Iceland Trip

Iceland Ring Road Itineraries

Route 1, the Ring Road, is about 1,320 km around the whole island. Driven without stopping that is roughly 17 hours; driven properly, with the South Coast waterfalls, the Glacier Lagoon, the East Fjords, Mývatn, Dettifoss and the north coast, it needs seven days at a push and ten or more to enjoy. Every plan on this page goes all the way round.

Our editors picked these Ring Road itineraries from real trips for daily driving that stays under about four or five hours, overnight bases that exist and have beds, and the right direction for the season. Open one to see every stop, then duplicate it and set your own dates and pace.

Picked and reviewed by · Iceland Lead & Content Curator· Updated

7 days

8–10 days

11–14 days

15+ days

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for the Iceland Ring Road?

Seven days is the realistic minimum in summer, with 4 to 6 hour driving days and few detours. Ten days is the comfortable length most of these plans use, with time for a glacier hike, a boat tour and a two-night stay. Two weeks adds Snæfellsnes, the Westman Islands or a highland day without rushing.

Should I drive the Ring Road clockwise or counter-clockwise?

Most travelers go counter-clockwise (South Coast first) so the biggest sights come early and the quieter north and west end the trip; it also puts the long East Fjords drive mid-trip. Clockwise saves the South Coast for the end and can suit a trip starting with a flight to Akureyri. In shoulder season, check the forecast and drive the exposed north and east stretch on the better days.

Do you need a 4x4 for the Ring Road?

Not in summer: the Ring Road is paved apart from short gravel stretches, and a 2WD car handles it. From October to April a 4x4 with winter tyres is strongly recommended for the north and east, where snow and ice on the passes are normal. A 4x4 is only required if you add highland F-roads.

Deeper reading on iceland-trip.com

Our sister site covers every place in depth: access, parking, seasons, what to expect. Written by the same team.

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