Rent a Car in Akureyri with Dollar Car Rental Iceland
Planning to explore North Iceland? Picking up an Akureyri car rental gives you the freedom to discover waterfalls, geothermal areas, small towns and some of Iceland’s most impressive landscapes at your own pace.
Dollar Car Rental Iceland is conveniently located at Akureyri Airport (AEY), allowing you to collect your rental car after your flight and start your North Iceland road trip directly from the airport.
Whether you need a small and affordable car, a spacious family car rental, or a 4×4 for a longer journey, Dollar offers a range of vehicles for different routes, seasons and travel plans.
If you’re wondering where to rent a car in Akureyri, our airport location provides a convenient starting point for exploring Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, Húsavík and the rest of North Iceland.
Dollar Car Rental Akureyri Airport Location
Location:
Akureyri Airport (AEY)
600 Akureyri
Iceland
Our Dollar rental desk is located inside the Akureyri Airport terminal, so you can collect your vehicle shortly after arriving.
Car Rental at Akureyri Airport (AEY)
Akureyri Airport is one of the main gateways to North Iceland and is located just outside Akureyri’s town centre.
Choosing car rental at Akureyri Airport is particularly convenient if you’re flying north from Reykjavík rather than driving the entire Ring Road from the capital.
Simply arrive at AEY, collect your luggage and visit the Dollar desk inside the terminal to pick up your rental vehicle.
With your own Akureyri rental car, you can explore North Iceland without relying on scheduled tours or transportation.
Why Rent a Car in Akureyri?
Akureyri makes an excellent base for exploring North Iceland.
While the town itself is relatively compact, many of the region’s most famous natural attractions are spread across a much wider area. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to combine several destinations and build your itinerary around what you want to see.
Choosing to rent a car in Akureyri makes it easier to visit destinations such as:
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Lake Mývatn
- Húsavík
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Dimmuborgir
- Skútustaðagígar
- Dettifoss
- Ásbyrgi Canyon
- Siglufjörður
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula
- Arctic Coast Way
You can use Akureyri as a base for individual day trips or collect your rental car at the airport and continue on a longer road trip through North Iceland.
Day Trips from Akureyri by Car
One of the biggest advantages of an Akureyri car rental is the number of destinations you can visit without changing accommodation every night.
Here are some of the most popular day trips from Akureyri.
Goðafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss is one of North Iceland’s best-known waterfalls and is approximately a 35–40 minute drive from Akureyri.
Its location close to Route 1 makes it an excellent first stop if you’re driving east towards Lake Mývatn.
Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is approximately 1–1.5 hours from Akureyri and is one of the highlights of North Iceland.
The area is known for volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, lava formations and unusual geological features.
Popular stops around Mývatn include Dimmuborgir, Hverir, Skútustaðagígar and the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Húsavík
Húsavík is one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching destinations and can be reached by car from Akureyri.
A rental car makes it possible to visit Húsavík as a day trip or combine it with other North Iceland attractions.
Diamond Circle
If you’re planning a longer day on the road, you can explore sections of the Diamond Circle.
This North Iceland sightseeing route connects several major attractions, including Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Húsavík.
Check driving times, road conditions and seasonal accessibility before attempting to visit several Diamond Circle attractions in one day.
Siglufjörður and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula
For a different side of North Iceland, drive north from Akureyri towards the Tröllaskagi Peninsula.
The route takes you through dramatic mountain scenery and small coastal communities, including Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður.
It is an excellent option for travellers who want to explore beyond the most famous North Iceland attractions.
Choosing the Right Rental Car in Akureyri
The best car rental in Akureyri depends on the season, your planned route, passenger numbers and luggage.
Small and Economy Cars
During summer, a small or economy car can be suitable for many popular North Iceland routes if you plan to stay on paved roads.
A smaller vehicle can also be a good choice if you’re primarily staying around Akureyri and taking shorter day trips.
Family Car Rental in Akureyri
Travelling around North Iceland with children? Choosing the right family car rental can make longer journeys more comfortable.
Consider how much luggage you’re bringing, whether you need child seats and how much space your passengers will need before selecting your vehicle.
A larger car, station wagon or SUV can be a practical option for families planning longer day trips from Akureyri.
SUVs and 4×4 Rental Cars
Many travellers choose a 4×4 when exploring North Iceland, particularly during the colder months.
A 4×4 can provide additional capability in changing winter conditions, but your vehicle choice should always match your planned route and current conditions.
If your summer itinerary includes designated F-roads, you must use a suitable 4×4 vehicle that is approved for F-road driving.
Visiting Akureyri
Known as the “Capital of North Iceland”, Akureyri is the largest urban area in northern Iceland and a popular base for exploring the region.
If you visit Akureyri, it’s worth allowing some time to explore the town before heading out on your road trip.
You can visit Akureyri’s botanical garden, explore the town centre, enjoy local restaurants and cafés, visit museums or head to the local swimming pool.
Akureyri’s location also means you can stay in one place while using your Akureyri rental car for day trips around North Iceland.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Akureyri Airport
Collecting your Akureyri Airport rental car is straightforward because the Dollar desk is located inside the airport terminal.
To help make collection quicker, have the following ready:
- Your Dollar reservation confirmation
- A valid driver’s licence that meets the rental requirements
- A valid credit card in the main driver’s name
Your driver’s licence must have been held for at least one year.
Dollar Iceland does not require a rental deposit. Credit card information is held for security purposes according to the rental terms.
We recommend booking your vehicle before arriving, particularly during busy travel periods when car rental in Akureyri can be in high demand.
Driving in North Iceland
Driving gives you the freedom to explore North Iceland, but conditions can vary considerably depending on the season and your route.
Before leaving Akureyri, check the latest weather forecast and road conditions, particularly during autumn, winter and spring.
Headlights must remain switched on whenever you’re driving in Iceland.
Typical maximum speed limits are:
- 30 km/h in many residential areas
- 50 km/h in towns and urban areas
- 80 km/h on rural gravel roads
- 90 km/h on rural paved roads
Always follow the posted speed limit.
Remember that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. If you plan to travel on an F-road, you must use a suitable 4×4 rental vehicle, and F-roads are only accessible when officially open.
Summer vs Winter Car Rental in Akureyri
Your travel season should be an important consideration when choosing an Akureyri rent a car option.
Summer Car Rental in Akureyri
Summer provides long daylight hours and access to more roads around North Iceland.
If you’re staying on paved routes between Akureyri, Goðafoss, Mývatn and other popular attractions, a standard rental car may be suitable.
Summer is also a popular time for longer road trips, including the Ring Road and Arctic Coast Way.
Winter Car Rental in Akureyri
Winter driving in North Iceland can involve snow, ice, strong winds and rapidly changing conditions.
If you’re planning to visit Akureyri during winter and drive outside the town, consider whether a 4×4 is more appropriate for your itinerary.
Always check weather and road conditions before setting off and be prepared to change your plans if conditions deteriorate.
One-Way Car Rental from Akureyri
You don’t necessarily need to return your rental car to the same location.
Dollar Iceland offers one-way rentals on selected routes, subject to availability and applicable fees.
This means you may be able to rent a car in Akureyri and return it at another Dollar Iceland location, such as Reykjavík or Keflavík.
A one-way rental can be particularly useful if you’re combining a flight to North Iceland with a longer road trip back towards Reykjavík.
Check available return locations and any one-way fees when booking.
Why Choose Dollar Car Rental in Akureyri?
Dollar Car Rental Iceland offers a convenient way to start your North Iceland road trip directly from Akureyri Airport.
With our rental desk located inside the terminal, you can collect your vehicle after your flight and continue your journey without travelling elsewhere in Akureyri first.
Choose from affordable cars, larger family-friendly vehicles and 4x4s for different Iceland itineraries.
Whether you’re planning a few day trips from Akureyri, exploring the Diamond Circle or continuing around the Ring Road, having your own rental car gives you the flexibility to experience more of North Iceland.
Book your Akureyri car rental with Dollar Car Rental Iceland and start exploring North Iceland from AEY Airport.
FAQ About Akureyri Car Rental
- Can I rent a car in Akureyri?
Yes. Dollar Car Rental Iceland offers car rental in Akureyri directly from Akureyri Airport (AEY). You can book your vehicle in advance and collect it from the Dollar desk inside the airport terminal after your flight.
- Where can I rent a car in Akureyri?
You can rent a car in Akureyri with Dollar at Akureyri Airport (AEY), 600 Akureyri. Our rental desk is located inside the terminal, making it particularly convenient for passengers arriving by air.
- Can I rent a car at Akureyri Airport?
Yes. Dollar has a rental desk inside Akureyri Airport, allowing you to collect your vehicle shortly after arriving at AEY.
- Should I rent a car when visiting Akureyri?
If you’re only exploring central Akureyri, you may not need a car for everything. However, renting a car is useful if you want to explore North Iceland independently. Attractions such as Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula are located outside the town.
- What are the best day trips from Akureyri?
Popular day trips from Akureyri include Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Siglufjörður and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. You can also explore parts of the Diamond Circle, depending on the season, road conditions and how much driving you want to do.
- Do I need a 4×4 in Akureyri?
Not necessarily. During summer, a standard 2WD vehicle can be suitable for many popular paved routes around Akureyri and North Iceland. A 4×4 may be a better choice for winter travel or particular routes. A suitable 4×4 is mandatory on designated F-roads.
- What is the best family rental car in Akureyri?
The best family car rental in Akureyri depends on your group size, luggage and itinerary. Families taking longer road trips may prefer a station wagon, SUV or larger vehicle with additional passenger and luggage space.
- Can I rent a car in Akureyri and return it in Reykjavik?
One-way rentals may be available between Akureyri and Reykjavík, subject to availability and additional fees. This can be useful if you want to fly to North Iceland and then continue your trip south by car.
- How far is Akureyri Airport from Akureyri?
Akureyri Airport is located just south of the town, making it a convenient arrival point for travellers who want to visit Akureyri or start a North Iceland road trip.
- Can I drive from Akureyri to Lake Mývatn?
Yes. Lake Mývatn is approximately 1–1.5 hours from Akureyri by car, depending on your destination and conditions. The route also makes it easy to stop at Goðafoss along the way.
- Can I drive the Diamond Circle from Akureyri?
Yes, Akureyri can be used as a starting point for exploring the Diamond Circle. However, the full route involves considerable driving, so many visitors choose to divide the attractions across more than one day. Always check seasonal road conditions before travelling.
- What documents do I need to rent a car in Akureyri?
You will generally need your booking confirmation, a valid driver’s licence that meets Dollar Iceland’s requirements and an accepted credit card in the main driver’s name. Your driver’s licence must have been held for at least one year.