Iceland Fuel Stations: Dead Zones and Dangerous Gaps

The Stretches Where Running Out of Fuel Is a Real Emergency

Iceland has approximately 170 fuel stations. That sounds like a lot until you realize the country is 103,000 square kilometres with a road network that stretches across vast empty expanses of lava, sand, and glacier. The stations are concentrated in the southwest and along Route 1 through the north. Everywhere else, gaps of 100-250 km between stations are common — and on F-roads, there are no stations at all.

The Dangerous Gaps on the Ring Road

Gap 1: Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Höfn (approximately 200 km)

After the N1 station at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the next reliable station is in Höfn. There is a small station at Skaftafell (seasonal, limited hours) and at Jökulsárlón area (seasonal). In winter, do not rely on these — fill up at Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Gap 2: Höfn to Egilsstaðir (approximately 250 km via the East Fjords)

This is the longest gap on the Ring Road. There are small stations at Djúpivogur and Breiðdalsvík, but their hours can be limited. In winter, the Djúpivogur station may close early. Fill up at Höfn to full and plan to arrive at Egilsstaðir with at least a quarter tank remaining.

Gap 3: Akureyri to Blönduós (approximately 145 km)

A moderate gap. There is a station at Sauðárkrókur (30 km detour off Route 1) and at Varmahlíð. Not critically long, but in winter with heavy headwinds, fuel consumption increases significantly.

Remote Areas with No Fuel

• All F-roads: Zero fuel stations in the Icelandic highlands. If you are driving F26 Sprengisandur (200+ km), F88 to Askja, or any other highland route, you must carry enough fuel for the entire route plus a safety margin. Some Super Jeep drivers carry jerry cans.
• Westfjords interior: Between Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður, stations are sparse. The mountain pass roads can add significant distance and fuel consumption.
• Snæfellsnes northern coast: Limited stations between Grundarfjörður and Borgarnes if you take the northern route.

Fuel Planning Strategy

The Icelandic approach to fuel planning is simple and effective: top up at every station you pass. Do not calculate whether you "have enough" to reach the next one — just fill up. The 5 minutes it takes to top up is insignificant compared to the hours you will lose if you run out on a remote stretch with no signal and no passing traffic.