Getting around — South Iceland

Iceland's South Coast is explored exclusively by hire car (main option) or organised tour from Reykjavik (alternative).

Route 1 (Ring Road) between Reykjavik and Höfn is entirely paved, well maintained and well signposted. A 2WD compact is more than sufficient from April to October. In winter, check road conditions on road.is (the route between Hella and Vík can be closed for several days during blizzards). To reach Þórsmörk (nature reserve at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull, accessible only by the F249 track with fords), a 4x4 is mandatory — or book a special bus excursion (Trex or Reykjavik Excursions raised buses, €100/person return from Reykjavik in season).

Distances from Reykjavik: Seljalandsfoss 130 km (1 h 45), Skógafoss 160 km (2 h), Vík 190 km (2 h 30), Jökulsárlón 380 km (5 h), Höfn 460 km (6 h). Count 350-450 km of daily driving on a south coast road trip (use stopover accommodation at Vík and near Jökulsárlón).

By organised tour from Reykjavik, options are plentiful. One day: combined tour Seljalandsfoss-Skógafoss-Sólheimajökull-Reynisfjara (€110-140/person, 11-12 h, bus). Two days: extension to Jökulsárlón with overnight at Vík or Skaftafell (€350-500/person with lodging). Three days: combination south coast + Golden Circle + Jökulsárlón overnight (€550-800/person). Small-group tours (Hidden Iceland, Iceland Travel) are 30-50% more expensive but offer a more personalised experience.

Fuel costs €1.80-2.10/litre — a car typically consumes €100-150 of fuel on a complete round trip Reykjavik-Jökulsárlón. Book your hire car 1-2 months ahead in high season, and 3-4 months for 4x4s if you plan Þórsmörk or F-roads.