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We all know that fees are usually necessary to maintain roads and bridges. Therefore, it is not unlikely to think that in a country like Iceland, we should come across many toll booths. The Nordic island is the perfect destination for road trips; a type of travel that also happens to be one of the most affordable options. Will toll roads in Iceland increase the cost of your trip? Let’s find out.
Driving costs in Iceland: Why Rent a Car?
Coming from a car rental company, you probably expect this, but we really believe renting a car in Iceland is the absolute best way to discover Iceland. It gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems, chase waterfalls, and soak in the breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.
Most of Iceland’s iconic attractions, like the Golden Circle and South Coast, are easily accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1), the country’s main highway.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your budget. Beyond the cost of renting a car, you’ll need to factor in:
- Fuel costs (gas prices in Iceland are high, so consider a fuel-efficient car like the Hyundai i10).
- Car rental fees, including insurance, extra drivers, and potential tunnel tolls.
- Parking fees at popular sites like national parks.
But beyond just rental and gas prices, you should also factor in Iceland car rental fees like insurance, extra driver costs, road fees in Iceland and possible charges for crossing the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel with your rented vehicle.
In our new internet world, Google Maps has suddenly become your best friend. It recommends places to eat, accommodation, sightseeing areas nearby and those highly needed gas stations. However, there’s no Iceland toll road information whatsoever. Why is that?
Are There Toll Roads in Iceland?
Good news! There’s only one toll road in Iceland. Yes, you read that correctly, there’s only one toll in Iceland, and it is more a tunnel toll than a toll road. You can then forget about toll booths and several tunnel costs for using the Icelandic road network 99% of the time!
The only exception is the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel in North Iceland.
Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Toll
- Location: Connects Akureyri (Iceland’s “Capital of the North”) with the east bank of the Eyjafjörður fjord.
- Cost: 2110 ISK (about $15 USD or 14€).
- Why use it? The tunnel saves you 16 km (9 miles) compared to taking the scenic routes (Road 83 or Road 84).
- How to pay: You can pay online to enjoy a lower price by using your car’s license plate number, a credit card, and the date of crossing. Payment must be made within 24 hours of using the tunnel, or the bill will be sent to your rental company, incurring additional fees.
This option can be avoided. There are a couple of options you can use if you wish to dodge this expense: road 83 and road 84. They go around the fjord, and the scenery and views over the Eyjafjörð are both delightful and pleasing.
What About the Hvalfjörður Tunnel?
You might come across outdated information online suggesting there are several Iceland tunnel tolls, and that the Hvalfjörður Tunnel near Reykjavik has a toll too. However, this tunnel has been toll-free since September 2018. So, no need to worry about extra costs here!
National Park Parking Fees
While not technically tolls, some of Iceland’s most popular national parks charge parking fees. These include:
Þingvellir National Park
- Fee: 1000 ISK (about $7) for cars with up to 5 seats;1200ISK (about $8.48) for 6-9 seat vehicles.
- How to pay: Use the machines in the parking lot or pay online here.
Skaftafell National Park (Vatnajökull National Park)
- Fee: Same as Þingvellir (1000 ISK for small cars, 1,200 ISK for larger vehicles).
- How to pay: Pay on-site or online here.
These fees help maintain the parks, so be sure to pay them to avoid fines.
Iceland toll roads 2025
| Toll Road / Location | Fee (ISK) | Fee (USD / EUR Approx.) | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel | 2,110 ISK | ~$15 USD / ~14€ | Pay online |
| Þingvellir National Park | 1,000 ISK (small cars) / 1,200 ISK (6-9 seat vehicles) | ~$7 USD / ~$8.48 USD | On-site payment |
| Skaftafell National Park (Vatnajökull National Park) | 1,000 ISK (small cars) / 1,200 ISK (6-9 seat vehicles) | ~$7 USD / ~$8.48 USD | Pay online or on-site |
Will Toll Roads Be Introduced in the Future?
Rumors have circulated about potential tolls on major roads to and from Reykjavik, but as of now, most of Iceland’s road network remains toll-free. The government covers road maintenance costs, so you can enjoy your drive without worrying about additional fees.
Tolls in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is an unforgettable experience, and the fact that most roads are toll-free makes it even better. While there are a few costs to consider—like the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel and national park fees—they’re minimal compared to the freedom and adventure you’ll gain.
So if you are traveling to our lovely island, just make sure to get a vehicle from the best car rental in Reykjavik, check what are the best things to do in Iceland for you, and have fun while visiting the country.
