The Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1, or just "Route 1") is the only highway that fully circles Iceland. At 1,332 km it's deceptively manageable on paper — until you realise how much there is to stop for. Most travellers do it in 7–10 days. Doing it in less is possible but rushed; more is better if you have the time.
How long does it actually take to drive?
Non-stop, with no detours, the Ring Road takes about 16–17 hours of driving. In practice you'll be off-route constantly: the South Coast waterfalls, the Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón, the puffin cliffs at Borgarfjörður Eystri, the geothermal area at Mývatn. Budget at least 7 days if you want to actually see anything; 10 if you also want time in the Westfjords (which aren't on Route 1).
Direction: clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Both work, but counter-clockwise (Reykjavík → South Coast → East → North → West → back) is the most common. The South Coast frontloads the highest concentration of attractions, so if weather forces you to cut the trip short, you've already seen the headliners.
Fuel and charging
If you're driving a petrol or diesel car, you'll never be more than ~70 km from a fuel station on Route 1, but stations are sparse in the East and Westfjords. Fill up whenever you're under half a tank — especially before stretches between Höfn and Egilsstaðir.
If you're in an EV, the picture has improved a lot. Tesla Superchargers cover the Ring Road at roughly 250 km intervals, and ON Power + N1 fast chargers fill most of the gaps. Use the full station list to plan your stops, and check the EV charging guide for which apps and cards you'll need.
Don't underestimate weather
Even in summer, the Ring Road can shut sections without warning — wind, fog, ash, or a stray sheep. Bookmark road.is and check it every morning. In winter (October–April) treat it as essential; sections of the East are routinely closed for hours or days.
Suggested 7-day itinerary
- Day 1: Reykjavík → Vík (243 km). Stop at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara.
- Day 2: Vík → Höfn (272 km). Skaftafell, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón.
- Day 3: Höfn → Egilsstaðir (264 km). Slow drive through the Eastfjords.
- Day 4: Egilsstaðir → Mývatn (165 km). Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Mývatn Nature Baths.
- Day 5: Mývatn → Akureyri (90 km) via Goðafoss. Spend the afternoon in Iceland's "second city".
- Day 6: Akureyri → Borgarnes (322 km). Long driving day, mostly road.
- Day 7: Borgarnes → Reykjavík (75 km). Optional Snæfellsnes peninsula loop.
What to bring
- A real waterproof jacket. Not a "water-resistant" one.
- Snacks — small towns close their cafés early.
- Cash isn't necessary; cards work everywhere, including remote pumps.
- An offline map. Cell coverage drops in the Eastfjords and the highlands.
The Ring Road rewards patience. Pull over more than you think you need to.