Iceland in January - car hire

[alloalloallo]

DH and I are off to Iceland at the end of January. I’ve never been before so not sure what to expect with roads/snow/ice.

We want to hire a car, but not sure whether we need a 4x4 or a if normal small car will be fine.

We’ll be using it from the airport to our hotel just outside Reykjavik and back, we plan on driving round the Golden Circle, trip out to the Blue Lagoon, that sort of stuff. We’re only there 3 nights.

I’ve read so much conflicting advice my head is about to go bang.

Thanks!

We looked into it and in the end we used a car with a driver. It was pretty treacherous weather and to get to a lot of the sights you need to off road on ice. We were really glad we made the decision we did as we got stuck a few times and no way could I have dug the car out like Sigur-Jon and DH did! We went in the Spring and hired a camper van which was magical but Jan is pretty hard core (and you'll want to see Northern lights so will be haring around at night!)

We were advised not to drive unless you are used to the conditions. I'd get a car and driver. The roads are not the same as winter roads in the Uk. Have an amazing time!

Thank you!

I’m very excited.

Our hotel does the Northern Light hunting trips each evening, so we’ve booked to do that with them. They also do loads of excursions - ice caves/etc, so I think I’d rather book one of those to be honest.

I’ve read so many different opinions - that the Golden Circle is cleared several times a day so it’s fine to drive anything on, others say you need a 4x4.

I went years ago in November and hired a fiesta. Big mistake we got it stuck and regretted it. If I was to go again I'd probably book on to organised trips and not bother with a car

We went in April and the conditions were treacherous at times then. The weather is so changeable the forecast is updated every few minutes and the wind is incredibly strong. Unless you really know what you are doing, join a tour or hire a driver. If you do hire a car get a 4x4 with winter tyres.

I went a few years ago in January, I hired a 4x4 and was glad of it, the weather and road conditions change quickly.

Enjoy, it's the most beautiful country!

My god the wind! I was stuck in a geothermal pool for hours waiting for the wind to drop - it hurt to get out!

We have a Honda Civic with all-year tyres and would drive it on all the roads you mention throughout the winter as long as there were no weather warnings.

The mountain roads are closed anyway at that time of year and for getting around the capital area and the major tourist spots of the south west, you don't really need anything too special for normal snow and ice. However, if you can afford it then a 4x4 with studded tyres would never be a bad idea and would probably be worth it for the extra safety and confidence.

You just go carefully and keep up to date with the weather warnings. Don't try to drive in storms and don't be reckless. If you're only there for 3 nights, do be aware that you might not be able to do everything you planned because if a storm comes (and January is a very stormy month) you would be ill advised to head off to do the golden circle, for example.

I visited one October and, being on a budget, hired a wee Hyundai. Felt like I was the only one not driving a SUV and it was pretty scary being buffeted around by the wind. Next time I'm getting a bigger car and/or a driver.