Gateway town on Route 1, halfway to the Golden Circle and black beaches
Selfoss sits on Route 1 about 60 km east of Reykjavik - a 50-minute drive. The town serves as a quiet base for visitors exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast without navigating capital traffic. You get fuel stations, supermarkets and local services in a compact centre, plus direct access to Thingvellir (35 km north-west via Route 35), Geysir and Gullfoss (55 km north-east), and Vik with black beaches (120 km east). Summer days stretch long; winter brings short daylight and occasional ice on minor roads.
Picking up a vehicle here means you start your trip already outside the capital. Whether you stay overnight or pass through, Iceland car rental from Selfoss puts you closer to waterfalls, national parks and black-sand coasts. Many travellers use the town as a staging point for multi-day Ring Road journeys or Golden Circle loops.
We offer cars that do not require a deposit hold on eligible models. You see a "No Deposit" badge in the search results; only those cars qualify. The absence of a deposit does not change the excess amount stated in your contract - the two are independent. Each car page shows which payment methods the local rental company accepts for the balance: debit card, cash or credit card, depending on the specific vehicle. You pay a booking advance online by card when you reserve; the remainder is due at pickup.
Collection happens by delivery to your hotel or guesthouse in Selfoss, or you can arrange pickup from Keflavik Airport if you land and drive straight to the south. The rental company delivers the keys, walks through the contract and records any existing marks on the vehicle. Contact details and pickup instructions appear in your voucher after booking.
Three common pickup options serve Selfoss visitors. Most choose hotel delivery; some prefer airport collection before driving south.
International arrivals land at KEF, 50 km south-west of Reykjavik and roughly 100 km from Selfoss via Route 41 and Route 1. Many travellers collect a car at the airport terminal and drive directly to Selfoss, bypassing the capital. The journey takes about 90 minutes in calm weather.
The rental company brings the car to your accommodation address in town - guesthouse, hotel or hostel. You complete paperwork on-site, inspect the vehicle together and receive keys. This option suits those arriving by bus or staying overnight before heading to the South Coast or Golden Circle.
Some local suppliers operate a small office or meet clients at a central parking area near the main shopping street. You walk or taxi a short distance to collect the car. This works well if you book last-minute or prefer immediate pickup without waiting for delivery.
Selfoss places you within an hour of Iceland's most-visited sights and offers easy access to longer southern routes. All distances start from the town centre.
Drive 35 km north-west on Route 35. The park marks the rift between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and the site of Iceland's first parliament. You walk between cliff walls, view Thingvallavatn lake and explore Almannagja gorge. Route 35 is paved; any car handles the journey. Allow 40 minutes each way. Combine with Geysir and Gullfoss to complete the Golden Circle in a single day.
Head 55 km north-east via Route 35 to reach the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Strokkur erupts every few minutes; Gullfoss drops in two stages into a canyon. The road is fully paved, suitable for sedans and small hatchbacks. Budget one hour driving, two hours on-site. Return via the same route or loop back through Thingvellir.
Follow Route 1 east for 120 km - about 90 minutes. Pass Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, then reach Reynisfjara black-sand beach and the village of Vik. The entire stretch is paved. A sedan works in summer; consider an SUV for comfort and luggage space if you carry camping gear or plan multi-day trips. Vik serves as a base for glacier hikes and Dyrholaey cliffs.
Drive 20 km south-west on Route 1 toward Reykjavik. Hveragerdi is a small town known for geothermal greenhouses and a hot-river hike up Reykjadalur valley. The trailhead lies 3 km from the village centre on a gravel access road, passable by any car in dry weather. Allow 30 minutes driving plus three hours for the hike and soak.
Hella sits 25 km east on Route 1 - a 20-minute drive. From Hella, Route 26 and then F208 lead into the highlands toward Landmannalaugar. F208 is an F-road requiring 4WD and river crossings, open June to September. A Dacia Duster or Toyota Hilux is necessary. The full journey from Selfoss to Landmannalaugar takes four hours; most visitors camp overnight or return the same day.
Continue east on Route 1 for 320 km to reach Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon - a five-hour drive in good conditions. The road is paved but exposed to strong crosswinds. Pack snacks, fill the tank in Selfoss or Vik and drive slowly near one-lane bridges. An SUV offers better stability in wind; a sedan is legal and possible in summer. Plan an overnight stop in Hofn or Vik to break the journey.
The local fleet includes compact hatchbacks for paved Golden Circle routes, small SUVs for gravel detours and vans for group travel. Availability fluctuates by season.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Clio | Economy hatchback | Paved Ring Road, Golden Circle day trips, solo or couple |
| Dacia Duster | Compact SUV, AWD | Gravel detours, South Coast in all seasons, light highland approaches |
| Renault Trafic | 9-seat van | Group travel, family with luggage, multi-day camping trips |
Each car page shows transmission type, fuel policy, included mileage and whether a deposit hold applies. Add-ons such as winter tyres in season, gravel protection, GPS and child seats appear during booking. A second driver costs extra if you share the wheel.
Seven practical notes to smooth your rental experience in this gateway town and the routes radiating from it.
Selected cars in the Selfoss fleet carry no security hold at pickup. The system is transparent: what you see in search results is what you get.
Enter your Selfoss dates in the search widget above. Results display a red "No Deposit" badge on eligible vehicles. Other cars may require a hold on a credit card; that requirement appears on the car detail page before you confirm. The absence of a deposit does not reduce the excess stated in your rental agreement - the excess remains, and you remain liable for damage up to that amount. The two are independent conditions.
Bring your driving licence (EU, EEA or International Driving Permit if you hold a non-EU licence), passport and the card you used for the online booking advance. The balance payment method - debit card, cash or credit card - depends on the specific car and appears on the detail page and in your voucher. If you plan to pay by debit card, check your daily transaction limit; raising it beforehand avoids delays. Full payment and advance rules are explained on our dedicated page.
Answers to common queries about renting in this South Iceland town.
Yes. Many cars accept debit cards or cash for the balance payment. Each vehicle page shows accepted methods. You still pay the booking advance online by card (credit or debit) when you reserve.
No. Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss all sit on paved roads. A Renault Clio or similar hatchback handles the loop comfortably in any season. Reserve a 4WD only if you plan F-road detours or highland tracks.
Most suppliers deliver to your hotel or guesthouse address. Some use a central meet-point or small office. The exact location and contact number appear in your voucher after booking. Confirm timing one day before arrival.
About 50 minutes via Route 1, covering 60 km. Traffic rarely slows outside the capital suburbs. Add 15 minutes if you hit morning or evening queues near Reykjavik.
One-way rentals depend on the supplier and route. Some allow Selfoss-to-KEF drop-off for a fee; others require round-trip return. Check the "different drop-off" option in the booking widget and compare results.
Route 1 remains open year-round, ploughed and salted. Ice can form on bridges and shaded sections. Check Vedur.is and Road.is before departure. Drive slowly, use dipped beams and carry a charged phone. An SUV offers better grip but is not mandatory if you drive cautiously.
Contact the rental company immediately using the number in your voucher. They document the damage, arrange repair or replacement, and charge you up to the excess amount stated in your contract. Excess liability is separate from any deposit hold.
Pick your dates, filter by "No Deposit" and confirm your vehicle. Free cancellation applies to most bookings. The Golden Circle, black beaches and highland trails all start here.