Fuel Cost for the Ring Road: Prices, Consumption and Budgeting

How Much Does Fuel Cost for the Ring Road?

The short answer: between 28,000 and 55,000 ISK, depending on your vehicle, driving style, and fuel type. The long answer requires understanding Iceland's fuel pricing, the distances between stations, and the specific fuel consumption challenges that Icelandic road conditions create.

Current Fuel Prices (2025-2026)

Fuel prices in Iceland change frequently — sometimes weekly. As of early 2026:

• 95 octane petrol (bensín): 305-330 ISK per litre
• Diesel: 310-340 ISK per litre
• EV charging (DC fast): 60-80 ISK per kWh

Prices vary by station and brand. The cheapest chains are typically Costco (members only, Reykjavík area), Orkan (automated stations with lower prices), and Atlantsolía. The most expensive are typically N1 stations at tourist hotspots and in remote areas. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive station on the Ring Road can be 15-25 ISK per litre — which adds up over 1,322 km.

Fuel Consumption by Vehicle Type

Real-world fuel consumption in Iceland is higher than manufacturer ratings because of wind, elevation changes, and gravel road sections. Based on actual Ring Road measurements:

• Small petrol car (Yaris, i20): 6-7 litres per 100 km on paved roads, 7-9 on gravel. Total Ring Road: approximately 80-100 litres. Cost: 25,000-33,000 ISK.
• Mid-size petrol (Corolla, Golf): 7-8 L/100km paved, 8-10 gravel. Total: 95-120 litres. Cost: 29,000-40,000 ISK.
• 4WD SUV petrol (RAV4, Tucson): 8-10 L/100km paved, 10-13 gravel. Total: 110-150 litres. Cost: 34,000-50,000 ISK.
• 4WD SUV diesel (Land Cruiser, Defender): 8-11 L/100km paved, 11-14 gravel. Total: 110-160 litres. Cost: 34,000-55,000 ISK.
• Campervan: 10-14 L/100km. Total: 130-185 litres. Cost: 40,000-61,000 ISK.

Where to Fuel on the Ring Road

The Ring Road has fuel stations in every major town. The longest stretches between stations are in the East Fjords and the north — up to 150-200 km in some cases. The rule every Icelandic driver follows: never pass a fuel station with less than half a tank. Fuel up at every opportunity, even if you do not strictly need to. Running out of fuel on a remote section of the Ring Road with no mobile signal is not a minor inconvenience — it is an emergency.

Fuel Card vs. Cash vs. Card

Most Icelandic fuel stations are automated after hours. They accept credit and debit cards with a PIN. Some stations accept only pre-paid fuel cards (available at N1 and Orkan stations). Cash is rarely accepted at fuel pumps. Ensure your credit card has a PIN set before arriving in Iceland — chip-and-signature cards may not work at automated pumps.