick-up and drop-off at the airport. Our Keflavik office is just a five-minute drive away. No matter where you end up going during your Iceland layover, our office is always on the way.
2. Pack the essentials.
Even if you’re staying in Iceland for a short time, you’ll still need the essentials for your layover. For example, if you’re going to The Blue Lagoon, you need a swimsuit. Likewise, depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll need certain types of clothing. Layers are best, so you can add or remove them as the weather dictates. Of course, bring your camera and snacks as well.
Not sure what to wear during your stop-over? Here’s our full guide to what to wear in Iceland.
3. Consider the weather.
Before planning out your stopover itinerary in Iceland, consider the weather and time of year.
Iceland weather can greatly influence where you can go and what you can do. For example, even if you have a full week in Iceland, if it’s winter, you still won’t be able to go to the Highlands, as that region of the country is closed off to traffic starting in the fall. Likewise, if the roads are snowy, you might need to rent a 4x4 vehicle and visit areas of the country where the roads are better maintained.
4. See the northern lights if you can.
If visiting mid-August to mid-April, do your best to try to get in a little northern lights chasing during your layover. With a rental car, you can drive out away from the city, chase the lights and take in their full glory beneath the night sky. The lights are most visible between 10 pm and 2 am, and you can take a short drive from Reykjavik to the black sand beaches and Southern Iceland for easy viewing with just a few hours’ drive.
Even a Short Time in Iceland is an Amazing Time in Iceland
Even if you only spend a short time in Iceland during a brief stop-over, the experience will still be one that you’ll remember forever. And you’ll very likely want to plan a return trip in the near future!
For the best Iceland stop-over possible, book a rental car with Lava Car Rental. Need more details or interested in special offers or discounts for stopover travellers? Get in touch today!
