Iceland Express Circle – 6-Day Self-Drive

Planning a trip to Iceland and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? The Iceland Express Circle offers a compact, well-organized way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights in just six days. It’s a self-drive tour designed for travelers who love the freedom of exploring at their own pace while still hitting the highlights. From the bustling capital of Reykjavík to glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, this tour packs a lot into a short time.

What’s particularly appealing is the mix of nature and culture, all wrapped into a manageable itinerary. We love the way this tour balances major attractions — like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Lake Mývatn — with some lesser-known gems, such as Borgarfjörður Valley. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s quite a fast-paced trip, which might mean long days on the road. If you’re comfortable with self-guided driving and want an efficient Iceland experience, this could be perfect. But if you prefer a more leisurely or guided approach, consider whether the schedule suits your travel style.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy independence, are comfortable driving in varied conditions, and want to maximize their Icelandic adventure in a limited timeframe. Families, couples, or groups keen on a well-rounded snapshot of Iceland’s natural beauty will find it especially valuable.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Flexibility: You control your pace, stopping for photos and breaks as you wish.
• Iconic Sights Covered: Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón, Lake Mývatn, and more.
• Accommodation Options: Choices between standard guesthouses and 4-star hotels, ensuring comfort.
• All-Inclusive Rental Car: Unlimited mileage, insurance, and protection included, simplifying logistics.
• Time Efficiency: Condensed six-day itinerary captures Iceland’s highlights without sacrificing depth.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities to see waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas, and charming villages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula

Starting right at the airport, you’ll pick up your rental car and begin with a drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula. Known for its volcanic lava fields and geothermal activity, it’s a great introduction to Iceland’s rugged terrain. This first night in Reykjavík means you can settle in, perhaps explore the city’s lively streets, and get ready for the adventures ahead. The convenience of airport pickup and close proximity to the capital makes this initial step smooth.

Day 2: The Golden Circle and South Coast

This is the tour’s blockbuster day. You’ll explore the Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic rift valley. Moving on to the Geysir geothermal area, you’ll witness the erupting geyser Strokkur, a lively reminder of Iceland’s volcanic activity. The highlight? Gullfoss, a roaring two-tiered waterfall that’s truly a sight to behold.

From there, the day continues southward. You’ll visit Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind — a fun vantage point — and Skógafoss, known for its thunderous drop and frequent rainbows. Later, in Vík, you’ll encounter the famous black sand beaches with basalt columns, a landscape so stark and beautiful it’s almost otherworldly. The day ends in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, which makes an ideal base for exploring nearby canyons and waterfalls.

Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park & East Fjords

The real jaw-dropper of the trip. We loved the way the itinerary takes you through Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest ice cap. At Skaftafell, a short hike reveals Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns— a gem for photographers. The highlight is Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs, with the nearby Diamond Beach offering ice chunks scattered on black sand, creating a surreal scene.

Driving east through the East Fjords, you’ll encounter picturesque fishing villages, narrow coastal roads, and dramatic mountain scenery. The journey here isn’t just about the sights but about experiencing Iceland’s quieter, yet equally stunning, side.

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Day 4: Lake Mývatn and North Iceland

A highlight for nature lovers. The drive from Egilsstaðir to Lake Mývatn introduces you to volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. The Námaskarð geothermal area offers boiling mud pots and steam vents, while Hverfjall crater provides panoramic views. Dimmuborgir, with its lava formations and caves, feels like walking through a lunar landscape.

You’ll also visit Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” which is both powerful and serene. If time permits, you can relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The day ends in Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, with its charming harbor and lively streets.

Day 5: West Iceland and Reykjavík

From Akureyri, the route takes you to the historical Skagafjörður region — known for horses and old stories. Continuing southwest, you’ll visit Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, and the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, which cascade through lava fields.

Returning to Reykjavík, you’ll have time to explore cultural spots like the Harpa Concert Hall and the National Museum. The city’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene are also highlights, making it a perfect place to unwind after days on the road.

Day 6: Departure

All good trips must conclude. After a final breakfast, you’ll return your rental car at Keflavík International Airport, ready for your flight home, with a head full of memories and a camera full of incredible images.

What We Love About This Tour

The balance of flexibility and highlights truly stands out. With your own rental car and detailed itineraries, you’re free to soak in the landscapes at your own pace. The inclusion of accommodation and transportation simplifies planning so you can focus on the journey. The choice between standard and comfort options allows travelers to customize based on their comfort needs, making it accessible for a range of budgets.

We also appreciate how this tour captures diverse Icelandic scenery — from the bustling city to remote glaciers. The stops at popular sights like Jökulsárlón and Gullfoss are complemented by hidden gems like Borgarfjörður Valley, giving a well-rounded perspective.

Potential Drawbacks

While the schedule is packed, some travelers might find the pace a bit tiring—long driving days and minimal free time for wandering or relaxing. Also, because it’s self-guided, you’ll need to be comfortable with navigation and driving in potentially challenging conditions, especially in winter. If you prefer guided tours or more leisurely days, this might feel too rushed.

The Experience of Driving in Iceland

Most reviews note that the rental process is straightforward, with unlimited mileage and insurance included, removing worries about extra costs. The roads are generally good, but some gravel sections and weather conditions can be tricky, so being a confident driver is advisable.

The flexibility of starting times and the option to walk from the airport to the rental office makes logistics easy. The detailed itineraries, available in multiple languages, provide confidence that you won’t miss key sights.

Value for Money

At $1,633 per person, this tour might seem steep initially, but considering the included accommodation, rental car, and protection, it offers a streamlined solution for exploring Iceland with minimal hassle. For travelers who value independence, this is a cost-effective way to see a broad swath of the country without paying for guided tours at every stop.

You are paying for the convenience and the ability to customize your experience. The quality of the accommodations, especially the choice between standard guesthouses and 4-star hotels, adds to the value — comfort doesn’t take a backseat here.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This self-drive tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy independence, are comfortable driving in Iceland, and want to see a wide range of sights in a short time. It suits those who appreciate flexibility in timing and stopping, and are comfortable navigating with detailed itineraries. Families with teenagers, couples seeking a Romantic Icelandic adventure, or groups of friends will find it a practical way to explore together.

It’s less suited for those seeking a very slow-paced or guided experience, or travelers with limited driving experience. Also, if you prefer to explore Reykjavik more leisurely or want tailored guided insights, you might want to consider adding extra days or different tour options.

The Iceland Express Circle offers a well-structured, value-packed way to see many of Iceland’s most iconic sights in just six days. It combines the freedom of self-driving with the reassurance of included accommodations and a detailed itinerary. Whether you’re after the dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas, or charming towns, this tour covers it all efficiently.

It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Iceland’s varied landscapes without the time or cost of guided multi-day tours. The ability to customize your pace and enjoy the scenery at your leisure makes it especially appealing.

If you’re an independent traveler comfortable with driving and looking to maximize your Icelandic adventure, this tour provides a solid foundation with enough flexibility to make it your own. And if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a meaningful experience, it’s hard to beat the convenience and coverage it offers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers under 21?
No, the tour is not suitable for drivers under 21 years old, so make sure all drivers meet the age requirement.

What is included in the rental car?
The rental includes unlimited mileage, VAT, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Gravel Protection (GP), and Theft Protection (TP), making driving worry-free.

Do I need to bring my own driver’s license?
Yes, travelers should bring an international driver’s license to rent and drive the vehicle.

How flexible are the starting times?
Tours check availability and have different starting times; you should confirm the specific departure time when booking.

What kind of accommodations are provided?
You can choose between Standard (guesthouses and 3-star hotels) and Comfort (4-star hotels in Reykjavík and the best available in the countryside).

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included with your accommodation, but meals are not covered by the tour and will be your responsibility.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for changing plans.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed as a private group, allowing solo travelers to join without a large group, enjoying the independence of self-driving.

What should I pack?
Bring your international driver’s license, comfortable clothes, and layered gear suitable for Iceland’s variable weather.

Can I extend this trip or customize it?
While the tour is fixed at six days, you can potentially extend your stay or add extra days exploring Reykjavík or other regions, depending on your preferences.

In summary, the Iceland Express Circle is a smart choice for adventurous travelers who want to see the country’s highlights at their own pace. It offers a practical, well-rounded experience that balances iconic sights with authentic landscapes, all wrapped into a manageable schedule. Perfect for those who value independence but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or coverage.

You can check availability for your dates here: