Car Rental in Akureyri – North Iceland

Start your North Iceland adventure from Akureyri.

Höldur Car Rental has convenient pick-up options in Akureyri, including our downtown location, Akureyri Domestic Airport (AEY) and the Port of Akureyri during the cruise season. With local experience dating back to 1966 and a wide range of vehicles, we can help you choose the right car for exploring North Iceland.

Akureyri is not only the gateway to North Iceland—it is also the founding town of Höldur. Our deep roots in the region have shaped the standard for service, allowing us to deliver a level of expertise, responsiveness, and support in North Iceland that is far beyond the reach of any other car rental provider.

Whether you're staying in Akureyri, arriving by domestic flight or beginning a longer road trip around Iceland, choose a vehicle that suits your route, season and travel plans.

Book your Akureyri rental car

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Your Akureyri Car Rental Locations

Choose the Höldur location that works best for your journey.

 

For assistance with your rental, contact our Customer Service Centre.

Phone: +354 461 6000
Email: customerservice@holdur.is

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Pick-up and Drop-off in Akureyri

Make your Akureyri car rental as straightforward as possible.

1. Choose your pick-up location

Select the Akureyri location that best suits your arrival and travel plans.

2. Bring your documents

Bring your driving licence, passport and the required payment card for the main driver.

3. Meet the Höldur team

Our team can help with your rental and answer questions about your vehicle and journey.

4. Check your vehicle

Before setting off, familiarise yourself with the vehicle and make sure you have everything you need for your trip.

5. Return your car

Return the vehicle to the agreed Höldur location at the end of your rental.

View rental vehicles

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Choose the Right Rental Car for Your North Iceland Trip

The right car depends on where you're going, when you're travelling and how many people are travelling with you.

Not every journey in North Iceland requires a 4x4. Your vehicle choice should reflect your route, the season and current road conditions.

If you're planning to drive on F-roads or into the Highlands, you need an appropriate 4x4 vehicle. Not all 4x4 vehicles are permitted on all F-roads, so check that your chosen vehicle is suitable for your planned route before travelling.

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Driving from Akureyri

Akureyri is an excellent base for exploring North Iceland by car.

From the city, you can set out towards:

• Goðafoss
• Lake Mývatn
• Húsavík
• The Diamond Circle
• Ásbyrgi and North Iceland
• Tröllaskagi Peninsula
• The Arctic Coast Way
• The Ring Road

Your vehicle choice should reflect your route and the season you're travelling.

Many popular destinations around North Iceland can be reached by standard passenger car when road and weather conditions are suitable. If your itinerary includes rougher routes, winter travel or the Highlands, consider whether a suitable 4x4 is the better choice.

Before you set off, check current road and weather conditions.

Read our North Iceland driving guide

Read our Driving in Iceland guide

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Arriving in Akureyri from London or Manchester with easyJet

Flying to Akureyri from the UK?

If you’re flying from London or Manchester with easyJet, Akureyri is a convenient starting point for exploring North Iceland. Once you arrive, you can pick up your rental car from Höldur at Akureyri Domestic Airport (AEY) and continue your journey by road.

From Akureyri, you’re well placed to explore highlights such as Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, Húsavík and the Diamond Circle. Having your own rental car also gives you flexibility to travel at your own pace and adapt your route to the season and road conditions.

Planning your trip?

Read our guide to Arriving with easyJet from London or Manchester for practical information and inspiration for your North Iceland adventure.

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Driving through the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel

Using the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel?

The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel connects the Eyjafjörður and Fnjóskadalur areas, providing a convenient route when travelling east from Akureyri. If your itinerary includes destinations such as Lake Mývatn or the Diamond Circle, you may use the tunnel as part of your journey.

The tunnel has a toll, so it’s worth knowing how payment works before you set off. Our guide explains how to pay for the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, including what rental car travellers need to know.

Good to know before you drive: How to Pay for the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel

 

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Popular Destinations from Akureyri

What to Know Before Renting a Car in Akureyri

Before collecting your vehicle, consider:

• Your route: Where are you planning to drive?
• The season: Road and weather conditions can vary considerably throughout the year.
• Vehicle type: You don't automatically need a 4x4 for every North Iceland trip.
• Luggage: Make sure your vehicle has enough space for everyone and their bags.
• Protection: Review what's included in your rental and the optional protection available.
• Road conditions: Check current conditions before longer journeys.
• F-roads: If you're planning a Highland journey, make sure your vehicle is approved for the roads on your itinerary.

Read our Iceland driving guide

View rental protection options

Explore our 4x4 vehicles

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Akureyri Car Rental FAQs

What documents do I need to collect my rental car?

You need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, your passport and a valid credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit is required if your driving licence is not printed in Roman script.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive around North Iceland?

No. Many popular routes and attractions around North Iceland can be reached in a standard passenger car when road and weather conditions are suitable. If you're travelling in winter, planning to drive rougher routes or heading into the Highlands, consider whether a suitable 4x4 is more appropriate.

Is a 4x4 needed for the Diamond Circle?

Not necessarily. A standard passenger car can be suitable for the Diamond Circle when conditions allow. Your choice of vehicle should always reflect the season, itinerary and current road conditions.

Are cars equipped for winter driving?

Yes. Höldur vehicles are equipped with legally compliant studded winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April.

Can I rent an electric car in Akureyri?

Yes. Höldur offers electric vehicles as part of its Iceland rental fleet. An electric car can be a good choice for routes where charging is readily available, so consider your itinerary and charging options before choosing your vehicle.

Can I pick up a rental car at Akureyri Airport?

Yes. Höldur has a rental location at Akureyri Domestic Airport (AEY), with regular opening hours from Monday to Sunday.

Can I rent a car at the Port of Akureyri?

Yes. Höldur operates a seasonal rental location at the Port of Akureyri during the cruise season, with opening hours currently listed for May to September.

Do you offer a shuttle service in Akureyri?

Yes. Höldur offers a free shuttle service for hotel and guesthouse pick-ups in Akureyri.

What protection is included with my rental?

The current Höldur information states that standard rental protection includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Personal Accident Insurance and Theft Protection, subject to a self-risk excess. Additional protection options are available.

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Why Rent with Höldur in Akureyri?

 

 

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Start Your North Iceland Road Trip from Akureyri

Akureyri is home to Höldur, and our roots in North Iceland run deep. Our local knowledge and long-standing presence in the region mean our team understands the roads, seasons and travel conditions that can shape your journey. From choosing the right vehicle to getting practical advice before you set off, we're here to help you make the most of your Iceland road trip.

Whether you're flying into Akureyri, arriving by cruise ship or already staying in the city, choose a rental car that fits your route and travel plans.

Find your rental car