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Keflavik, a charming port town in Iceland, is the ideal starting point to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the island. With its proximity to the international airport and its beautiful coasts, renting a campervan in Keflavik offers unmatched freedom to discover the surrounding natural wonders, such as the Reykjanes peninsula and the famous Blue Lagoon. Whether you are an adventurer or a relaxation enthusiast, this destination promises an unforgettable experience at the heart of Icelandic nature. Embark on a unique journey and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Iceland.
Itineraries and road trips in Iceland starting from Keflavik
Discover Iceland by campervan from Keflavik, the ideal base for unforgettable road trips along Route 1 and iconic sites. These three itineraries adapted for vans and campervans, ranging from 7-10 days to 21 days, prioritize accessible coastal, geothermal, and glacial landscapes, with campgrounds equipped for recharging and resting after winding roads.
7-10 days: Discovering the southwest
Start from Keflavik to explore the Reykjanes peninsula with its lava fields and hot springs like the Blue Lagoon, before reaching Reykjavik in 45 minutes for a first night in urban camping. Head towards the Golden Circle: Thingvellir for its tectonic faults, Geysir for its eruptions, and Gullfoss for its powerful waterfall, with camping at Laugarvatn. Continue to the south coast with Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, then Reynisfjara and its black sand beaches, camping at Vik. In 7-10 days, loop back via the Snaefellsnes peninsula for Kirkjufell and the Snaefellsjokull glacier, returning to Keflavik without straying too far north, ideal for mastering Icelandic roads in a campervan without excessive daily kilometers.
14 days: Complete island tour
From Keflavik, start with Reykjanes and the Golden Circle as in the short itinerary, settling in at a campground in Fludir. Head down the south coast towards Vik, Dyrholaey to observe puffins and whales, then Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park with glacier hikes, overnight at the local campground. Continue to the East fjords and Husavik for whale watching, Lake Myvatn and its geothermal fields, Akureyri as the northern capital. In 14 days, loop through the West fjords and Snaefellsnes, returning to Keflavik via Borgarnes. This route on Route 1, essential for its complete ring, is perfectly suited for campervans with equipped areas, allowing breaks for cooking and enjoying the northern lights off-season.
21 days: In-depth exploration
Start in Keflavik with Reykjanes, Reykjavik, and the Golden Circle over 3 days, as previously. The south coast leads to Vatnajokull and Jökulsárlón for glacial lagoons, then East fjords and Myvatn over an additional 7 days. Add Askja and its Viti crater in a 4x4 if equipped, Hengifoss and Godafoss near Akureyri. The last 7 days cover West fjords, Snaefellsnes with beaches and cliffs, and a detour to the Westman Islands by ferry from Landeyjahöfn, justified by its birds and active volcanoes. Return to Keflavik after Hveravellir and its hot springs. In 21 days, this slow pace in a campervan allows for hikes, wildlife observation, and nights in isolated areas, capturing the wild essence of Iceland without rushing.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in Iceland
Discover on this map all the cities in Iceland where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in Iceland or elsewhere.
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Renting a campervan in Keflavik: when to go, weather, and rates
When to depart from Keflavík
Summer, from June to August, is the ideal time to start your campervan adventure from Keflavík airport, with mild temperatures around 10 to 12 °C and up to 24 hours of daylight to fully enjoy the surrounding roads. Strong winds, frequent along the mountains near Keflavík, are less intense in summer, making driving to sites like the Golden Circle easier.
Avoid October to March, when storms with winds exceeding 65 km/h make roads slippery around Keflavík, such as the route to Reykjavik, and where campervan rental rates drop due to seasonality.
Weather and seasonality of rates in Keflavík
In Keflavík, cloudy conditions with southeast winds at 39 km/h and likely rain dominate in autumn and winter, making campervans vulnerable to side gusts just a few kilometers after the airport. Rental rates drop off-season, offering economical opportunities for savvy travelers equipped against the persistent cold around 4 °C.
In summer, the milder weather around Keflavík allows for serene explorations, but van prices rise with seasonal demand linked to the midnight sun visible from nearby coasts.
Types of vehicles to rent in Iceland
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in Iceland. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Practical guide to road trips in Iceland from Keflavik
Driving and regulations
From Keflavik airport, take Route 41 towards Reykjavik while strictly adhering to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas like Keflavik and 80 km/h on gravel roads towards the Reykjanes peninsula. Low beam headlights must remain on at all times, even during the day, and off-road driving is strictly prohibited to avoid fines near the volcanic areas of the region.
Equip your campervan or van with mandatory winter tires from November to mid-April, particularly useful on windy roads around Keflavik, and maintain a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l for safe driving towards the Golden Circle.
Sleeping and connecting
Wild camping has been prohibited since 2015; park only in official campgrounds like the one in Keflavik or the one adjacent to the international airport, which offer electrical connections and sanitary facilities. Near Keflavik, request written permission from the owners of isolated farms on the Reykjanes peninsula for legal parking on private land.
Avoid sleeping near discontinuous yellow lines or bus stops in Keflavik; opt for designated areas with electricity, often closed from October to May, and respect the prohibition of open fires to preserve the local volcanic environment.
Local tips and safety
In Keflavik, check the weather at the airport visitor center before departing, as strong Atlantic winds can make roads slippery towards the Reykjanes bridge. If in doubt about parking, contact local authorities or a landowner to avoid heavy fines, common in parks like Thingvellir accessible from Keflavik.
For safety, equip yourself with suitable seats for children under 1.35m and stay on paved or gravel roads; the campgrounds in Keflavik provide updated information on winter conditions and seasonal closures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keflavik and in Iceland travel
What are the age requirements to rent a campervan in Keflavik?
To rent a campervan in Keflavik, you must be at least 20 years old and hold a valid driver's license for at least 12 months. Some agencies apply a young driver fee of €25 per day if you are just above the minimum age. Always check the specific rules of the chosen agency in Keflavik to avoid surprises. An international license is not required; a national license is sufficient to drive in Iceland.
Is wild camping allowed near Keflavik with a campervan?
No, wild camping has been strictly prohibited in Iceland since 2015, including near Keflavik. You must park only in designated official campgrounds with sanitary facilities and electricity. Obtain written permission from the owner for private land. Fines are heavy, especially near national parks. Prefer sites near Keflavik to comply with the law when renting a campervan in Keflavik.
What are the specific driving rules in Keflavik and Iceland?
In Iceland, including Keflavik, keep low beam headlights on at all times, day and night. Never drive off marked roads: it is illegal and subject to heavy fines. F-roads require a 4x4. In Keflavik, near the airport, respect the discontinuous yellow lines and avoid bus stops. These rules ensure safe driving for your locally rented campervan.
Is there a shuttle service from Keflavik airport?
Some rental partners offer a shuttle service from Keflavik International Airport to their agency. Check the available options in our rental offers.
Can you rent a campervan in Keflavik and return it in Reykjavik?
Yes, several agencies in Keflavik allow pickup in Keflavik and drop-off in Reykjavik, or vice versa. Check the conditions in our detailed offers; additional fees may apply for one-way rentals.
