Car Rental in Skaftafell | Compare Cheap Car Hire Skaftafell

Landmarks in Skaftafell
Last updated: Jul 14, 2025

Find the best car rental deals in Skaftafell. Compare prices from top rental companies and book your perfect ride today.

We Compare Thousands of Car Rental Providers

We search across all major car rental companies to find the best and cheapest deals for your exact dates and deliver the results instantly to you!

24 May 2025

The price was much lower and ...

The price was much lower and compares 1000s of agencies!

Ronald Goodin

18 Apr 2025

Great service and easy booking

Found the perfect car for our family vacation at an unbeatable price!

Sarah Johnson

No car rental availability found for your dates in Skaftafell try Discover Cars instead! Discover cars lets you compare the providers for your dates and location on one handy place.

Car Rental Information for Skaftafell

About Skaftafell

Skaftafell is a stunning nature reserve located within Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes that combine glaciers, rugged mountains, lush birch woods, and cascading waterfalls. This unique blend of natural features makes Skaftafell a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors are drawn by the opportunity to explore glacier tongues of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, and to hike scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The area’s accessibility and well-marked paths make it an ideal destination for both casual tourists and serious hikers. Skaftafell’s appeal lies in its pristine environment and the chance to witness Iceland’s raw natural beauty up close, including the famous Svartifoss waterfall, known for its striking basalt columns. The reserve also offers educational visitor centers and guided tours that deepen understanding of the region’s geology and ecology. For those seeking adventure, glacier walking and ice climbing are popular activities. Skaftafell’s combination of tranquility, dramatic scenery, and outdoor activities makes it a must-visit destination in Iceland.

Rental Requirements

  • Valid driver's license
  • Credit card in driver's name
  • Minimum age: 21 (25 for some vehicles)

Popular Rental Companies

  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Budget

Driving in Skaftafell

Major car rental companies available near Skaftafell include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and local Icelandic firms. Typical daily rental costs range from 50 to 150 USD depending on vehicle type and season; 4x4 vehicles are recommended for rough terrain. Drivers must be at least 20 years old with a valid driver’s license; an International Driving Permit is recommended for non-EU licenses. Roads around Skaftafell are generally well-maintained but can be gravel or icy in winter. Parking is available at the visitor center and trailheads, usually free but limited in peak season.
Do you need to rent a car for Skaftafell?
From a tourist’s perspective, renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience Skaftafell and the surrounding Vatnajökull National Park. Public transport options are limited, and having a car provides flexibility to explore multiple attractions and access remote hiking trails at your own pace. A 4x4 vehicle is advisable, especially in winter or for venturing onto rougher roads.

Explore Skaftafell

Things to Do in Skaftafell

Visitors to Skaftafell can enjoy glacier hiking and ice climbing on the Vatnajökull glacier, guided nature walks, and bird watching. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, including routes to waterfalls and mountain peaks. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. In winter, ice cave tours become a highlight. The visitor center offers cultural and natural history insights, enhancing the experience. Recreational options also include camping and picnicking in designated areas.

Essential Skaftafell Information

Type: City
Currency: ISK
Timezone: Atlantic/Reykjavik
Best Time to Visit: Best time to visit is from May to September for accessible trails and milder weather.
Languages: Icelandic, English, German, Danish

We now have our own AI assistant!

She is ready to help you with all your travel-related questions. 

Landed At Adventure