The Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1, or just "Route 1") is the only highway that goes all the way around Iceland. 1,322 km looks manageable on paper, until you realise how much there is to stop for. Most people take 7–10 days. You can do it faster, but it's a rush. If you have more time, use it.
How long does it actually take to drive?
Non-stop with no detours, it's about 16–17 hours behind the wheel. In practice you'll leave the route all the time: the South Coast waterfalls, the Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón, the puffin cliffs at Borgarfjörður Eystri, the geothermal area at Mývatn. Allow at least 7 days if you want to see anything, or 10 if you also want the Westfjords (they aren't on Route 1).
Direction: clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Either works. Counter-clockwise (Reykjavík → South Coast → East → North → West → back) is the most common. The South Coast has the most sights packed together, so if weather forces you to cut the trip short, you've already seen the big ones.
Fuel and charging
In 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 the Westfjords. Fill up whenever you drop below half a tank, especially before the stretch between Höfn and Egilsstaðir.
EV charging has improved a lot. Tesla Superchargers cover the Ring Road at roughly 250 km intervals, and ON Power and N1 fast chargers fill most of the gaps. Use the full station list to plan your stops, and the EV charging guide to see which apps and cards you'll need.
Don't underestimate weather
Even in summer, sections of the Ring Road can close without warning because of wind, fog, ash or the odd sheep. Bookmark road.is and check it every morning. In winter (October–April) it's essential. Parts of the East are regularly closed for hours or days.
Suggested 7-day itinerary
- Day 1: Reykjavík → Vík (~187 km). Stop at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara.
- Day 2: Vík → Höfn (272 km). Skaftafell, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón.
- Day 3: Höfn → Egilsstaðir (264 km). A 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). A long day, mostly just driving.
- Day 7: Borgarnes → Reykjavík (75 km). Optional loop around the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Skaftafell glacier hikes and Jökulsárlón boat tours sell out days ahead in July and August.
Browse glacier & lagoon tours →What to bring
- A proper waterproof jacket. "Water-resistant" won't cut it.
- Snacks. Cafés in small towns close early.
- No need for cash. Cards work everywhere, including remote pumps.
- An offline map. Mobile coverage drops out in the Eastfjords and the highlands.
Pull over more often than you think you need to.