
Start your East Iceland adventure from Egilsstaðir.
Höldur Car Rental has convenient pick-up options in Egilsstaðir, including our downtown location and Egilsstaðir Domestic Airport. With local experience dating back to 1966 and a wide range of vehicles, we can help you choose the right car for exploring East Iceland.
Whether you're discovering the Eastfjords, travelling the Ring Road or exploring the region's quieter mountain and coastal roads, choose a vehicle that suits your route, season and travel plans.
Book your Egilsstaðir rental car
Your Egilsstaðir Car Rental Locations
Choose the Höldur location that works best for your journey.
Egilsstaðir Downtown
Lagarbraut 4, 700 Egilsstaðir
Our Egilsstaðir Downtown location is a convenient choice if you're staying in the town or beginning your East Iceland road trip from Egilsstaðir.
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 08:00–17:00
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–14:00
Get directions to Lagarbraut 4
Egilsstaðir Domestic Airport
Egilsstaðir Airport, 700 Egilsstaðir
Flying into East Iceland? If you have a pre-booked rental, you can collect your car at Egilsstaðir Domestic Airport (EGS) and continue your journey by road.
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 08:00–17:00
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–14:00
For assistance with your rental, contact our Customer Service Centre.
Phone: +354 461 6000
Email: customerservice@holdur.is
Pick-up and Drop-off in Egilsstaðir
Make your Egilsstaðir car rental as straightforward as possible.
1. Choose your pick-up location
Select the Egilsstaðir 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
Choose the Right Rental Car for Your East Iceland Trip
The right car depends on your route, the season and how many people are travelling with you.
| Your trip |
Vehicle to consider |
| Egilsstaðir and paved day trips |
Passenger car |
| Eastfjords and Ring Road |
Passenger car or estate, depending on your needs |
| Extra space for luggage |
Estate car |
| Winter road trip |
Suitable 4x4, depending on route and conditions |
| Highlands and F-roads |
Approved 4x4 suitable for the planned route |
| Family or larger group |
Minivan or larger vehicle |
| Egilsstaðir and suitable routes |
Electric vehicle |
Not every journey in East 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.
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Egilsstaðir is a natural base for exploring East Iceland by car. From here, you can follow the Ring Road towards the Eastfjords, explore the region's valleys and mountains, or continue towards North or South Iceland.
From Egilsstaðir, you can set out towards:
- Seyðisfjörður
- Borgarfjörður Eystri
- The Eastfjords
- Hengifoss and the Fljótsdalur valley
- Stuðlagil Canyon
- Vopnafjörður
- North Iceland and Lake Mývatn
- South Iceland and Jökulsárlón
- The Ring Road
Many popular routes in East Iceland can be driven in a standard passenger car when road and weather conditions are suitable. If your itinerary includes winter travel, rougher roads or the Highlands, consider whether a suitable 4x4 is more appropriate.
Before you set off, check current road and weather conditions.
Read our East Iceland driving guide
Read our Driving in Iceland guide
Discover Skriðuklaustur by Car
Explore East Iceland's history and culture at Skriðuklaustur.
Located in the Fljótsdalur valley, Skriðuklaustur offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's past, with the remains of a medieval monastery and the former home of writer Gunnar Gunnarsson. It's a rewarding stop for travellers exploring East Iceland by car and an opportunity to experience a quieter side of the region beyond the main tourist routes.
Plan your visit: Skriðuklaustur, Iceland: A Self-Drive Guide to History & Culture
Popular Destinations from Egilsstaðir

The Eastfjords
Follow the winding roads along East Iceland's fjords, with dramatic mountains, coastal views and small fishing villages along the way.
Explore the Eastfjords by car

Stuðlagil Canyon
Discover one of East Iceland's most distinctive natural landscapes, with towering basalt columns surrounding the Jökulsá á Brú river.
Plan your visit to Stuðlagil

Hengifoss
Hengifoss is one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, set in the scenic Fljótsdalur valley. The surrounding landscape makes this a rewarding stop on an East Iceland road trip.
Explore Hengifoss by car

Stórurð
Explore the spectacular Stórurð, a dramatic landscape of giant boulders, turquoise pools and mountain scenery in East Iceland. The area is a rewarding destination for travellers looking to combine a scenic self-drive with a hiking adventure.
Plan your Stórurð self-drive and hike
What to Know Before Renting a Car in Egilsstaðir
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 East 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
Egilsstaðir 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 East Iceland?
No. Many popular routes and attractions around East 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 Eastfjords?
Not necessarily. Many of the main routes through the Eastfjords can be driven in a standard passenger car when conditions are suitable. Your choice of vehicle should always reflect the season, itinerary and current road conditions.
Is a 4x4 needed to visit Stórurð
Stórurð is reached via hiking routes rather than by driving directly to the site. If you're planning a self-drive and hike, choose a vehicle suitable for the roads on your itinerary and check current road and weather conditions before setting off.
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 Egilsstaðir?
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 Egilsstaðir Airport?
Yes. Höldur has a rental location at Egilsstaðir Domestic Airport (EGS). Airport rentals are available for customers with pre-booked reservations.
What protection is included with my rental?
Our Basic Protection package, included as standard with all our rentals, provides a Collision Damage Waiver, Third Party Loss coverage, Personal Accident Insurance, and Theft Protection. Additional protection options are available.
Why Rent with Höldur in Egilsstaðir?
Deep roots in Iceland
With local experience dating back to 1966, Höldur understands what it takes to explore Iceland by road. Our teams across the country can help you choose a vehicle that fits your route, season and travel plans.
Local knowledge of East Iceland
East Iceland rewards travellers who take the time to explore beyond the main routes. From the Eastfjords to mountain valleys and remote coastal roads, our local knowledge can help you make informed choices before you set off.
8,000+ vehicles
Choose from a broad range of vehicles for different routes, seasons and group sizes.
20+ locations across Iceland
Start your journey in Egilsstaðir and access Höldur locations around the country.
24/7 road assistance
Support is available if you need roadside assistance during your journey.
Official Europcar franchisee in Iceland
Höldur combines local Icelandic knowledge with Europcar's international service standards.
Start Your East Iceland Road Trip from Egilsstaðir
Whether you're flying into Egilsstaðir, staying in the region or beginning a longer Iceland road trip, choose a rental car that fits your route and travel plans.
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