Campervan Hire Reykjavik — Compare & Book Partner Listings

Motorhome Hire in Reykjavik: Your Complete Guide

Motorhome hire in Reykjavik typically ranges from kr127 to kr194 per day, with travel partners maintaining steady inventory throughout the year from depots near Keflavík International Airport and the capital region. Demand for campervans remains high year-round, particularly during summer months when visitors flock to experience the midnight sun and explore landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja, the towering concrete church that dominates the city skyline. The 21-day advance booking window reflects consistent interest from travelers seeking to explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders at their own schedule. With average temperatures hovering around 50°F (10°C), Reykjavik serves as the perfect basecamp for Ring Road adventures and Golden Circle excursions.

Why Reykjavik for an RV Trip

Reykjavik stands as the gateway to Iceland's most extraordinary natural phenomena, making it an ideal starting point for motorhome adventures. The famous Golden Circle route begins just 40 kilometers from the city center, delivering you to Þingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly drift apart. Within 90 minutes of leaving Reykjavik, you can stand beside the erupting Strokkur geyser at Geysir geothermal area, watching superheated water blast 30 meters into the air every few minutes.

The dramatic Gullfoss waterfall cascades 105 kilometers from the capital, where glacial meltwater plunges 32 meters into a rugged canyon. Motorhome travelers appreciate the freedom to stop at lesser-known sites along Route 1, including black sand beaches, moss-covered lava fields, and roadside hot springs that most tour buses bypass. The compact nature of Iceland's southwestern region means you can experience diverse landscapes—from coastal cliffs to highland deserts—within a single day's drive. Parking facilities at major attractions accommodate larger vehicles, though arriving early during peak season ensures better positioning.

Planning Your Reykjavik RV Route

Most travelers collect their motorhomes from depots near Keflavík Airport, located 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, then head directly to established campgrounds rather than navigating city streets. The Reykjavik Campsite on Sundlaugavegur offers full facilities just 3 kilometers from downtown, providing hot showers, laundry services, and electrical hookups for kr2,500-3,500 per night. For those venturing onto the Golden Circle, Laugarvatn Fontana Campground sits 77 kilometers east beside a geothermal lake, where you can rent private hot tubs and access natural steam baths.

Traffic around Reykjavik remains manageable outside morning and evening rush hours, though the city's one-way streets and limited parking make it challenging for larger Class C vehicles. A common mistake involves underestimating drive times on gravel F-roads, which require 4x4 campervans and permit significantly slower speeds than paved Route 1. Weather conditions change rapidly in Iceland, so check road.is before departure and expect closures during winter storms. The Ring Road circuit typically requires 7-10 days minimum, though many travelers spend 2-3 weeks exploring peninsulas and fjords at a comfortable pace.

RV Travel vs Hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik campervan hire Tips from Local Experts

Selecting the right motorhome category determines your route options across Iceland. Standard 2-berth campervans handle paved roads beautifully but cannot legally access F-roads (mountain roads) marked on maps with an "F" prefix. These highland routes crossing the interior typically open mid-June through early September, requiring modified 4x4 vehicles with increased ground clearance. Our travel partners at Keflavík depots stock both categories, with 4x4 models commanding premium rates of kr35,000-50,000 per day during peak season.

Insurance considerations take on added importance in Iceland due to volcanic ash, gravel impacts, and river crossings. Wind damage represents the most frequent claim, as Iceland's coastal gusts regularly exceed 60 km/h and can tear open carelessly held doors. Sand and ash protection (SAAP) coverage becomes essential when driving along South Coast beaches near Vík, where black volcanic particles sandblast vehicle exteriors. Water crossings void most standard policies unless you've purchased specific ford insurance, which costs an additional kr3,500-5,000 for one week.

Fuel planning requires attention to station distribution, particularly when heading to Westfjords or Highlands regions. N1 and Orkan stations cluster around Reykjavik and major towns, but remote stretches of Route 1 can extend 100+ kilometers between pumps. Diesel motorhomes average 10-12 liters per 100 kilometers on paved roads, though gravel surfaces and headwinds increase consumption by 20-30%. Fill up whenever tanks drop below half capacity, and carry extra fuel cans for F-road expeditions. Most campgrounds lack fuel facilities, so plan refueling stops during daylight hours when stations are staffed.

Waste management follows strict protocols at Icelandic campgrounds. Grey water (from sinks and showers) must discharge only at designated dump points, never into storm drains or natural waterways. Black water tanks require emptying at specific service stations, with most campgrounds charging kr1,000-1,500 for dump access. Wild camping remains illegal throughout Iceland except in designated parking areas, and rangers actively patrol popular tourist sites issuing fines of kr15,000-50,000 for violations. The F-roads present additional challenges with unbridged rivers requiring depth assessment before crossing—never attempt crossings above wheel hub height.

Campgrounds and Overnight Stops

The southwestern region surrounding Reykjavik offers diverse camping options from basic parking areas to full-service holiday parks. Selecting appropriate sites depends on your planned activities, vehicle size, and required amenities. All prices listed reflect high season rates from June through August.

Greater Reykjavik Area

Reykjavik Campsite on Sundlaugavegur serves as the capital's primary motorhome facility, accommodating 650 guests across open grass fields just minutes from downtown. The site provides hot showers (included), cooking shelters, wifi access, and electrical hookups for kr700 per person plus kr1,300 per vehicle. The neighboring Sundhöllin swimming pool offers geothermal pools and saunas at discounted rates for campers. Bus route 5 stops directly outside the entrance, delivering you to Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall within 10 minutes.

Kjalarnes Campground sits 15 kilometers north of the city center along Route 1, offering ocean views across Faxaflói Bay toward Mount Esja. This quieter alternative features 100 grass pitches with electrical hookups, modern shower facilities, and a small convenience store. Rates run kr2,800 per night for two adults with a motorhome, including electricity and hot water. The adjacent hiking trail leads 2.5 kilometers along the coastline to Grótta Lighthouse, where you might spot arctic terns nesting between May and August.

Golden Circle Route

Laugarvatn Fontana Campground combines camping facilities with geothermal spa access 77 kilometers from Reykjavik. The 80-pitch site overlooks Laugarvatn Lake, providing electrical hookups, cooking areas, and bathroom facilities for kr3,200 per night. Campers receive 20% discount on Fontana Geothermal Baths entry, where you can soak in mineral-rich pools and traditional steam rooms built over natural hot springs. The campground restaurant serves bread baked underground using geothermal heat, available for breakfast at kr1,800.

Skjól Camping at Hveragerði offers a convenient Golden Circle stopover 45 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. This eco-certified site features 150 pitches across terraced grass fields, with modern facilities including underfloor-heated bathrooms, industrial washing machines, and vehicle wash stations. Nightly rates reach kr3,500 for motorhomes with two adults, including electrical hookup and unlimited shower access. The town's numerous geothermal greenhouses provide fresh produce, while the Reykjadalur hot spring river requires a 3-kilometer hike from the trailhead.

South Coast Destinations

Hamragarðar Campground in Vík í Mýrdal serves South Coast travelers 186 kilometers from Reykjavik. The 400-capacity site sits in a sheltered valley protected from coastal winds, offering grass and gravel pitches with electrical hookups for kr3,000 per night. Facilities include heated shower blocks, guest kitchens, and laundry services. Reynisfjara black sand beach lies 5 kilometers south, though dangerous sneaker waves make it unsuitable for swimming—admire the basalt columns and sea stacks from safe viewing platforms.

Skaftafell Campground within Vatnajökull National Park provides base access to Svartifoss waterfall and glacier hiking tours. Located 327 kilometers from Reykjavik, the site accommodates 400+ vehicles across multiple fields with basic facilities including cold water, toilets, and cooking shelters. Summer rates reach kr2,000 per person with no electrical hookups available. The park visitor center offers glacier walk bookings, ice cave tours, and ranger-led programs. Arrive before 14:00 during July to secure space, as the campground frequently reaches capacity.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Grundarfjörður Campground sits beneath Kirkjufell mountain, Iceland's most photographed peak, 177 kilometers from Reykjavik. The waterfront site provides 200 grass pitches with electrical hookups, modern shower facilities, and a small camp store for kr2,800 per night. Kirkjufell waterfall flows just 300 meters from the entrance, creating the classic composition seen on postcards. The town harbor offers whale watching tours departing at 09:00 and 14:00 throughout summer.

Langaholt Guesthouse & Campground near Snæfellsjökull National Park combines camping with optional guesthouse amenities. The 50-pitch site charges kr2,500 per night for motorhomes, with access to guesthouse bathrooms, wifi, and restaurant service. Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach lies 8 kilometers west via paved road, where historic ship anchors mark a 1948 fishing vessel wreck. Clear days permit views of Snæfellsjökull glacier, though fog commonly obscures the summit for days at a time.

Northern Reaches from Reykjavik

Skagafjörður Campground in Sauðárkrókur provides overnight facilities 242 kilometers north of the capital. This working farm campground offers 100 grass pitches with electrical hookups, outdoor cooking areas, and farm-fresh products for kr2,600 per night. Horse riding tours depart directly from the property, exploring traditional Icelandic horse breeding country. The Glaumbær turf house museum sits 20 kilometers north, showcasing 18th-century architecture preserved under grass roofs.

Reykjavik campervan hire Prices — Quick Reference